Dr. Bruce Cox, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
38 procedures 2 hospitals Shelby, NC

Contact & Location

704-323-2000
Phone: 704-323-2000
Practice phone listed in the NPI registry
101 Delta Park Dr
Shelby, NC 28150
Current practice address per the CMS NPPES registry (self-reported to the registry, last updated January 2015). Registry checked August 2026.
NPI: 1376545871
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
21 years of practice experience
Licensed MD
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 22 vs 36 national avg (4,542 surgeons)
Knee 16 vs 45 national avg (6,612 surgeons)

Dr. Cox performs more hip replacement procedures than 43% of orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #98 of 172 ranked hip surgeons in North Carolina.

About Dr. Cox

Dr. Bruce Cox is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Shelby, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Cox performed 22 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#98 in North Carolina) and 16 knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 38 procedures.

In North Carolina, Dr. Cox performs below the state average in hip (22 vs 33), below the state average in knee (16 vs 44).

Dr. Cox's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (22 cases) and knee replacements (16 cases).

Shelby is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Shelby area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Dr. Cox's Medicare record spans 6 years from 2013 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 11 to 38 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.

Dr. Cox's 22 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,542 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.

Verified Medicare Cases

Hip Replacement
22 verified cases
#98 in North Carolina
Knee Replacement
16 verified cases
#189 in North Carolina
Estimated 2024 total: 120 – 160 procedures (all insurers)
Medicare fee-for-service share of national volume in 2024: 25% to 33% for hip replacement, 23% to 28% for knee replacement
How is this estimated?

Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 25% to 33% for hip replacement, 23% to 28% for knee replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.

How Dr. Cox Compares

Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.

Hip Below Avg
22 Avg: 33
Knee Below Avg
16 Avg: 44
Dr. Cox North Carolina Average

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Cox's procedure volume has been consistent across 6 years of Medicare data, ranging from 11 to 38 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.

Years of Data 6
2024 Volume 38
Peak Volume 38 (2024)
Trend Stable

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Atrium Health Cleveland
2/5
Shelby, NC
Similar to national avg
H
Atrium Health Lincoln
4/5
Lincolnton, NC
Low case volume

Quality ratings and complication rates are hospital-level metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon performance. Star ratings updated quarterly. Complication data covers a rolling 3-year period.

Patient Resources: Preparing for Hip Replacement

If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:

Hip Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device (walker or cane). Gentle range-of-motion exercises begin. Most patients can manage basic self-care.
Week 3-6 Transition to walking independently. Resume driving short distances. Physical therapy focuses on strength and balance.
Week 7-12 Return to most daily activities and light exercise. Stair climbing improves. Many patients return to desk work.
Month 4-6 Full recovery for most patients. Resume recreational activities, golf, swimming, and low-impact exercise.

Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Cox

How does Dr. Cox's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?

Dr. Cox has performed 38 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The North Carolina average is 61 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Cox ranks #163 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Cox perform?

Dr. Cox's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (22 cases) and knee replacement (16 cases).

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Cox in Shelby?

Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Shelby in the current Medicare dataset. Patients can compare procedure volumes and specializations to choose the surgeon who best fits their needs. Use the state page to view all North Carolina surgeons.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Cox represent?

The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 25% to 33% for hip replacement, 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Cox's total volume across all insurers at roughly 120 to 160 procedures against the 38 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.

Has Dr. Cox's procedure volume changed over time?

Dr. Cox's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 6 years of Medicare data, ranging from 11 to 38 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.

Does Dr. Cox perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Cox's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (22 cases), knee replacement (16 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.

Which hospitals is Dr. Cox affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Cox is affiliated with Atrium Health Cleveland, Atrium Health Lincoln.

How does Dr. Cox compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Shelby?

Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Shelby, Dr. Cox ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Cox has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Cox practices?

Atrium Health Cleveland (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Atrium Health Lincoln (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.

Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Shelby, North Carolina

Dr. Cox's 38 Medicare procedures are above the Shelby average of 28. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Shelby.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. William Stucky 35 Hip, Knee
Dr. Patrick Hayes 22 Shoulder
Dr. Jacob Friedman 16 Knee

Patient Resources & Verification

Research reviews, verify credentials, and check official quality data through these trusted sources:

Medicare Care Compare and NPI Registry are official U.S. government sources. Google reviews reflect user-submitted feedback. OrthoProcedures.com does not verify the accuracy of third-party review content.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Bruce Cox, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/nc/dr-bruce-cox-shelby.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/nc/dr-bruce-cox-shelby.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.