Dr. Craig Lippe, M.D.
Contact & Location
910-641-8625
Whiteville, NC 28472
Whiteville, NC 28472
Leland, NC 28451
Dr. Lippe performs more knee replacement procedures than 12% of orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #199 of 228 ranked knee surgeons in North Carolina.
About Dr. Lippe
Practice. Dr. Craig Lippe is an orthopedic surgeon practicing in Whiteville, North Carolina. The latest annual CMS data records 15 knee replacements and 11 hip replacements, 26 procedures in all. That is #199 in North Carolina for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 113 in 2019 and stands at 26 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 15 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Whiteville has 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 29 | 59 |
| 2014 | 32 | 57 |
| 2015 | 32 | 59 |
| 2016 | 43 | 60 |
| 2017 | 51 | 60 |
| 2018 | 36 | 43 |
| 2019 | 45 | 68 |
| 2020 | 20 | 43 |
| 2021 | 0 | 46 |
| 2022 | 13 | 31 |
| 2023 | 15 | 28 |
| 2024 | 11 | 15 |
Verified Medicare Cases
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 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip 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. Lippe Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Lippe's recorded volume peaked at 113 procedures in 2019 and stood at 26 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
Hospital Affiliations & Quality
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 Knee Replacement
If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
An overview of current surgical approaches including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques, implant options, and expected outcomes.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
Knee Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full knee replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Lippe
How does Dr. Lippe's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Lippe has performed 26 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. Lippe ranks #200 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Lippe perform?
Dr. Lippe's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (15 cases) and hip replacement (11 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Lippe in Whiteville?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Whiteville 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. Lippe 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 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Lippe's total volume across all insurers at roughly 90 to 110 procedures against the 26 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. Lippe's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Lippe's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 113 procedures in 2019 and was 26 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Lippe perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Lippe's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (15 cases), hip replacement (11 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Lippe affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Lippe is affiliated with Columbus Regional Healthcare System, Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Lippe practices?
Columbus Regional Healthcare System (1 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate better than national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Whiteville, North Carolina
Dr. Lippe's 26 Medicare procedures are above the Whiteville average of 19. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Whiteville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Joseph Norris | 12 | Shoulder |
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.