Dr. Craig Lippe, MD
Dr. Craig Lippe is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Whiteville, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Lippe has performed 28 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#144 in North Carolina) and 15 hip replacements, for a combined total of 43 procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. Lippe performs below average in knee (28 vs 44 avg), below average in hip (15 vs 33 avg).
Dr. Lippe's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (28 cases) and hip replacements (15 cases).
Whiteville is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Whiteville area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Lippe's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 113 procedures in 2019 before settling at 43 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Lippe's 28 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims represent approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally (source: CMS data, AJRR). This range estimates the surgeon's total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count above is the definitive, audited figure.
How Dr. Lippe Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Whiteville, NC 28472
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Lippe's recorded volume peaked at 113 procedures in 2019 and stood at 43 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 43 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The North Carolina average is 63 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Lippe ranks #162 out of 294 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Lippe perform?
Dr. Lippe's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (28 cases) and hip replacement (15 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 the most recent Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This captures approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally. Dr. Lippe's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 43 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Lippe's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Lippe's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 113 procedures in 2019 and was 43 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 (28 cases), hip replacement (15 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 43 Medicare procedures are above the Whiteville average of 29. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Whiteville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Joseph Norris | 15 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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