Dr. Douglas Messina, MD
Contact & Location
910-799-0110
Wilmington, NC 28403
About Dr. Messina
Dr. Douglas Messina is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Wilmington, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Messina performed 34 Medicare-verified knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #107 in North Carolina.
In North Carolina, Dr. Messina performs below the state average in knee (34 vs 44).
Dr. Messina's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 34 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Wilmington is home to 13 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Wilmington area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Messina's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 74 procedures in 2023 before settling at 34 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Messina's 34 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 11 | 27 | 13 |
| 2014 | 0 | 34 | 13 |
| 2015 | 0 | 18 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 40 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 34 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 34 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 46 | 14 |
| 2020 | 0 | 39 | 18 |
| 2021 | 0 | 39 | 11 |
| 2022 | 0 | 34 | 13 |
| 2023 | 0 | 60 | 14 |
| 2024 | 0 | 34 | 0 |
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. Messina Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Messina's recorded volume peaked at 74 procedures in 2023 and stood at 34 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Messina
How does Dr. Messina's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Messina has performed 34 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. Messina ranks #181 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Messina perform?
Dr. Messina's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 34 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Messina in Wilmington?
Yes. There are 13 orthopedic surgeons in Wilmington 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. Messina 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. Messina's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 34 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Messina's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Messina's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 74 procedures in 2023 and was 34 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.
Which hospitals is Dr. Messina affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Messina is affiliated with Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, J Arthur Dosher Memorial Hospital, Pender Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. Messina compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Wilmington?
Among the 13 orthopedic surgeons in Wilmington, Dr. Messina ranks #8 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Wilmington has 274 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Messina practices?
Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate better than national average); J Arthur Dosher Memorial Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Wilmington, North Carolina
Dr. Messina's 34 Medicare procedures are below the Wilmington average of 163. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Wilmington.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Shawn Hocker | 274 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Jack Bowling | 224 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Jeremy Hines | 168 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Dustin Hoffman | 152 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Jarrett | 150 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Scott Hannum | 142 | Hip, 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.