#51 in North Carolina
Shoulder

Dr. Joseph Norris, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
15 procedures 3 hospitals Whiteville, NC
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Shoulder replacement recovery kit Slings, cold therapy, and adaptive clothing for recovery
National Comparison by Procedure
Shoulder 15 vs 28 avg (2,092 surgeons)

Dr. Joseph Norris is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Whiteville, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Norris has performed 15 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #51 in North Carolina.

In North Carolina, Dr. Norris performs below average in shoulder (15 vs 26 avg).

Dr. Norris's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 15 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.

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. Norris also maintains hospital privileges in IL and NC, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond North Carolina.

Dr. Norris's Medicare data spans 7 years, beginning in 2014. Volume peaked at 44 procedures in 2019 before settling at 15 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.

Dr. Norris's 15 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 28 among 2,092 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.

Verified Medicare Cases

Shoulder Replacement
15 verified cases
#51 in North Carolina
Estimated total: 40 – 50 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Norris Compares

Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.

Shoulder Below Avg
15 Avg: 26
Dr. Norris North Carolina Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 910-641-8625
701 Jefferson St
Whiteville, NC 28472
NPI: 1285847939
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
19 years of practice experience
Licensed MD
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Norris's recorded volume peaked at 44 procedures in 2019 and stood at 15 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.

Years of Data 7
2023 Volume 15
Peak Volume 44 (2019)
Trend Declining

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Gibson Community Hospital
★★★★☆
Gibson City, IL
Similar to national avg
H
Columbus Regional Healthcare System
★☆☆☆☆
Whiteville, NC
Similar to national avg
H
St Joseph Medical Center
★☆☆☆☆
Bloomington, IL
Similar to national avg

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.

Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview

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

Week 1-3 Arm in a sling for protection. Gentle pendulum exercises under therapist guidance. Focus on pain management and wound care.
Week 4-6 Gradual sling weaning. Begin passive and active-assisted range-of-motion exercises. Light daily activities resume.
Week 7-12 Active range-of-motion exercises. Light strengthening begins. Most patients can drive and perform desk work.
Month 4-6 Progressive strengthening continues. Return to most activities. Full recovery may take 6-12 months for complete shoulder strength.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Norris

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

Dr. Norris has performed 15 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. Norris ranks #263 out of 294 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Norris perform?

Dr. Norris's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 15 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Norris 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. Norris 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. Norris's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 15 procedures shown here.

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

Dr. Norris's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 44 procedures in 2019 and was 15 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. Norris affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Norris is affiliated with Gibson Community Hospital, Columbus Regional Healthcare System, St Joseph Medical Center. Dr. Norris maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.

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

Gibson Community Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Columbus Regional Healthcare System (1 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); St Joseph Medical Center (1 out of 5 CMS stars, 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 Whiteville, North Carolina

Dr. Norris's 15 Medicare procedures are below the Whiteville average of 29. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Whiteville.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Craig Lippe 43 Hip, Knee

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Joseph Norris, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/nc/dr-joseph-norris-whiteville.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/nc/dr-joseph-norris-whiteville.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.