Dr. Joseph Norris, MD
Contact & Location
910-641-8625
Whiteville, NC 28472
Leland, NC 28451
Dr. Norris performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 9% of orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #73 of 81 ranked shoulder surgeons in North Carolina.
About Dr. Norris
Dr. Joseph Norris is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Whiteville, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Norris performed 12 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #73 in North Carolina.
In North Carolina, Dr. Norris performs below the state average in shoulder (12 vs 26).
Dr. Norris's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 12 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 8 years, beginning in 2014. Volume peaked at 44 procedures in 2019 before settling at 12 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 12 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,217 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 12 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 20 |
| 2018 | 16 | 26 |
| 2019 | 0 | 44 |
| 2020 | 0 | 24 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 14 |
| 2023 | 0 | 15 |
| 2024 | 0 | 12 |
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 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Norris Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
See the Top 25 shoulder replacement surgeons in North Carolina
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Norris's recorded volume peaked at 44 procedures in 2019 and stood at 12 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
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 12 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. Norris ranks #282 out of 293 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 12 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 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Norris's total volume across all insurers at roughly 30 to 40 procedures against the 12 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. Norris's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Norris's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 44 procedures in 2019 and was 12 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 12 Medicare procedures are below the Whiteville average of 19. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Whiteville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Craig Lippe | 26 | 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.