Shoulder
Dr. Joshua Hudgens, M.D.
Dr. Joshua Hudgens is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Durham, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2012, Dr. Hudgens has performed 18 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #40 in North Carolina.
In North Carolina, Dr. Hudgens performs below average in shoulder (18 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Hudgens's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 18 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.
Durham is home to 19 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Durham area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Hudgens's Medicare record spans 6 years from 2017 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 11 to 18 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Hudgens's 18 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
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. Hudgens Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Durham, NC 27704
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hudgens's procedure volume has been consistent across 6 years of Medicare data, ranging from 11 to 18 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
Patient Resources: Preparing for Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Evidence-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.
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. Hudgens
How does Dr. Hudgens's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Hudgens has performed 18 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. Hudgens ranks #247 out of 294 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hudgens perform?
Dr. Hudgens's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 18 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hudgens in Durham?
Yes. There are 19 orthopedic surgeons in Durham 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. Hudgens 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. Hudgens's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 18 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hudgens's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Hudgens's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 6 years of Medicare data, ranging from 11 to 18 procedures per year between 2017 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
How does Dr. Hudgens compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Durham?
Among the 19 orthopedic surgeons in Durham, Dr. Hudgens ranks #19 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Durham has 146 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Durham, North Carolina
Dr. Hudgens's 18 Medicare procedures are below the Durham average of 89. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Durham.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Bolognesi | 146 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Samuel Wellman | 124 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Rutherford | 113 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Adam Brekke | 79 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Merz | 74 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Klifto | 66 | Shoulder |
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.