Dr. Richard Leighton, DO

Orthopedic Surgery
42 procedures 1 hospital Supply, NC
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026

Contact & Location

Phone: 910-575-5800
Practice phone listed in the NPI registry
20 Medical Campus Dr
Supply, NC 28462
NPI: 1861489734
Credentials: DO
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
21 years of practice experience
Licensed DO
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety, all under $50
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 14 vs 36 avg (4,532 surgeons)
Knee 28 vs 45 avg (6,599 surgeons)

Dr. Richard Leighton is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Supply, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Leighton has performed 28 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#128 in North Carolina) and 14 hip replacements, for a combined total of 42 procedures.

In North Carolina, Dr. Leighton performs below average in knee (28 vs 44 avg), below average in hip (14 vs 33 avg).

Dr. Leighton's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (28 cases) and hip replacements (14 cases).

Supply is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Supply area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Dr. Leighton's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 56 procedures in 2014 before settling at 42 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.

Dr. Leighton's 28 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 Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
28 verified cases
#128 in North Carolina
Hip Replacement
14 verified cases
#147 in North Carolina
Estimated total: 110 – 130 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. Leighton Compares

Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.

Hip Below Avg
14 Avg: 33
Knee Below Avg
28 Avg: 44
Dr. Leighton North Carolina Average

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Leighton's recorded volume peaked at 56 procedures in 2014 and stood at 42 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.

Years of Data 12
2024 Volume 42
Peak Volume 56 (2014)
Trend Declining

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center
4/5
Supply, NC
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.

Patient Resources: Preparing for Knee Replacement

If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

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

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Leighton

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

Dr. Leighton has performed 42 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. Leighton ranks #149 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Leighton perform?

Dr. Leighton's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (28 cases) and hip replacement (14 cases).

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Leighton in Supply?

Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Supply 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. Leighton 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. Leighton's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 42 procedures shown here.

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

Dr. Leighton's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 56 procedures in 2014 and was 42 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. Leighton perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Leighton's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (28 cases), hip replacement (14 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.

Which hospitals is Dr. Leighton affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Leighton is affiliated with Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center.

How does Dr. Leighton compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Supply?

Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Supply, Dr. Leighton ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Leighton has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.

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

Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center (4 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 Supply, North Carolina

Dr. Leighton's 42 Medicare procedures are above the Supply average of 22. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Supply.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Ryan Harrell 12 Knee
Dr. Benjamin Browning 12 Shoulder

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.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Richard Leighton, DO -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/nc/dr-richard-leighton-supply.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/nc/dr-richard-leighton-supply.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.