#35 in North Carolina
Shoulder

Dr. Robert Creighton, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
20 procedures 1 hospital Chapel Hill, 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 20 vs 28 avg (2,092 surgeons)

Dr. Robert Creighton is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Creighton has performed 20 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #35 in North Carolina.

In North Carolina, Dr. Creighton performs below average in shoulder (20 vs 26 avg).

Dr. Creighton's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 20 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.

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

Dr. Creighton's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 38 procedures in 2018 before settling at 20 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.

Dr. Creighton's 20 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
20 verified cases
#35 in North Carolina
Estimated total: 50 – 60 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. Creighton Compares

Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.

Shoulder Below Avg
20 Avg: 26
Dr. Creighton North Carolina Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 919-966-8596
101 Manning Dr
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
NPI: 1497854368
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
20 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. Creighton's recorded volume peaked at 38 procedures in 2018 and stood at 20 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 20
Peak Volume 38 (2018)
Trend Declining

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Unc Hospitals
★★★★★
Chapel Hill, 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.

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. Creighton

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

Dr. Creighton has performed 20 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. Creighton ranks #236 out of 294 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Creighton perform?

Dr. Creighton's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 20 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Creighton in Chapel Hill?

Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Chapel Hill 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. Creighton 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. Creighton's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 20 procedures shown here.

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

Dr. Creighton's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 38 procedures in 2018 and was 20 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. Creighton affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Creighton is affiliated with Unc Hospitals.

How does Dr. Creighton compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Chapel Hill?

Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Chapel Hill, Dr. Creighton ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Creighton is among the highest-volume surgeons in Chapel Hill.

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

Unc Hospitals (5 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 Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Dr. Creighton's 20 Medicare procedures are below the Chapel Hill average of 94. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Chapel Hill.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Aaron Forbes 202 Hip, Knee
Dr. Christopher Olcott 59 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. Robert Creighton, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/nc/dr-robert-creighton-chapel-hill.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/nc/dr-robert-creighton-chapel-hill.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.