Dr. Shawn Hocker, MD
Contact & Location
910-332-3800
Wilmington, NC 28412
About Dr. Hocker
Dr. Shawn Hocker is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Wilmington, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Hocker completed 198 knee replacements (#2 in North Carolina), 44 shoulder replacements, and 32 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, totaling 274 Medicare-verified procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. Hocker performs well above the state average in knee (198 vs 44), above the state average in shoulder (44 vs 26), near the state average in hip (32 vs 33).
Dr. Hocker performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (198 cases), followed by shoulder replacements (44) and hip replacements (32).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Hocker holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Wilmington is home to 13 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Wilmington area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Hocker extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 204 to 274 in the most recent data, a 34% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Hocker's 198 verified procedures is more than 4x the national average of 45, ranking #61 nationally.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 41 | 128 | 35 |
| 2014 | 35 | 122 | 36 |
| 2015 | 26 | 140 | 42 |
| 2016 | 25 | 178 | 32 |
| 2017 | 31 | 202 | 30 |
| 2018 | 30 | 186 | 58 |
| 2019 | 47 | 168 | 31 |
| 2020 | 53 | 159 | 48 |
| 2021 | 54 | 128 | 42 |
| 2022 | 51 | 185 | 44 |
| 2023 | 55 | 181 | 48 |
| 2024 | 32 | 198 | 44 |
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. Hocker Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hocker's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 34% from 204 procedures in 2013 to 274 in the most recent data.
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 Knee Replacement
If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
An overview of current surgical approaches including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques, implant options, and expected outcomes.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
Knee Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:
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. Hocker
How does Dr. Hocker's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Hocker has performed 274 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 4x the North Carolina average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Hocker ranks #3 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hocker perform?
Dr. Hocker performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (198 cases), shoulder replacement (44 cases), hip replacement (32 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
How experienced is Dr. Hocker with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Hocker ranks #2 in North Carolina for knee replacement with 198 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 293 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hocker in Wilmington?
Yes. There are 13 orthopedic surgeons in Wilmington 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. Hocker 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. Hocker's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 274 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hocker's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Hocker's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 204 procedures in 2013 to 274 in the most recent data, a 34% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 284 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Hocker perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Hocker's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (198 cases), shoulder replacement (44 cases), hip replacement (32 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Hocker among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hocker affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hocker is affiliated with Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
How does Dr. Hocker compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Wilmington?
Among the 13 orthopedic surgeons in Wilmington, Dr. Hocker ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Hocker has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hocker practices?
Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate better than national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Wilmington, North Carolina
Dr. Hocker's 274 Medicare procedures are above the Wilmington average of 171. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Wilmington.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jack Bowling | 224 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Jeremy Hines | 168 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Dustin Hoffman | 152 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Jarrett | 150 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Scott Hannum | 142 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John O'malley | 87 | Knee, 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.