Dr. Shawn Hocker, M.D.
Contact & Location
910-332-3800
Wilmington, NC 28412
Dr. Hocker performs more knee replacement procedures than 99% of orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #2 of 228 ranked knee surgeons in North Carolina.
About Dr. Hocker
Practice. Dr. Shawn Hocker is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Wilmington, North Carolina. The latest annual CMS data records 198 knee replacements, 44 shoulder replacements, and 32 hip replacements, 274 procedures in all. That is #2 in North Carolina for knee replacement.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 204 procedures a year to 274, up 34%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 198 procedures is more than 4x the national average of 45. That is #61 nationally.
Local context. Wilmington has 13 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
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 are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, 25% to 33% for hip 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. 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 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 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Hocker's total volume across all insurers at roughly 920 to 1,140 procedures against the 274 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. 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.