Dr. Ward Oakley, M.D.
Contact & Location
910-295-6831
Pinehurst, NC 28374
Dr. Oakley performs more knee replacement procedures than 40% of orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #135 of 228 ranked knee surgeons in North Carolina.
About Dr. Oakley
Practice. Dr. Ward Oakley is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Pinehurst, North Carolina. The latest annual CMS data records 26 knee replacements. That is #135 in North Carolina for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 79 in 2015 and stands at 26 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 26 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Pinehurst has 7 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 | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 45 | 19 |
| 2014 | 64 | 0 |
| 2015 | 62 | 17 |
| 2016 | 50 | 21 |
| 2017 | 33 | 16 |
| 2018 | 23 | 14 |
| 2019 | 34 | 15 |
| 2020 | 27 | 0 |
| 2021 | 21 | 0 |
| 2022 | 18 | 0 |
| 2023 | 37 | 11 |
| 2024 | 26 | 0 |
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. 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. Oakley Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Oakley's recorded volume peaked at 79 procedures in 2015 and stood at 26 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Oakley
How does Dr. Oakley's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Oakley has performed 26 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. Oakley ranks #201 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Oakley perform?
Dr. Oakley's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 26 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Oakley in Pinehurst?
Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in Pinehurst 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. Oakley 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, which puts Dr. Oakley's total volume across all insurers at roughly 90 to 110 procedures against the 26 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. Oakley's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Oakley's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 79 procedures in 2015 and was 26 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. Oakley affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Oakley is affiliated with Firsthealth Moore Regional Hospital.
How does Dr. Oakley compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Pinehurst?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Pinehurst, Dr. Oakley ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Pinehurst has 181 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Oakley practices?
Firsthealth Moore Regional Hospital (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 Pinehurst, North Carolina
Dr. Oakley's 26 Medicare procedures are below the Pinehurst average of 91. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Pinehurst.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. John Moore | 181 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Casey | 173 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kurt Wohlrab | 126 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Neil Conti | 61 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Marino | 35 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Mark Brenner | 32 | 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.