Dr. William Wheatley, M.D.
Dr. William Wheatley is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in New Bern, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Wheatley has performed 52 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#67 in North Carolina) and 18 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 70 procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. Wheatley performs near average in knee (52 vs 44 avg), below average in shoulder (18 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Wheatley's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (52 cases) and shoulder replacements (18 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Wheatley holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
New Bern is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the New Bern area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Wheatley extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 49 to 70 in the most recent data, a 43% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Wheatley's 52 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. Wheatley Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
New Bern, NC 28562
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wheatley's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 43% from 49 procedures in 2013 to 70 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.
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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Wheatley
How does Dr. Wheatley's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Wheatley has performed 70 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the North Carolina average of 63 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Wheatley ranks #89 out of 294 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wheatley perform?
Dr. Wheatley's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (52 cases) and shoulder replacement (18 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wheatley in New Bern?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in New Bern 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. Wheatley 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. Wheatley's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 70 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Wheatley's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Wheatley's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 49 procedures in 2013 to 70 in the most recent data, a 43% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 84 procedures in 2017.
Does Dr. Wheatley perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Wheatley's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (52 cases), shoulder replacement (18 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Wheatley affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Wheatley is affiliated with Carolina East Medical Center.
How does Dr. Wheatley compare to other orthopedic surgeons in New Bern?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in New Bern, Dr. Wheatley ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in New Bern has 255 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Wheatley practices?
Carolina East Medical Center (3 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 New Bern, North Carolina
Dr. Wheatley's 70 Medicare procedures are below the New Bern average of 106. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in New Bern.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Paul Greenlaw | 255 | Knee |
| Dr. Raymond Bradley | 75 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Jessica Woodcock | 72 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Barton Arthur | 59 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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