Dr. James Bowman, M.D./ PHD
Contact & Location
205-933-7838
Birmingham, AL 35205
About Dr. Bowman
Dr. James Bowman is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Birmingham, Alabama. A Medicare provider since 2011, Dr. Bowman performed 30 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#15 in Alabama) and 20 knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 50 procedures.
In Alabama, Dr. Bowman performs near the state average in hip (30 vs 26), below the state average in knee (20 vs 32).
Dr. Bowman's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (30 cases) and knee replacements (20 cases).
Birmingham is home to 29 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Birmingham area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Bowman extend back to 2016, covering 8 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 25 to 50 in the most recent data, a 100% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Bowman's 30 verified procedures is near the national average of 36.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 13 | 12 |
| 2017 | 12 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 13 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 11 |
| 2021 | 16 | 25 |
| 2022 | 21 | 14 |
| 2023 | 19 | 15 |
| 2024 | 30 | 20 |
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. Bowman Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bowman's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 100% from 25 procedures in 2016 to 50 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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Bowman
How does Dr. Bowman's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?
Dr. Bowman has performed 50 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Alabama average of 44 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Bowman ranks #41 out of 126 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bowman perform?
Dr. Bowman's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (30 cases) and knee replacement (20 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Bowman with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Bowman ranks #15 in Alabama for hip replacement with 30 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 126 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bowman in Birmingham?
Yes. There are 29 orthopedic surgeons in Birmingham 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 Alabama surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Bowman 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. Bowman's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 50 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Bowman's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Bowman's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 25 procedures in 2016 to 50 in the most recent data, a 100% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 50 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Bowman perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Bowman's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (30 cases), knee replacement (20 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Bowman affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Bowman is affiliated with St Vincent'S Birmingham.
How does Dr. Bowman compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Birmingham?
Among the 29 orthopedic surgeons in Birmingham, Dr. Bowman ranks #10 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Birmingham has 143 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Bowman practices?
St Vincent'S Birmingham (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 Birmingham, Alabama
Dr. Bowman's 50 Medicare procedures are below the Birmingham average of 88. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Birmingham.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kenneth Moore | 143 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Worthen | 118 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Jeffrey Davis | 96 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Scott Orr | 79 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Adkison | 71 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Billy McGough | 62 | 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.