Knee
Dr. James Hughey, D.O.
Dr. James Hughey is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Huntsville, Alabama. A Medicare provider since 2010, Dr. Hughey has performed 33 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #39 in Alabama.
In Alabama, Dr. Hughey performs near average in knee (33 vs 34 avg).
Dr. Hughey's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 33 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Huntsville is home to 14 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Huntsville area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Hughey extend back to 2013, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 33 in the most recent data, a 154% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Hughey's 33 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Hughey Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.
Contact & Location
Huntsville, AL 35801
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hughey's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 154% from 13 procedures in 2013 to 33 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. Hughey
How does Dr. Hughey's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?
Dr. Hughey has performed 33 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Alabama average is 47 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Hughey ranks #70 out of 129 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hughey perform?
Dr. Hughey's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 33 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hughey in Huntsville?
Yes. There are 14 orthopedic surgeons in Huntsville 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. Hughey 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. Hughey's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 33 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hughey's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Hughey's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2013 to 33 in the most recent data, a 154% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 35 procedures in 2020.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hughey affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hughey is affiliated with Huntsville Hospital, Marshall Medical Centers South Campus.
How does Dr. Hughey compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Huntsville?
Among the 14 orthopedic surgeons in Huntsville, Dr. Hughey ranks #11 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Huntsville has 288 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hughey practices?
Huntsville Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Marshall Medical Centers South Campus (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 Huntsville, Alabama
Dr. Hughey's 33 Medicare procedures are below the Huntsville average of 131. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Huntsville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Parks | 288 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Bradley Wills | 176 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Thomasson | 141 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Matthew Clayton | 137 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Griffin | 76 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Eric Janssen | 69 | Knee, Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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