#36 in Alabama
Knee

Dr. James Stanford, D.O.

Orthopedic Surgery
34 procedures 3 hospitals Athens, AL
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Knee 34 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. James Stanford is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Athens, Alabama. A Medicare provider since 2010, Dr. Stanford has performed 34 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #36 in Alabama.

In Alabama, Dr. Stanford performs near average in knee (34 vs 34 avg).

Dr. Stanford's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 34 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.

Athens is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Athens area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Medicare records for Dr. Stanford extend back to 2015, covering 6 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 34 in the most recent data, a 209% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Dr. Stanford's 34 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

Knee Replacement
34 verified cases
#36 in Alabama
Estimated total: 90 – 100 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Stanford Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.

Knee Average
34 Avg: 34
Dr. Stanford Alabama Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 256-233-2332
22454 Hwy 72 W
Athens, AL 35613
NPI: 1447565775
Credentials: D.O.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
16 years of practice experience
Licensed D.O.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Sports medicine specialist
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Stanford's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 209% from 11 procedures in 2015 to 34 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 6
2023 Volume 34
Peak Volume 41 (2022)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Athens Limestone Hospital
★★★☆☆
Athens, AL
Similar to national avg
H
North Mississippi Medical Center - Hamilton
Hamilton, AL
H
Fayette Medical Center
★★☆☆☆
Fayette, AL

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Stanford

How does Dr. Stanford's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?

Dr. Stanford has performed 34 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. Stanford ranks #68 out of 129 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Stanford perform?

Dr. Stanford's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 34 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Stanford in Athens?

Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Athens 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. Stanford 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. Stanford's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 34 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Stanford's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Stanford's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2015 to 34 in the most recent data, a 209% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 41 procedures in 2022.

Which hospitals is Dr. Stanford affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Stanford is affiliated with Athens Limestone Hospital, North Mississippi Medical Center - Hamilton, Fayette Medical Center.

How does Dr. Stanford compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Athens?

Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Athens, Dr. Stanford ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Stanford is among the highest-volume surgeons in Athens.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Stanford practices?

Athens Limestone Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Fayette Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.

Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Athens, Alabama

Dr. Stanford's 34 Medicare procedures are below the Athens average of 36. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Athens.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Joseph Boyett 58 Hip, Knee
Dr. William Lawrence 15 Knee

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. James Stanford, D.O. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/al/dr-james-stanford-athens.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/al/dr-james-stanford-athens.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.