Dr. James Stanford, D.O.
Contact & Location
256-233-2332
Athens, AL 35613
About Dr. Stanford
Dr. James Stanford is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Athens, Alabama. A Medicare provider since 2010, Dr. Stanford performed 28 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#47 in Alabama) and 21 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 49 procedures.
In Alabama, Dr. Stanford performs near the state average in knee (28 vs 32), near the state average in hip (21 vs 26).
Dr. Stanford's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (28 cases) and hip replacements (21 cases).
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 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 49 in the most recent data, a 345% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Stanford's 28 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 11 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 18 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 19 |
| 2021 | 12 | 14 |
| 2022 | 13 | 28 |
| 2023 | 0 | 34 |
| 2024 | 21 | 28 |
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. Stanford Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Stanford's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 345% from 11 procedures in 2015 to 49 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.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
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. Stanford
How does Dr. Stanford's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?
Dr. Stanford has performed 49 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Alabama average of 44 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Stanford ranks #42 out of 126 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Stanford perform?
Dr. Stanford's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (28 cases) and hip replacement (21 cases).
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 49 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 49 in the most recent data, a 345% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 49 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Stanford perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Stanford's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (28 cases), hip replacement (21 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
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 49 Medicare procedures are above the Athens average of 44. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Athens.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Joseph Boyett | 65 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. William Lawrence | 19 | Knee |
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.