Dr. James Worthen, MD
Contact & Location
205-933-7838
Birmingham, AL 35205
About Dr. Worthen
Dr. James Worthen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Birmingham, Alabama. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Worthen performed 101 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#3 in Alabama) and 17 shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 118 procedures.
In Alabama, Dr. Worthen performs well above the state average in knee (101 vs 32), near the state average in shoulder (17 vs 20).
Dr. Worthen's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 86% of reported Medicare volume.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Worthen holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
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. Worthen extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 15 to 118 in the most recent data, a 687% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Worthen's 101 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 15 | 0 |
| 2014 | 21 | 0 |
| 2015 | 35 | 13 |
| 2016 | 41 | 22 |
| 2017 | 45 | 18 |
| 2018 | 50 | 18 |
| 2019 | 60 | 14 |
| 2020 | 65 | 0 |
| 2021 | 51 | 0 |
| 2022 | 64 | 0 |
| 2023 | 95 | 0 |
| 2024 | 101 | 17 |
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. Worthen Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Worthen's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 687% from 15 procedures in 2013 to 118 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Worthen
How does Dr. Worthen's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?
Dr. Worthen has performed 118 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Alabama average of 44 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Worthen ranks #8 out of 126 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Worthen perform?
Dr. Worthen's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (101 cases) and shoulder replacement (17 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Worthen with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Worthen ranks #3 in Alabama for knee replacement with 101 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 126 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Worthen 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. Worthen 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. Worthen's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 118 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Worthen's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Worthen's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 15 procedures in 2013 to 118 in the most recent data, a 687% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 118 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Worthen perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Worthen's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (101 cases), shoulder replacement (17 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Worthen affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Worthen is affiliated with St Vincent'S Birmingham, St Vincent'S Chilton.
How does Dr. Worthen compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Birmingham?
Among the 29 orthopedic surgeons in Birmingham, Dr. Worthen ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Worthen is among the highest-volume surgeons in Birmingham.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Worthen 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. Worthen's 118 Medicare procedures are above the Birmingham average of 90. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Birmingham.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kenneth Moore | 143 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Davis | 96 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Scott Orr | 79 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Adkison | 71 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Billy McGough | 62 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Mark Elkus | 58 | Hip, 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.