Dr. James Rudder, M.D.
Contact & Location
870-235-3200
Magnolia, AR 71753
Dr. Rudder performs more knee replacement procedures than 38% of orthopedic surgeons in Arkansas, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #47 of 76 ranked knee surgeons in Arkansas.
About Dr. Rudder
Practice. Dr. James Rudder is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Magnolia, Arkansas. The latest annual CMS data records 24 knee replacements. That is #47 in Arkansas for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 75 in 2015 and stands at 24 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 24 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Dr. Rudder practices across state lines. Dr. Rudder also holds hospital privileges in AR and TX, a practice that extends beyond Arkansas.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 28 | 0 |
| 2014 | 15 | 21 | 0 |
| 2015 | 19 | 35 | 21 |
| 2016 | 0 | 36 | 12 |
| 2017 | 11 | 19 | 12 |
| 2018 | 0 | 16 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 20 | 19 |
| 2020 | 0 | 13 | 14 |
| 2021 | 0 | 16 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 46 | 11 |
| 2023 | 0 | 47 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 | 24 | 0 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Rudder Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Arkansas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Rudder's recorded volume peaked at 75 procedures in 2015 and stood at 24 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Rudder
How does Dr. Rudder's procedure volume compare to other Arkansas surgeons?
Dr. Rudder has performed 24 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Arkansas average is 66 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Rudder ranks #66 out of 89 orthopedic surgeons in Arkansas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Rudder perform?
Dr. Rudder's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 24 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Where is Dr. Rudder's practice located?
Dr. Rudder practices in Magnolia, Arkansas. The office is located at 1005 N Jackson Ste B, Magnolia, AR 71753. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Rudder for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Rudder represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Rudder's total volume across all insurers at roughly 90 to 100 procedures against the 24 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Rudder's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Rudder's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 75 procedures in 2015 and was 24 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Which hospitals is Dr. Rudder affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Rudder is affiliated with Magnolia Regional Medical Center, Magnolia Regional Medical Center, South Arkansas Regional Hospital Llc, Ouachita County Medical Center, Christus St Michael Health System. Dr. Rudder maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Rudder practices?
Magnolia Regional Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); South Arkansas Regional Hospital Llc (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
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.