Dr. James Bell, M.D.
Contact & Location
760-568-2684
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Dr. Bell performs more knee replacement procedures than 32% of orthopedic surgeons in California, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #333 of 491 ranked knee surgeons in California.
About Dr. Bell
Practice. Dr. James Bell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Palm Springs, California. The latest annual CMS data records 22 knee replacements. That is #333 in California for knee replacement. Dr. Bell also holds credentials in Orthopaedic Trauma and Sports Medicine.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 89 in 2016 and stands at 22 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 22 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Palm Springs has 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 13 | 26 |
| 2014 | 17 | 44 |
| 2015 | 11 | 39 |
| 2016 | 30 | 59 |
| 2017 | 0 | 44 |
| 2018 | 24 | 56 |
| 2019 | 22 | 50 |
| 2020 | 0 | 52 |
| 2021 | 30 | 33 |
| 2022 | 25 | 61 |
| 2023 | 34 | 48 |
| 2024 | 0 | 22 |
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. Bell Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bell's recorded volume peaked at 89 procedures in 2016 and stood at 22 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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. Bell
How does Dr. Bell's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Bell has performed 22 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 68 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Bell ranks #456 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bell perform?
Dr. Bell's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 22 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bell in Palm Springs?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Palm Springs 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 California surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Bell 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. Bell's total volume across all insurers at roughly 80 to 100 procedures against the 22 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. Bell's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Bell's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 89 procedures in 2016 and was 22 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.
How does Dr. Bell compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Palm Springs?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Palm Springs, Dr. Bell ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Palm Springs has 155 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Palm Springs, California
Dr. Bell's 22 Medicare procedures are below the Palm Springs average of 66. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Palm Springs.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Dustin Briggs | 155 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Savin | 86 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Louis Stabile | 52 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Zapf | 15 | Hip |
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.