Dr. James Bried, M.D.
Contact & Location
858-485-0050
Poway, CA 92064
Dr. Bried performs more knee replacement procedures than 74% of orthopedic surgeons in California, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #127 of 491 ranked knee surgeons in California.
About Dr. Bried
Practice. Dr. James Bried is an orthopedic surgeon practicing in Poway, California. The latest annual CMS data records 53 knee replacements and 11 hip replacements, 64 procedures in all. That is #127 in California for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 45 procedures a year to 64, up 42%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 53 procedures is near the national average of 45.
Local context. Poway has 3 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 | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 31 | 14 |
| 2014 | 11 | 33 | 0 |
| 2015 | 11 | 42 | 0 |
| 2016 | 21 | 48 | 12 |
| 2017 | 30 | 40 | 0 |
| 2018 | 20 | 51 | 0 |
| 2019 | 17 | 41 | 0 |
| 2020 | 24 | 41 | 0 |
| 2021 | 23 | 33 | 0 |
| 2022 | 25 | 50 | 0 |
| 2023 | 20 | 57 | 0 |
| 2024 | 11 | 53 | 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, 25% to 33% for hip 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. Bried Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bried's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 42% from 45 procedures in 2013 to 64 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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. Bried
How does Dr. Bried's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Bried has performed 64 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Bried ranks #219 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bried perform?
Dr. Bried's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (53 cases) and hip replacement (11 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bried in Poway?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Poway 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. Bried 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Bried's total volume across all insurers at roughly 220 to 270 procedures against the 64 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. Bried's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Bried's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 45 procedures in 2013 to 64 in the most recent data, a 42% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 81 procedures in 2016.
Does Dr. Bried perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Bried's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (53 cases), hip replacement (11 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Bried affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Bried is affiliated with Palomar Medical Center Poway, Palomar Health Downtown Campus.
How does Dr. Bried compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Poway?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Poway, Dr. Bried ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Bried is among the highest-volume surgeons in Poway.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Bried practices?
Palomar Medical Center Poway (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Palomar Health Downtown Campus (2 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 Poway, California
Dr. Bried's 64 Medicare procedures are below the Poway average of 66. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Poway.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kevin Owsley | 71 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Brad Cohen | 63 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
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.