Dr. James Chen, M.D.
Contact & Location
949-348-4000
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
About Dr. Chen
Dr. James Chen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Mission Viejo, California. A Medicare provider since 2015, Dr. Chen performed 60 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#109 in California) and 50 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 110 procedures.
In California, Dr. Chen performs above the state average in knee (60 vs 47), above the state average in hip (50 vs 41).
Dr. Chen's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (60 cases) and hip replacements (50 cases).
Mission Viejo is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Mission Viejo area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Chen extend back to 2022, covering 3 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 33 to 110 in the most recent data, a 233% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Chen's 60 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 19 | 14 |
| 2023 | 38 | 35 |
| 2024 | 50 | 60 |
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. Chen Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Chen's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 3 years, increasing 233% from 33 procedures in 2022 to 110 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. Chen
How does Dr. Chen's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Chen has performed 110 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Chen ranks #97 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Chen perform?
Dr. Chen's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (60 cases) and hip replacement (50 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Chen in Mission Viejo?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Mission Viejo 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. Chen 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. Chen's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 110 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Chen's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Chen's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 33 procedures in 2022 to 110 in the most recent data, a 233% increase over 3 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 110 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Chen perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Chen's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (60 cases), hip replacement (50 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Chen affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Chen is affiliated with Providence Mission Hospital, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian.
How does Dr. Chen compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Mission Viejo?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Mission Viejo, Dr. Chen ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Chen is among the highest-volume surgeons in Mission Viejo.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Chen practices?
Providence Mission Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian (5 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 Mission Viejo, California
Dr. Chen's 110 Medicare procedures are above the Mission Viejo average of 96. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Mission Viejo.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Samuel Park | 211 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Marandola | 77 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Stephen Gardner | 61 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Kent Marangi | 21 | 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.