Dr. James Hartford, MD
Contact & Location
650-321-4121
Palo Alto, CA 94301
About Dr. Hartford
Dr. James Hartford is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Palo Alto, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Hartford performed 119 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#16 in California) and 79 knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 198 procedures.
In California, Dr. Hartford performs well above the state average in hip (119 vs 41), above the state average in knee (79 vs 47).
Dr. Hartford's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (119 cases) and knee replacements (79 cases).
Palo Alto is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Palo Alto area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Hartford extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 131 to 198 in the most recent data, a 51% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Hartford's 119 verified procedures is more than 3x the national average of 36, ranking #79 nationally.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 82 | 49 |
| 2014 | 76 | 70 |
| 2015 | 98 | 74 |
| 2016 | 95 | 79 |
| 2017 | 66 | 83 |
| 2018 | 95 | 85 |
| 2019 | 119 | 108 |
| 2020 | 83 | 65 |
| 2021 | 95 | 78 |
| 2022 | 87 | 92 |
| 2023 | 85 | 110 |
| 2024 | 119 | 79 |
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. Hartford Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hartford's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 51% from 131 procedures in 2013 to 198 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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
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.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Hartford
How does Dr. Hartford's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Hartford has performed 198 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Hartford ranks #41 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hartford perform?
Dr. Hartford's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (119 cases) and knee replacement (79 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Hartford with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Hartford ranks #16 in California for hip replacement with 119 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 613 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hartford in Palo Alto?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Palo Alto 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. Hartford 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. Hartford's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 198 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hartford's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Hartford's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 131 procedures in 2013 to 198 in the most recent data, a 51% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 227 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Hartford perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Hartford's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (119 cases), knee replacement (79 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hartford affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hartford is affiliated with Sequoia Hospital, Mills-Peninsula Medical Center.
How does Dr. Hartford compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Palo Alto?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Palo Alto, Dr. Hartford ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Hartford has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hartford practices?
Sequoia Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Mills-Peninsula Medical Center (5 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 Palo Alto, California
Dr. Hartford's 198 Medicare procedures are above the Palo Alto average of 103. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Palo Alto.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bradley Graw | 139 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Colin Eakin | 40 | Shoulder |
| Dr. John Lannin | 36 | 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.