Dr. James O'dowd, M.D.
Contact & Location
626-795-8051
Pasadena, CA 91105
Los Angeles, CA 90033
Dr. O'dowd performs more knee replacement procedures than 80% of orthopedic surgeons in California, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #96 of 491 ranked knee surgeons in California.
About Dr. O'dowd
Practice. Dr. James O'dowd is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Pasadena, California. The latest annual CMS data records 68 knee replacements and 40 hip replacements, 108 procedures in all. That is #96 in California for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2014.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2020 to 2024, 5 years. Volume rose from 11 procedures a year to 108, up 882%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 68 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Pasadena has 10 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 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 11 |
| 2021 | 17 | 26 |
| 2022 | 23 | 62 |
| 2023 | 28 | 73 |
| 2024 | 40 | 68 |
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. O'dowd Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. O'dowd's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 882% from 11 procedures in 2020 to 108 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.
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.
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.
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. O'dowd
How does Dr. O'dowd's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. O'dowd has performed 108 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. O'dowd ranks #101 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. O'dowd perform?
Dr. O'dowd's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (68 cases) and hip replacement (40 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. O'dowd in Pasadena?
Yes. There are 10 orthopedic surgeons in Pasadena 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. O'dowd 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. O'dowd's total volume across all insurers at roughly 360 to 460 procedures against the 108 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. O'dowd's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. O'dowd's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2020 to 108 in the most recent data, a 882% increase over 5 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 108 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. O'dowd perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. O'dowd's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (68 cases), hip replacement (40 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. O'dowd affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. O'dowd is affiliated with Usc Arcadia Hospital, Huntington Hospital, Casa Colina Hospital, Emanate Health Foothill Presbyterian Hospital.
How does Dr. O'dowd compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Pasadena?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Pasadena, Dr. O'dowd ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. O'dowd is among the highest-volume surgeons in Pasadena.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. O'dowd practices?
Usc Arcadia Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Huntington Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Casa Colina Hospital (3 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 Pasadena, California
Dr. O'dowd's 108 Medicare procedures are above the Pasadena average of 97. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Pasadena.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Todd Dietrick | 253 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Micah Berry | 104 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. John Itamura | 74 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Timothy Jackson | 64 | Hip |
| Dr. Daniel Laster | 46 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. George Tang | 30 | 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.