#44 in California
Shoulder

Dr. James Shankwiler, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
28 procedures Pasadena, CA
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Shoulder replacement recovery kit Slings, cold therapy, and adaptive clothing for recovery
National Comparison by Procedure
Shoulder 28 vs 28 avg (2,092 surgeons)

Dr. James Shankwiler is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Pasadena, California. Dr. Shankwiler has performed 28 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #44 in California.

In California, Dr. Shankwiler performs near average in shoulder (28 vs 30 avg).

Dr. Shankwiler's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 28 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.

Pasadena is home to 12 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Pasadena area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Dr. Shankwiler's Medicare record spans 9 years from 2013 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 18 to 30 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.

Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Shankwiler's 28 verified procedures is near the national average of 28.

Verified Medicare Cases

Shoulder Replacement
28 verified cases
#44 in California
Estimated total: 80 – 80 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Shankwiler Compares

Procedure volume compared to the California state average.

Shoulder Average
28 Avg: 30
Dr. Shankwiler California Average

Contact & Location

800 S Raymond Ave
Pasadena, CA 91105
NPI: 1487641114
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Shankwiler's procedure volume has been consistent across 9 years of Medicare data, ranging from 18 to 30 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.

Years of Data 9
2023 Volume 28
Peak Volume 30 (2019)
Trend Stable

Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:

Week 1-3 Arm in a sling for protection. Gentle pendulum exercises under therapist guidance. Focus on pain management and wound care.
Week 4-6 Gradual sling weaning. Begin passive and active-assisted range-of-motion exercises. Light daily activities resume.
Week 7-12 Active range-of-motion exercises. Light strengthening begins. Most patients can drive and perform desk work.
Month 4-6 Progressive strengthening continues. Return to most activities. Full recovery may take 6-12 months for complete shoulder strength.

Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Shankwiler

How does Dr. Shankwiler's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?

Dr. Shankwiler has performed 28 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 65 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Shankwiler ranks #386 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Shankwiler perform?

Dr. Shankwiler's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 28 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Shankwiler in Pasadena?

Yes. There are 12 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. Shankwiler 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. Shankwiler's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 28 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Shankwiler's procedure volume changed over time?

Dr. Shankwiler's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 9 years of Medicare data, ranging from 18 to 30 procedures per year between 2013 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.

How does Dr. Shankwiler compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Pasadena?

Among the 12 orthopedic surgeons in Pasadena, Dr. Shankwiler ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Pasadena has 286 verified Medicare procedures.

Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Pasadena, California

Dr. Shankwiler's 28 Medicare procedures are below the Pasadena average of 100. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Pasadena.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Todd Dietrick 286 Hip, Knee
Dr. Micah Berry 103 Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Dr. James O'dowd 101 Hip, Knee
Dr. John Itamura 77 Shoulder
Dr. Timothy Jackson 59 Hip
Dr. Daniel Laster 46 Hip, Knee

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. James Shankwiler, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ca/dr-james-shankwiler-pasadena.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ca/dr-james-shankwiler-pasadena.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.