Dr. Christopher James, M.D.
Dr. Christopher James is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Palm Harbor, Florida. A Medicare provider since 2014, Dr. James has performed 35 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#120 in Florida) and 23 knee replacements, for a combined total of 58 procedures.
In Florida, Dr. James performs near average in hip (35 vs 39 avg), below average in knee (23 vs 49 avg).
Dr. James's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (35 cases) and knee replacements (23 cases).
Palm Harbor is home to 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Palm Harbor area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. James extend back to 2021, covering 3 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 33 to 58 in the most recent data, a 76% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,526 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. James's 35 verified procedures is near the national average of 36.
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. James Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Florida state average.
Contact & Location
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. James's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 3 years, increasing 76% from 33 procedures in 2021 to 58 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.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
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. James
How does Dr. James's procedure volume compare to other Florida surgeons?
Dr. James has performed 58 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Florida average of 72 procedures per surgeon. Dr. James ranks #221 out of 509 orthopedic surgeons in Florida.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. James perform?
Dr. James's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (35 cases) and knee replacement (23 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. James in Palm Harbor?
Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in Palm Harbor 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 Florida surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. James 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. James's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 58 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. James's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. James's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 33 procedures in 2021 to 58 in the most recent data, a 76% increase over 3 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 58 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. James perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. James's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (35 cases), knee replacement (23 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. James affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. James is affiliated with Mease Dunedin Hospital, Adventhealth North Pinellas, Mease Countryside Hospital, Morton Plant Hospital.
How does Dr. James compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Palm Harbor?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Palm Harbor, Dr. James ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. James has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. James practices?
Mease Dunedin Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Adventhealth North Pinellas (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Mease Countryside Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Palm Harbor, Florida
Dr. James's 58 Medicare procedures are above the Palm Harbor average of 33. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Palm Harbor.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Zachary Wells | 53 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Sang Choi | 32 | Knee |
| Dr. Mark Torke | 29 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Mirabello | 28 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Alan Graves | 15 | Knee |
| Dr. Scott Brotherton | 13 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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