Shoulder
Dr. James Watt, DO
Dr. James Watt is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Watt has performed 40 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #38 in Florida.
In Florida, Dr. Watt performs near average in shoulder (40 vs 34 avg).
Dr. Watt's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 40 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.
Fort Walton Beach is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Fort Walton Beach area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Watt extend back to 2014, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 14 to 40 in the most recent data, a 186% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Watt's 40 verified procedures is above the national average of 28.
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. Watt Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Florida state average.
Contact & Location
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Watt's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 186% from 14 procedures in 2014 to 40 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A 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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
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. Watt
How does Dr. Watt's procedure volume compare to other Florida surgeons?
Dr. Watt has performed 40 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Florida average is 72 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Watt ranks #303 out of 509 orthopedic surgeons in Florida.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Watt perform?
Dr. Watt's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 40 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Watt in Fort Walton Beach?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Fort Walton Beach 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. Watt 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. Watt's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 40 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Watt's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Watt's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 14 procedures in 2014 to 40 in the most recent data, a 186% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 41 procedures in 2021.
Which hospitals is Dr. Watt affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Watt is affiliated with Sacred Heart Hospital On The Emerald Coast, Hca Florida Twin Cities Hospital, Hca Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, Gulf Breeze Hospital.
How does Dr. Watt compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Fort Walton Beach?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Fort Walton Beach, Dr. Watt ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Fort Walton Beach has 191 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Watt practices?
Sacred Heart Hospital On The Emerald Coast (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Hca Florida Twin Cities Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Hca Florida Fort Walton-Destin 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 Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Dr. Watt's 40 Medicare procedures are below the Fort Walton Beach average of 118. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Fort Walton Beach.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Matthew Mai | 191 | Hip |
| Dr. Thomas Seales | 164 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Tenholder | 120 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Dean | 73 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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