Dr. James Kohler, MD
Dr. James Kohler is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Ames, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2018, Dr. Kohler has performed 25 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#78 in Iowa) and 16 hip replacements, for a combined total of 41 procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Kohler performs below average in knee (25 vs 50 avg), below average in hip (16 vs 35 avg).
Dr. Kohler's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (25 cases) and hip replacements (16 cases).
Ames is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Ames area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Kohler first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2023. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Kohler's 25 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Kohler Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Contact & Location
Ames, IA 50010
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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.
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 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. Kohler
How does Dr. Kohler's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Kohler has performed 41 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Iowa average is 73 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Kohler ranks #80 out of 114 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kohler perform?
Dr. Kohler's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (25 cases) and hip replacement (16 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kohler in Ames?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Ames 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 Iowa surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Kohler 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. Kohler's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 41 procedures shown here.
Does Dr. Kohler perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Kohler's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (25 cases), hip replacement (16 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kohler affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kohler is affiliated with Mary Greeley Medical Center, Boone County Hospital, Story County Hospital.
How does Dr. Kohler compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Ames?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Ames, Dr. Kohler ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Kohler is among the highest-volume surgeons in Ames.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kohler practices?
Mary Greeley Medical Center (4 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 Ames, Iowa
Dr. Kohler's 41 Medicare procedures are below the Ames average of 71. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Ames.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Stefl | 208 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Sneller | 68 | Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Greenwald | 27 | Knee |
| Dr. Bryan Warme | 13 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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