Dr. James Kohler, M.D.
Contact & Location
515-239-4475
Ames, IA 50010
Dr. Kohler performs more knee replacement procedures than 63% of orthopedic surgeons in Iowa, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #33 of 90 ranked knee surgeons in Iowa.
About Dr. Kohler
Practice. Dr. James Kohler is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Ames, Iowa. The latest annual CMS data records 52 knee replacements and 37 hip replacements, 89 procedures in all. That is #33 in Iowa for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2018.
Trend. Dr. Kohler first appears in the Medicare data in 2023. With 2 years on record, the trend is still short.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 52 procedures is near the national average of 45.
Local context. Ames has 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume
Verified Medicare data is available for 2 years: 41 procedures in 2023 and 89 procedures in the most recent reporting year. A multi-year trend chart is shown once at least 3 years of data are available.
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. Kohler Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kohler has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2023. Additional years of data will provide a clearer picture of volume trends.
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 89 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Kohler ranks #30 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kohler perform?
Dr. Kohler's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (52 cases) and hip replacement (37 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kohler in Ames?
Yes. There are 6 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 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. Kohler's total volume across all insurers at roughly 300 to 370 procedures against the 89 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.
Does Dr. Kohler perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Kohler's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (52 cases), hip replacement (37 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, Story County Hospital, Boone County Hospital, Greene County Medical Center.
How does Dr. Kohler compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Ames?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Ames, Dr. Kohler ranks #2 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 89 Medicare procedures are above the Ames average of 77. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Ames.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Stefl | 242 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Sneller | 70 | Knee |
| Dr. Betsey Bean | 24 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Bryan Warme | 22 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Thomas Greenwald | 16 | Knee |
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.