Shoulder
Dr. James Nepola, MD
Dr. James Nepola is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Iowa City, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Nepola has performed 27 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #12 in Iowa.
In Iowa, Dr. Nepola performs near average in shoulder (27 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Nepola's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 27 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.
Iowa City is home to 12 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Iowa City area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Nepola extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 22 to 27 in the most recent data, a 23% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nepola's 27 verified procedures is near 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. Nepola Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Contact & Location
Iowa City, IA 52242
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nepola's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 23% from 22 procedures in 2013 to 27 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. Nepola
How does Dr. Nepola's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Nepola has performed 27 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. Nepola ranks #96 out of 114 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nepola perform?
Dr. Nepola's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 27 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Nepola with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Nepola ranks #12 in Iowa for shoulder replacement with 27 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 114 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nepola in Iowa City?
Yes. There are 12 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa City 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. Nepola 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. Nepola's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 27 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nepola's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nepola's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 22 procedures in 2013 to 27 in the most recent data, a 23% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 40 procedures in 2019.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nepola affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nepola is affiliated with University Of Iowa Health Care Medical Center.
How does Dr. Nepola compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Iowa City?
Among the 12 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa City, Dr. Nepola ranks #11 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Iowa City has 152 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nepola practices?
University Of Iowa Health Care Medical Center (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 Iowa City, Iowa
Dr. Nepola's 27 Medicare procedures are below the Iowa City average of 113. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Iowa City.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Taylor Dennison | 152 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brent Whited | 138 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Derek Breder | 125 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Brent Overton | 121 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Steinbronn | 117 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nicolas Noiseux | 112 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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