Dr. James Nepola, MD
Contact & Location
319-356-2466
Iowa City, IA 52242
About Dr. Nepola
Dr. James Nepola is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Iowa City, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Nepola performed 21 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #22 in Iowa.
In Iowa, Dr. Nepola performs near the state average in shoulder (21 vs 26).
Dr. Nepola's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 21 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 7 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.
Dr. Nepola's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 40 procedures in 2019 before settling at 21 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Nepola's 21 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 22 |
| 2014 | 19 |
| 2015 | 22 |
| 2016 | 32 |
| 2017 | 24 |
| 2018 | 29 |
| 2019 | 40 |
| 2020 | 27 |
| 2021 | 29 |
| 2022 | 34 |
| 2023 | 27 |
| 2024 | 21 |
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.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nepola's recorded volume peaked at 40 procedures in 2019 and stood at 21 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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 21 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 #92 out of 105 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 21 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nepola in Iowa City?
Yes. There are 7 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 21 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nepola's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Nepola's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 40 procedures in 2019 and was 21 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
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 7 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa City, Dr. Nepola ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Iowa City has 136 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 21 Medicare procedures are below the Iowa City average of 67. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Iowa City.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Nicolas Noiseux | 136 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jacob Elkins | 106 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nicholas Bedard | 70 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brendan Patterson | 62 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Dallas Vanorny | 47 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Carender | 29 | Hip, 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.