Dr. James Hartson, M.D.
Contact & Location
219-861-8161
Michigan City, IN 46360
Dr. Hartson performs more hip replacement procedures than 30% of orthopedic surgeons in Indiana, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #89 of 128 ranked hip surgeons in Indiana.
About Dr. Hartson
Practice. Dr. James Hartson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Michigan City, Indiana. The latest annual CMS data records 18 hip replacements and 16 knee replacements, 34 procedures in all. That is #89 in Indiana for hip replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 10 years. Volume has held between 12 and 34 procedures a year.
National context. Among 4,542 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 18 procedures is below the national average of 36. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Michigan City has 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 14 | 20 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 17 |
| 2016 | 0 | 15 |
| 2017 | 0 | 13 |
| 2018 | 0 | 12 |
| 2019 | 0 | 13 |
| 2020 | 0 | 15 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 17 | 14 |
| 2023 | 0 | 17 |
| 2024 | 18 | 16 |
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 25% to 33% for hip replacement, 23% to 28% for knee 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. Hartson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Indiana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hartson's procedure volume has been consistent across 10 years of Medicare data, ranging from 12 to 34 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA 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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Hartson
How does Dr. Hartson's procedure volume compare to other Indiana surgeons?
Dr. Hartson has performed 34 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Indiana average is 60 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Hartson ranks #147 out of 224 orthopedic surgeons in Indiana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hartson perform?
Dr. Hartson's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (18 cases) and knee replacement (16 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hartson in Michigan City?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Michigan 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 Indiana surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Hartson 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 25% to 33% for hip replacement, 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Hartson's total volume across all insurers at roughly 110 to 140 procedures against the 34 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.
Has Dr. Hartson's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Hartson's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 10 years of Medicare data, ranging from 12 to 34 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Hartson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Hartson's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (18 cases), knee replacement (16 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hartson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hartson is affiliated with Franciscan Health Michigan City, Franciscan Health Crown Point, Northwest Health-La Porte.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hartson practices?
Franciscan Health Michigan City (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Franciscan Health Crown Point (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Northwest Health-La Porte (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Michigan City, Indiana
Dr. Hartson's 34 Medicare procedures are below the Michigan City average of 61. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Michigan City.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Neel Jain | 88 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
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.