Dr. James Heltsley, D.O.
Dr. James Heltsley is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bowling Green, Kentucky. A Medicare provider since 2010, Dr. Heltsley has completed 39 knee replacements (#35 in Kentucky), 17 shoulder replacements, and 12 hip replacements, totaling 68 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Kentucky, Dr. Heltsley performs near average in knee (39 vs 44 avg), below average in shoulder (17 vs 31 avg), below average in hip (12 vs 33 avg).
Dr. Heltsley performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (39 cases), followed by shoulder replacements (17) and hip replacements (12).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Heltsley holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Bowling Green is home to 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Bowling Green area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Heltsley extend back to 2018, covering 6 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 68 in the most recent data, a 423% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Heltsley's 39 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. Heltsley Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Kentucky state average.
Contact & Location
Bowling Green, KY 42103
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Heltsley's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 423% from 13 procedures in 2018 to 68 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 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Heltsley
How does Dr. Heltsley's procedure volume compare to other Kentucky surgeons?
Dr. Heltsley has performed 68 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Kentucky average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Heltsley ranks #36 out of 128 orthopedic surgeons in Kentucky.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Heltsley perform?
Dr. Heltsley performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (39 cases), shoulder replacement (17 cases), hip replacement (12 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Heltsley in Bowling Green?
Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Bowling Green 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 Kentucky surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Heltsley 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. Heltsley's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 68 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Heltsley's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Heltsley's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2018 to 68 in the most recent data, a 423% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 68 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Heltsley perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Heltsley's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (39 cases), shoulder replacement (17 cases), hip replacement (12 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Heltsley among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Heltsley affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Heltsley is affiliated with Tristar Greenview Regional Hospital, The Medical Center At Bowling Green, T J Samson Community Hospital, The Medical Center At Russellville.
How does Dr. Heltsley compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Bowling Green?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Bowling Green, Dr. Heltsley ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Heltsley is among the highest-volume surgeons in Bowling Green.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Heltsley practices?
Tristar Greenview Regional Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); The Medical Center At Bowling Green (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); T J Samson Community Hospital (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 Bowling Green, Kentucky
Dr. Heltsley's 68 Medicare procedures are above the Bowling Green average of 66. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Bowling Green.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Patton | 144 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Kirk Fee | 91 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Riley | 49 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Sameer Badarudeen | 40 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Richards | 35 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Caleb Davis | 34 | Shoulder |
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