Dr. James Nairus, MD
Contact & Location
781-890-2133
Waltham, MA 02451
About Dr. Nairus
Dr. James Nairus is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Waltham, Massachusetts. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Nairus performed 140 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#7 in Massachusetts) and 70 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 210 procedures.
In Massachusetts, Dr. Nairus performs well above the state average in knee (140 vs 50), above the state average in hip (70 vs 44).
Dr. Nairus's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (140 cases) and hip replacements (70 cases).
Waltham is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Waltham area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Nairus extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 94 to 210 in the most recent data, a 123% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nairus's 140 verified procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 32 | 62 |
| 2014 | 58 | 84 |
| 2015 | 43 | 90 |
| 2016 | 71 | 131 |
| 2017 | 53 | 115 |
| 2018 | 68 | 145 |
| 2019 | 75 | 176 |
| 2020 | 52 | 117 |
| 2021 | 81 | 153 |
| 2022 | 77 | 155 |
| 2023 | 61 | 171 |
| 2024 | 70 | 140 |
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. Nairus Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Massachusetts state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nairus's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 123% from 94 procedures in 2013 to 210 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.
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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Nairus
How does Dr. Nairus's procedure volume compare to other Massachusetts surgeons?
Dr. Nairus has performed 210 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Massachusetts average of 74 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nairus ranks #11 out of 203 orthopedic surgeons in Massachusetts.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nairus perform?
Dr. Nairus's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (140 cases) and hip replacement (70 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Nairus with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Nairus ranks #7 in Massachusetts for knee replacement with 140 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 203 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nairus in Waltham?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Waltham 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 Massachusetts surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Nairus 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. Nairus's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 210 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nairus's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nairus's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 94 procedures in 2013 to 210 in the most recent data, a 123% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 251 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Nairus perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nairus's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (140 cases), hip replacement (70 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nairus affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nairus is affiliated with New England Baptist Hospital, St Vincent Hospital, Heywood Hospital -, Umass Memorial Healh - Harrington Hospital, Marlborough Hospital.
How does Dr. Nairus compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Waltham?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Waltham, Dr. Nairus ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Nairus is among the highest-volume surgeons in Waltham.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nairus practices?
New England Baptist Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); St Vincent Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Heywood 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 Waltham, Massachusetts
Dr. Nairus's 210 Medicare procedures are above the Waltham average of 184. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Waltham.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Geoffrey Van Flandern | 345 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Andrew Jawa | 183 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Andrew Braziel | 171 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jacob Drew | 111 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jacob Kirsch | 81 | 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.