Dr. James Gardiner, M.D.
Contact & Location
Bethesda, MD 20817
Dr. James Gardiner is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Gardiner has performed 13 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #130 in Maryland.
In Maryland, Dr. Gardiner performs below average in knee (13 vs 49 avg).
Dr. Gardiner's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 13 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.
Bethesda is home to 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Bethesda area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Gardiner's Medicare data spans 9 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 20 procedures in 2013 before settling at 13 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Gardiner's 13 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Gardiner Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Maryland state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Gardiner's recorded volume peaked at 20 procedures in 2013 and stood at 13 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 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. Gardiner
How does Dr. Gardiner's procedure volume compare to other Maryland surgeons?
Dr. Gardiner has performed 13 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Maryland average is 71 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Gardiner ranks #157 out of 166 orthopedic surgeons in Maryland.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Gardiner perform?
Dr. Gardiner's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 13 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Gardiner in Bethesda?
Yes. There are 11 orthopedic surgeons in Bethesda 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 Maryland surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Gardiner 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. Gardiner's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 13 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Gardiner's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Gardiner's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 20 procedures in 2013 and was 13 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. Gardiner affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Gardiner is affiliated with Adventist Healthcare Shady Grove Medical Center.
How does Dr. Gardiner compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Bethesda?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Bethesda, Dr. Gardiner ranks #11 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Bethesda has 397 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Gardiner practices?
Adventist Healthcare Shady Grove Medical Center (2 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 Bethesda, Maryland
Dr. Gardiner's 13 Medicare procedures are below the Bethesda average of 137. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Bethesda.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Cannova | 397 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Sridhar Durbhakula | 230 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Carey Politzer | 101 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Shian Peterson | 78 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Min Lu | 75 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kurt Schluntz | 67 | 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.