Dr. James MacDonald, MD
Contact & Location
Annapolis, MD 21401
Dr. James MacDonald is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Annapolis, Maryland. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. MacDonald has performed 126 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#6 in Maryland) and 72 hip replacements, for a combined total of 198 procedures.
In Maryland, Dr. MacDonald performs well above average in knee (126 vs 49 avg), above average in hip (72 vs 42 avg).
Dr. MacDonald's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (126 cases) and hip replacements (72 cases).
Annapolis is home to 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Annapolis area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. MacDonald's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 279 procedures in 2018 before settling at 198 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. MacDonald's 126 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
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. MacDonald Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Maryland state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. MacDonald's recorded volume peaked at 279 procedures in 2018 and stood at 198 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.
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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
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. MacDonald
How does Dr. MacDonald's procedure volume compare to other Maryland surgeons?
Dr. MacDonald has performed 198 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Maryland average of 71 procedures per surgeon. Dr. MacDonald ranks #11 out of 166 orthopedic surgeons in Maryland.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. MacDonald perform?
Dr. MacDonald's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (126 cases) and hip replacement (72 cases).
How experienced is Dr. MacDonald with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. MacDonald ranks #6 in Maryland for knee replacement with 126 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 166 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. MacDonald in Annapolis?
Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Annapolis 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. MacDonald 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. MacDonald's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 198 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. MacDonald's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. MacDonald's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 279 procedures in 2018 and was 198 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.
Does Dr. MacDonald perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. MacDonald's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (126 cases), hip replacement (72 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. MacDonald affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. MacDonald is affiliated with Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, Inc.
How does Dr. MacDonald compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Annapolis?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Annapolis, Dr. MacDonald ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. MacDonald is among the highest-volume surgeons in Annapolis.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. MacDonald practices?
Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, Inc (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 Annapolis, Maryland
Dr. MacDonald's 198 Medicare procedures are above the Annapolis average of 154. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Annapolis.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Paul King | 302 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Justin Hoover | 246 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Marc Brassard | 131 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Anvari | 90 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Louis Ruland | 57 | Knee |
| Dr. Cyrus Lashgari | 52 | 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.