Dr. James Trauger, MD
Dr. James Trauger is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Salisbury, Maryland. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Trauger has performed 137 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#7 in Maryland) and 44 hip replacements, for a combined total of 181 procedures.
In Maryland, Dr. Trauger performs well above average in knee (137 vs 50 avg), near average in hip (44 vs 40 avg).
Dr. Trauger's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 76% of reported Medicare volume.
Salisbury is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Salisbury area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Trauger extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 85 to 181 in the most recent data, a 113% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Trauger's 137 verified procedures is more than 3x 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. Trauger Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Maryland state average.
Contact & Location
Salisbury, MD 21804
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Trauger's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 113% from 85 procedures in 2013 to 181 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Trauger
How does Dr. Trauger's procedure volume compare to other Maryland surgeons?
Dr. Trauger has performed 181 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Maryland average of 72 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Trauger ranks #14 out of 161 orthopedic surgeons in Maryland.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Trauger perform?
Dr. Trauger's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (137 cases) and hip replacement (44 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Trauger with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Trauger ranks #7 in Maryland for knee replacement with 137 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 161 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Trauger in Salisbury?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Salisbury 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. Trauger 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. Trauger's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 181 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Trauger's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Trauger's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 85 procedures in 2013 to 181 in the most recent data, a 113% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 226 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Trauger perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Trauger's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (137 cases), hip replacement (44 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Trauger affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Trauger is affiliated with Tidalhealth Peninsula Regional, Inc, Atlantic General Hospital.
How does Dr. Trauger compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Salisbury?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Salisbury, Dr. Trauger ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Trauger is among the highest-volume surgeons in Salisbury.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Trauger practices?
Tidalhealth Peninsula Regional, Inc (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Atlantic General Hospital (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 Salisbury, Maryland
Dr. Trauger's 181 Medicare procedures are above the Salisbury average of 115. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Salisbury.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Scott Gelman | 190 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Pasquale Petrera | 124 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ana Mata-Fink | 47 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Anthony Adrignolo | 33 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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