#68 Hip
#87 Knee

Dr. James Ware, D.O.

Orthopedic Surgery
53 procedures 3 hospitals Alma, MI
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 24 vs 36 avg (4,526 surgeons)
Knee 29 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. James Ware is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Alma, Michigan. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Ware has performed 29 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#87 in Michigan) and 24 hip replacements, for a combined total of 53 procedures.

In Michigan, Dr. Ware performs near average in knee (29 vs 33 avg), near average in hip (24 vs 29 avg).

Dr. Ware's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (29 cases) and hip replacements (24 cases).

Dr. Ware is the only orthopedic surgeon in Alma represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.

Medicare records for Dr. Ware extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 38 to 53 in the most recent data, a 39% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Dr. Ware's 29 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
29 verified cases
#87 in Michigan
Hip Replacement
24 verified cases
#68 in Michigan
Estimated total: 140 – 160 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Ware Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Michigan state average.

Hip Average
24 Avg: 29
Knee Average
29 Avg: 33
Dr. Ware Michigan Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 989-463-2333
315 E Warwick Dr
Alma, MI 48801
NPI: 1063449650
Credentials: D.O.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
20 years of practice experience
Licensed D.O.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Ware's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 39% from 38 procedures in 2013 to 53 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 53
Peak Volume 53 (2023)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Mymichigan Medical Center Clare
Clare, MI
Low case volume
H
Mymichigan Medical Center Alma
★★★☆☆
Alma, MI
Low case volume
H
Mymichigan Medical Center Midland
★★★★☆
Midland, MI
Similar to national avg

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Ware

How does Dr. Ware's procedure volume compare to other Michigan surgeons?

Dr. Ware has performed 53 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Michigan average of 48 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ware ranks #85 out of 272 orthopedic surgeons in Michigan.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ware perform?

Dr. Ware's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (29 cases) and hip replacement (24 cases).

Where is Dr. Ware's practice located?

Dr. Ware practices in Alma, Michigan. The office is located at 315 E Warwick Dr, Alma, MI 48801. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Ware for joint replacement evaluation.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Ware 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. Ware's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 53 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Ware's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Ware's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 38 procedures in 2013 to 53 in the most recent data, a 39% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 53 procedures in 2023.

Does Dr. Ware perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Ware's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (29 cases), hip replacement (24 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.

Which hospitals is Dr. Ware affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Ware is affiliated with Mymichigan Medical Center Clare, Mymichigan Medical Center Alma, Mymichigan Medical Center Midland.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Ware practices?

Mymichigan Medical Center Clare (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Mymichigan Medical Center Alma (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Mymichigan Medical Center Midland (4 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.

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. James Ware, D.O. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/mi/dr-james-ware-alma.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/mi/dr-james-ware-alma.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.