Dr. James Bircher, DO
Dr. James Bircher is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Maple Grove, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2016, Dr. Bircher has performed 15 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#71 in Minnesota) and 13 knee replacements, for a combined total of 28 procedures.
In Minnesota, Dr. Bircher performs below average in hip (15 vs 27 avg), below average in knee (13 vs 32 avg).
Dr. Bircher's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (15 cases) and knee replacements (13 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Bircher holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Maple Grove is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Maple Grove area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Bircher's Medicare record spans 3 years from 2021 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 16 to 30 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Bircher's 15 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,526 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Bircher Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Contact & Location
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bircher's procedure volume has been consistent across 3 years of Medicare data, ranging from 16 to 30 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Bircher
How does Dr. Bircher's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Bircher has performed 28 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Minnesota average is 47 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Bircher ranks #111 out of 179 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bircher perform?
Dr. Bircher's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (15 cases) and knee replacement (13 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bircher in Maple Grove?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Maple Grove 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 Minnesota surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Bircher 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. Bircher's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 28 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Bircher's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Bircher's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 3 years of Medicare data, ranging from 16 to 30 procedures per year between 2021 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Bircher perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Bircher's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (15 cases), knee replacement (13 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Bircher affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Bircher is affiliated with Maple Grove Hospital, North Memorial Health, Ridgeview Medical Center, M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital.
How does Dr. Bircher compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Maple Grove?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Maple Grove, Dr. Bircher ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Bircher is among the highest-volume surgeons in Maple Grove.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Bircher practices?
Maple Grove Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); North Memorial Health (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Ridgeview Medical Center (5 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 Maple Grove, Minnesota
Dr. Bircher's 28 Medicare procedures are above the Maple Grove average of 24. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Maple Grove.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Hartigan | 33 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gregory Hildebrand | 12 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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