Dr. James Watson, M.D.
Contact & Location
601-703-9231
Meridian, MS 39301
Dr. Watson performs more knee replacement procedures than 18% of orthopedic surgeons in Mississippi, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #47 of 58 ranked knee surgeons in Mississippi.
About Dr. Watson
Practice. Dr. James Watson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Meridian, Mississippi. The latest annual CMS data records 18 knee replacements. That is #47 in Mississippi for knee replacement. Dr. Watson also holds credentials in Sports Medicine. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 57 in 2019 and stands at 18 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 18 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Meridian has 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Watson also holds hospital privileges in MS and AL, a practice that extends beyond Mississippi.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 12 | 28 |
| 2014 | 16 | 31 |
| 2015 | 0 | 37 |
| 2016 | 0 | 37 |
| 2017 | 0 | 36 |
| 2018 | 12 | 36 |
| 2019 | 12 | 45 |
| 2020 | 0 | 28 |
| 2021 | 0 | 42 |
| 2022 | 0 | 29 |
| 2023 | 0 | 26 |
| 2024 | 0 | 18 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Watson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Mississippi state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Watson's recorded volume peaked at 57 procedures in 2019 and stood at 18 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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Watson
How does Dr. Watson's procedure volume compare to other Mississippi surgeons?
Dr. Watson has performed 18 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Mississippi average is 69 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Watson ranks #59 out of 78 orthopedic surgeons in Mississippi.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Watson perform?
Dr. Watson's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 18 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Watson in Meridian?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Meridian 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 Mississippi surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Watson represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Watson's total volume across all insurers at roughly 60 to 80 procedures against the 18 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Watson's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Watson's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 57 procedures in 2019 and was 18 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. Watson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Watson is affiliated with Ochsner Rush Hospital, Ochsner Watkins Hospital, Anderson Regional Medical Center, Ochsner Stennis Memorial Hospital, Ochsner Choctaw General. Dr. Watson maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Watson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Meridian?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Meridian, Dr. Watson ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Meridian has 62 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Watson practices?
Ochsner Rush Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Anderson Regional 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 Meridian, Mississippi
Dr. Watson's 18 Medicare procedures are below the Meridian average of 33. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Meridian.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Lane Rush | 62 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Harry Durgin | 54 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Green | 35 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Pomierski | 19 | Knee |
| Dr. Irvin Martin | 12 | 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.