Dr. James Bowers, MD
Contact & Location
336-584-5544
Burlington, NC 27215
About Dr. Bowers
Dr. James Bowers is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Burlington, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Bowers performed 16 Medicare-verified knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #183 in North Carolina.
In North Carolina, Dr. Bowers performs below the state average in knee (16 vs 44).
Dr. Bowers's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 16 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Bowers holds additional credentials in Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Burlington is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Burlington area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Bowers's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 130 procedures in 2015 before settling at 16 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Bowers's 16 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 32 | 47 |
| 2014 | 35 | 59 |
| 2015 | 54 | 76 |
| 2016 | 47 | 49 |
| 2017 | 45 | 51 |
| 2018 | 0 | 13 |
| 2019 | 0 | 22 |
| 2020 | 14 | 32 |
| 2021 | 22 | 18 |
| 2022 | 17 | 19 |
| 2023 | 14 | 21 |
| 2024 | 0 | 16 |
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. Bowers Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bowers's recorded volume peaked at 130 procedures in 2015 and stood at 16 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.
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.
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.
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. Bowers
How does Dr. Bowers's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Bowers has performed 16 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The North Carolina average is 61 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Bowers ranks #242 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bowers perform?
Dr. Bowers's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 16 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bowers in Burlington?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Burlington 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 North Carolina surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Bowers 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. Bowers's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 16 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Bowers's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Bowers's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 130 procedures in 2015 and was 16 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. Bowers affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Bowers is affiliated with North Carolina Specialty Hospital, Alamance Regional Medical Center.
How does Dr. Bowers compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Burlington?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Burlington, Dr. Bowers ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Bowers is among the highest-volume surgeons in Burlington.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Bowers practices?
North Carolina Specialty Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Alamance 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 Burlington, North Carolina
Dr. Bowers's 16 Medicare procedures are below the Burlington average of 29. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Burlington.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. James Hooten | 48 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Poggi | 23 | Knee, 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.