Dr. James MacDonell, M.D.
Dr. James MacDonell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Arden, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2010, Dr. MacDonell has performed 31 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#127 in North Carolina) and 26 hip replacements, for a combined total of 57 procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. MacDonell performs below average in knee (31 vs 44 avg), below average in hip (26 vs 33 avg).
Dr. MacDonell's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (31 cases) and hip replacements (26 cases).
Arden is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Arden area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. MacDonell extend back to 2017, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 32 to 57 in the most recent data, a 78% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. MacDonell's 31 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
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. MacDonell Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Arden, NC 28704
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. MacDonell's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 78% from 32 procedures in 2017 to 57 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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. MacDonell
How does Dr. MacDonell's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. MacDonell has performed 57 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the North Carolina average of 63 procedures per surgeon. Dr. MacDonell ranks #123 out of 294 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. MacDonell perform?
Dr. MacDonell's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (31 cases) and hip replacement (26 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. MacDonell in Arden?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Arden 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. MacDonell 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. MacDonell's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 57 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. MacDonell's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. MacDonell's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 32 procedures in 2017 to 57 in the most recent data, a 78% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 82 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. MacDonell perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. MacDonell's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (31 cases), hip replacement (26 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. MacDonell affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. MacDonell is affiliated with Memorial Mission Hospital And Asheville Surgery Ce, Mission Hospital Mcdowell, Adventhealth Hendersonville.
How does Dr. MacDonell compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Arden?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Arden, Dr. MacDonell ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. MacDonell is among the highest-volume surgeons in Arden.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. MacDonell practices?
Memorial Mission Hospital And Asheville Surgery Ce (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Mission Hospital Mcdowell (3 out of 5 CMS stars); Adventhealth Hendersonville (4 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 Arden, North Carolina
Dr. MacDonell's 57 Medicare procedures are below the Arden average of 91. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Arden.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jason Lang | 199 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Myron Smith | 76 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Benjamin Davis | 31 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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