Dr. James MacDonell, M.D.
Contact & Location
828-252-7331
Arden, NC 28704
Olney, MD 20832
Asheville, NC 28801
Dr. MacDonell performs more knee replacement procedures than 49% of orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #116 of 228 ranked knee surgeons in North Carolina.
About Dr. MacDonell
Dr. James MacDonell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Arden, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2010, Dr. MacDonell performed 30 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#116 in North Carolina) and 18 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 48 procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. MacDonell performs below the state average in knee (30 vs 44), below the state average in hip (18 vs 33).
Dr. MacDonell's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (30 cases) and hip replacements (18 cases).
Arden is home to 3 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.
Dr. MacDonell's Medicare data spans 8 years, beginning in 2017. Volume peaked at 82 procedures in 2019 before settling at 48 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. MacDonell's 30 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,612 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 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 18 | 14 |
| 2018 | 22 | 19 |
| 2019 | 43 | 39 |
| 2020 | 18 | 15 |
| 2021 | 35 | 18 |
| 2022 | 27 | 25 |
| 2023 | 26 | 31 |
| 2024 | 18 | 30 |
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, 25% to 33% for hip 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. MacDonell Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. MacDonell's recorded volume peaked at 82 procedures in 2019 and stood at 48 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.
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 48 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. MacDonell ranks #129 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. MacDonell perform?
Dr. MacDonell's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (30 cases) and hip replacement (18 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. MacDonell in Arden?
Yes. There are 3 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 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. MacDonell's total volume across all insurers at roughly 160 to 200 procedures against the 48 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. MacDonell's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. MacDonell's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 82 procedures in 2019 and was 48 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.
Does Dr. MacDonell perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. MacDonell's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (30 cases), hip replacement (18 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, Margaret R Pardee Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. MacDonell compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Arden?
Among the 3 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 48 Medicare procedures are below the Arden average of 50. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Arden.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Myron Smith | 55 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Benjamin Davis | 48 | Hip, 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.