Dr. James Carson, MD
Contact & Location
717-299-4871
Lancaster, PA 17601
About Dr. Carson
Dr. James Carson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Carson performed 21 Medicare-verified knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #235 in Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, Dr. Carson performs below the state average in knee (21 vs 47).
Dr. Carson's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 21 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.
Lancaster is home to 19 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Lancaster area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Carson extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 21 in the most recent data, a 91% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Carson's 21 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 | 11 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 11 |
| 2015 | 0 | 11 |
| 2016 | 0 | 20 |
| 2017 | 0 | 14 |
| 2018 | 0 | 19 |
| 2019 | 0 | 17 |
| 2020 | 0 | 13 |
| 2021 | 0 | 12 |
| 2022 | 0 | 16 |
| 2023 | 0 | 15 |
| 2024 | 0 | 21 |
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. Carson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Pennsylvania state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Carson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 91% from 11 procedures in 2013 to 21 in the most recent data.
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. Carson
How does Dr. Carson's procedure volume compare to other Pennsylvania surgeons?
Dr. Carson has performed 21 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Pennsylvania average is 66 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Carson ranks #305 out of 376 orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Carson perform?
Dr. Carson's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 21 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Carson in Lancaster?
Yes. There are 19 orthopedic surgeons in Lancaster 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 Pennsylvania surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Carson 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. Carson's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 21 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Carson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Carson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2013 to 21 in the most recent data, a 91% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 21 procedures in 2024.
How does Dr. Carson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Lancaster?
Among the 19 orthopedic surgeons in Lancaster, Dr. Carson ranks #16 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Lancaster has 169 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Dr. Carson's 21 Medicare procedures are below the Lancaster average of 103. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Lancaster.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Thomas Renz | 169 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gregory Tocks | 127 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Young Jee | 107 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Carl Becker | 104 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Christopher Cooke | 97 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Poorman | 97 | 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.