#272 in Pennsylvania
Knee

Dr. James Carson, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
15 procedures Lancaster, PA
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Knee 15 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. James Carson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Dr. Carson has performed 15 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #272 in Pennsylvania.

In Pennsylvania, Dr. Carson performs below average in knee (15 vs 45 avg).

Dr. Carson's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 15 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 25 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 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 15 in the most recent data, a 36% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Dr. Carson's 15 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

Knee Replacement
15 verified cases
#272 in Pennsylvania
Estimated total: 40 – 50 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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.

Knee Below Avg
15 Avg: 45
Dr. Carson Pennsylvania Average

Contact & Location

170 N Pointe Blvd
Lancaster, PA 17601
NPI: 1518927672
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Carson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 36% from 11 procedures in 2013 to 15 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 15
Peak Volume 20 (2016)
Trend Growing

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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 15 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Pennsylvania average is 63 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Carson ranks #342 out of 388 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 15 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 25 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 15 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 15 in the most recent data, a 36% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 20 procedures in 2016.

How does Dr. Carson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Lancaster?

Among the 25 orthopedic surgeons in Lancaster, Dr. Carson ranks #19 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Lancaster has 152 verified Medicare procedures.

Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Dr. Carson's 15 Medicare procedures are below the Lancaster average of 104. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Lancaster.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Thomas Renz 152 Hip, Knee
Dr. Carl Becker 118 Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Dr. Gregory Tocks 115 Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Dr. David Gregory 115 Hip, Knee
Dr. Gary Zartman 109 Hip, Knee
Dr. Christopher Cooke 102 Hip, Knee

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. James Carson, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/pa/dr-james-carson-lancaster.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/pa/dr-james-carson-lancaster.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.