Dr. James Murphy, MD
Dr. James Murphy is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Dr. Murphy has performed 32 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#160 in Pennsylvania) and 21 hip replacements, for a combined total of 53 procedures.
In Pennsylvania, Dr. Murphy performs below average in knee (32 vs 45 avg), below average in hip (21 vs 34 avg).
Dr. Murphy's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (32 cases) and hip replacements (21 cases).
Wilkes Barre is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Wilkes Barre area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Murphy extend back to 2014, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 41 to 53 in the most recent data, a 29% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Murphy's 32 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. Murphy Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Pennsylvania state average.
Contact & Location
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Murphy's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 29% from 41 procedures in 2014 to 53 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Murphy
How does Dr. Murphy's procedure volume compare to other Pennsylvania surgeons?
Dr. Murphy has performed 53 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Pennsylvania average of 63 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Murphy ranks #165 out of 388 orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Murphy perform?
Dr. Murphy's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (32 cases) and hip replacement (21 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Murphy in Wilkes Barre?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Wilkes Barre 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. Murphy 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. Murphy's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 53 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Murphy's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Murphy's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 41 procedures in 2014 to 53 in the most recent data, a 29% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 75 procedures in 2017.
Does Dr. Murphy perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Murphy's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (32 cases), hip replacement (21 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Murphy affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Murphy is affiliated with Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center.
How does Dr. Murphy compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Wilkes Barre?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Wilkes Barre, Dr. Murphy ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Murphy is among the highest-volume surgeons in Wilkes Barre.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Murphy practices?
Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (4 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 Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania
Dr. Murphy's 53 Medicare procedures are below the Wilkes Barre average of 71. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Wilkes Barre.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Kolessar | 135 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Douglas Vanderbrook | 68 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Pallis | 28 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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