Dr. James Merritt, MD
Dr. James Merritt is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Dr. Merritt has performed 60 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#46 in South Carolina) and 31 hip replacements, for a combined total of 91 procedures.
In South Carolina, Dr. Merritt performs near average in knee (60 vs 57 avg), below average in hip (31 vs 47 avg).
Dr. Merritt's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (60 cases) and hip replacements (31 cases).
Myrtle Beach is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Myrtle Beach area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Merritt extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 59 to 91 in the most recent data, a 54% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Merritt's 60 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
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. Merritt Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Merritt's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 54% from 59 procedures in 2013 to 91 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. Merritt
How does Dr. Merritt's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Merritt has performed 91 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the South Carolina average of 78 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Merritt ranks #49 out of 151 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Merritt perform?
Dr. Merritt's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (60 cases) and hip replacement (31 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Merritt in Myrtle Beach?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Myrtle Beach 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 South Carolina surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Merritt 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. Merritt's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 91 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Merritt's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Merritt's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 59 procedures in 2013 to 91 in the most recent data, a 54% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 97 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Merritt perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Merritt's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (60 cases), hip replacement (31 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Merritt affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Merritt is affiliated with Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, Mcleod Loris Hospital, Conway Medical Center, Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital.
How does Dr. Merritt compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Myrtle Beach?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Myrtle Beach, Dr. Merritt ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Merritt is among the highest-volume surgeons in Myrtle Beach.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Merritt practices?
Grand Strand Regional Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Mcleod Loris Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Conway Medical Center (2 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 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Dr. Merritt's 91 Medicare procedures are below the Myrtle Beach average of 120. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Myrtle Beach.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Justin Brothers | 301 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Chambers | 107 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Nathaniel Evans | 70 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. J Butler | 33 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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