Dr. James O'leary, M.D.
Contact & Location
Columbia, SC 29201
Dr. James O'leary is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbia, South Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. O'leary has performed 69 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#31 in South Carolina) and 28 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 97 procedures.
In South Carolina, Dr. O'leary performs near average in knee (69 vs 58 avg), near average in shoulder (28 vs 29 avg).
Dr. O'leary's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (69 cases) and shoulder replacements (28 cases).
Columbia is home to 14 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Columbia area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. O'leary extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 64 to 97 in the most recent data, a 52% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. O'leary's 69 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. O'leary Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. O'leary's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 52% from 64 procedures in 2013 to 97 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
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.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. O'leary
How does Dr. O'leary's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. O'leary has performed 97 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the South Carolina average of 76 procedures per surgeon. Dr. O'leary ranks #46 out of 158 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. O'leary perform?
Dr. O'leary's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (69 cases) and shoulder replacement (28 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. O'leary in Columbia?
Yes. There are 14 orthopedic surgeons in Columbia 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. O'leary 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. O'leary's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 97 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. O'leary's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. O'leary's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 64 procedures in 2013 to 97 in the most recent data, a 52% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 110 procedures in 2021.
Does Dr. O'leary perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. O'leary's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (69 cases), shoulder replacement (28 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. O'leary affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. O'leary is affiliated with Musc Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown, Lexington Medical Center.
How does Dr. O'leary compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Columbia?
Among the 14 orthopedic surgeons in Columbia, Dr. O'leary ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Columbia has 205 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. O'leary practices?
Musc Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Lexington 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 Columbia, South Carolina
Dr. O'leary's 97 Medicare procedures are below the Columbia average of 120. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbia.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jeffrey Hopkins | 205 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Bradley Presnal | 175 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Slif Ulrich | 117 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Coleman Fowble | 100 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Corey Hamilton | 83 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Douglas Schultz | 66 | 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.