Dr. James MacDougall, MD
Contact & Location
Aberdeen, SD 57401
Dr. James MacDougall is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Aberdeen, South Dakota. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. MacDougall has performed 40 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#16 in South Dakota) and 15 hip replacements, for a combined total of 55 procedures.
In South Dakota, Dr. MacDougall performs near average in knee (40 vs 42 avg), below average in hip (15 vs 36 avg).
Dr. MacDougall's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (40 cases) and hip replacements (15 cases).
Aberdeen is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Aberdeen area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. MacDougall's Medicare record spans 12 years from 2013 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 22 to 55 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. MacDougall's 40 verified procedures is near 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. MacDougall Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Dakota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. MacDougall's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 22 to 55 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. MacDougall
How does Dr. MacDougall's procedure volume compare to other South Dakota surgeons?
Dr. MacDougall has performed 55 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The South Dakota average is 70 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. MacDougall ranks #28 out of 52 orthopedic surgeons in South Dakota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. MacDougall perform?
Dr. MacDougall's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (40 cases) and hip replacement (15 cases).
How experienced is Dr. MacDougall with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. MacDougall ranks #16 in South Dakota for knee replacement with 40 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 52 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. MacDougall in Aberdeen?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Aberdeen 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 Dakota surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. MacDougall 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. MacDougall's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 55 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. MacDougall's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. MacDougall's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 22 to 55 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. MacDougall perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. MacDougall's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (40 cases), hip replacement (15 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. MacDougall affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. MacDougall is affiliated with Avera St Lukes, Prairie Lakes Hospital, Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center, Mobridge Regional Hospital - Cah, Eureka Community Health Services - Cah.
How does Dr. MacDougall compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Aberdeen?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Aberdeen, Dr. MacDougall ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. MacDougall is among the highest-volume surgeons in Aberdeen.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. MacDougall practices?
Avera St Lukes (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Prairie Lakes Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Aberdeen, South Dakota
Dr. MacDougall's 55 Medicare procedures are above the Aberdeen average of 48. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Aberdeen.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Matthew Reynen | 88 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Patrick Miller | 37 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Dalton McDaniel | 13 | 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.