#35 in Tennessee
Shoulder

Dr. J Wells, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
18 procedures 1 hospital Johnson City, TN
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Shoulder replacement recovery kit Slings, cold therapy, and adaptive clothing for recovery
National Comparison by Procedure
Shoulder 18 vs 28 avg (2,092 surgeons)

Dr. J Wells is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Johnson City, Tennessee. Dr. Wells has performed 18 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #35 in Tennessee.

In Tennessee, Dr. Wells performs below average in shoulder (18 vs 33 avg).

Dr. Wells's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 18 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.

Johnson City is home to 12 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Johnson City area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Medicare records for Dr. Wells extend back to 2020, covering 4 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 18 in the most recent data, a 38% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Dr. Wells's 18 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 28 among 2,092 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.

Verified Medicare Cases

Shoulder Replacement
18 verified cases
#35 in Tennessee
Estimated total: 50 – 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. Wells Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Tennessee state average.

Shoulder Below Avg
18 Avg: 33
Dr. Wells Tennessee Average

Contact & Location

2410 Susannah Street
Johnson City, TN 37601
NPI: 1790980845
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Wells's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 38% from 13 procedures in 2020 to 18 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 4
2023 Volume 18
Peak Volume 18 (2023)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Holston Valley Medical Center
★★★☆☆
Kingsport, TN
Similar to national avg

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.

Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview

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

Week 1-3 Arm in a sling for protection. Gentle pendulum exercises under therapist guidance. Focus on pain management and wound care.
Week 4-6 Gradual sling weaning. Begin passive and active-assisted range-of-motion exercises. Light daily activities resume.
Week 7-12 Active range-of-motion exercises. Light strengthening begins. Most patients can drive and perform desk work.
Month 4-6 Progressive strengthening continues. Return to most activities. Full recovery may take 6-12 months for complete shoulder strength.

Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Wells

How does Dr. Wells's procedure volume compare to other Tennessee surgeons?

Dr. Wells has performed 18 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Tennessee average is 64 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Wells ranks #179 out of 214 orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wells perform?

Dr. Wells's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 18 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wells in Johnson City?

Yes. There are 12 orthopedic surgeons in Johnson City 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 Tennessee surgeons.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Wells 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. Wells's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 18 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Wells's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Wells's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2020 to 18 in the most recent data, a 38% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 18 procedures in 2023.

Which hospitals is Dr. Wells affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Wells is affiliated with Holston Valley Medical Center.

How does Dr. Wells compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Johnson City?

Among the 12 orthopedic surgeons in Johnson City, Dr. Wells ranks #10 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Johnson City has 80 verified Medicare procedures.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Wells practices?

Holston Valley Medical Center (3 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 Johnson City, Tennessee

Dr. Wells's 18 Medicare procedures are below the Johnson City average of 44. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Johnson City.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Jason Brashear 80 Hip, Knee
Dr. Gregory Stewart 61 Hip, Knee
Dr. James Goss 41 Hip, Knee
Dr. Thomas Gill 40 Hip, Knee
Dr. Joseph Hurst 36 Hip, Knee
Dr. Dustin Price 31 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. J Wells, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/tn/dr-j-wells-johnson-city.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/tn/dr-j-wells-johnson-city.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.