Dr. James Wells, MD
Contact & Location
Johnson City, TN 37601
Dr. James Wells is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Johnson City, Tennessee. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Wells has performed 22 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #32 in Tennessee.
In Tennessee, Dr. Wells performs below average in shoulder (22 vs 32 avg).
Dr. Wells's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 22 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 5 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 22 in the most recent data, a 69% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Wells's 22 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Wells Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Tennessee state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wells's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 69% from 13 procedures in 2020 to 22 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
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 22 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Tennessee average is 65 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Wells ranks #174 out of 219 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 22 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 22 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 22 in the most recent data, a 69% increase over 5 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 22 procedures in 2024.
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 #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Johnson City has 79 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 22 Medicare procedures are below the Johnson City average of 48. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Johnson City.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jason Brashear | 79 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gregory Stewart | 70 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Dustin Price | 50 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Hurst | 42 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Gill | 38 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Larry Waldrop | 34 | Shoulder |
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.