Dr. James Harris, MD
Contact & Location
Tyler, TX 75701
Dr. James Harris is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Tyler, Texas. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Harris has performed 24 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #314 in Texas.
In Texas, Dr. Harris performs below average in knee (24 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Harris's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 24 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.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Harris holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Tyler is home to 15 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Tyler area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Harris's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 49 procedures in 2015 before settling at 24 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Harris's 24 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 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. Harris Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Harris's recorded volume peaked at 49 procedures in 2015 and stood at 24 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Harris
How does Dr. Harris's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Harris has performed 24 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Texas average is 57 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Harris ranks #408 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Harris perform?
Dr. Harris's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 24 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Harris in Tyler?
Yes. There are 15 orthopedic surgeons in Tyler 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 Texas surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Harris 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. Harris's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 24 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Harris's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Harris's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 49 procedures in 2015 and was 24 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Which hospitals is Dr. Harris affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Harris is affiliated with Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital, Ut Health East Texas Athens Hospital, Ut Health East Texas Tyler Regional Hospital, Christus Mother Frances Hospital, Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center.
How does Dr. Harris compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Tyler?
Among the 15 orthopedic surgeons in Tyler, Dr. Harris ranks #14 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Tyler has 416 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Harris practices?
Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Ut Health East Texas Athens Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Ut Health East Texas Tyler Regional Hospital (1 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 Tyler, Texas
Dr. Harris's 24 Medicare procedures are below the Tyler average of 137. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Tyler.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kenneth Kaminski | 416 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Andrew Hester | 180 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Conflitti | 92 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Roger McCown | 92 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. William Hobbs | 79 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Thomas Volatile | 76 | 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.