Dr. James Dowd, M.D.
Contact & Location
757-502-8570
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Dr. Dowd performs more knee replacement procedures than 95% of orthopedic surgeons in Virginia, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #9 of 183 ranked knee surgeons in Virginia.
About Dr. Dowd
Practice. Dr. James Dowd is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The latest annual CMS data records 176 knee replacements and 139 hip replacements, 315 procedures in all. That is #9 in Virginia for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 234 procedures a year to 315, up 35%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 176 procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45. That is #96 nationally.
Local context. Virginia Beach has 13 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 74 | 160 |
| 2014 | 90 | 169 |
| 2015 | 89 | 183 |
| 2016 | 106 | 190 |
| 2017 | 96 | 179 |
| 2018 | 91 | 225 |
| 2019 | 134 | 196 |
| 2020 | 116 | 150 |
| 2021 | 109 | 179 |
| 2022 | 126 | 158 |
| 2023 | 130 | 163 |
| 2024 | 139 | 176 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Dowd Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Virginia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Dowd's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 35% from 234 procedures in 2013 to 315 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. Dowd
How does Dr. Dowd's procedure volume compare to other Virginia surgeons?
Dr. Dowd has performed 315 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the Virginia average of 82 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Dowd ranks #4 out of 229 orthopedic surgeons in Virginia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Dowd perform?
Dr. Dowd's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (176 cases) and hip replacement (139 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Dowd with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Dowd ranks #9 in Virginia for knee replacement with 176 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 229 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Dowd in Virginia Beach?
Yes. There are 13 orthopedic surgeons in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Dowd represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Dowd's total volume across all insurers at roughly 1,050 to 1,320 procedures against the 315 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Dowd's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Dowd's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 234 procedures in 2013 to 315 in the most recent data, a 35% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 330 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Dowd perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Dowd's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (176 cases), hip replacement (139 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Dowd affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Dowd is affiliated with Sentara Leigh Hospital, Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. Dowd compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Virginia Beach?
Among the 13 orthopedic surgeons in Virginia Beach, Dr. Dowd ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Dowd has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Dowd practices?
Sentara Leigh Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Bon Secours Maryview 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 Virginia Beach, Virginia
Dr. Dowd's 315 Medicare procedures are above the Virginia Beach average of 221. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Virginia Beach.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. William Byrd | 298 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Louis Jordan | 289 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Gondusky | 250 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Edward Lambert | 154 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jack Siegel | 131 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Justin Griffin | 110 | 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.