Dr. James Dowd, M.D.
Contact & Location
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Dr. James Dowd is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Virginia Beach, Virginia. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Dowd has performed 176 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#9 in Virginia) and 139 hip replacements, for a combined total of 315 procedures.
In Virginia, Dr. Dowd performs well above average in knee (176 vs 58 avg), well above average in hip (139 vs 47 avg).
Dr. Dowd's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (176 cases) and hip replacements (139 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Dowd holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Virginia Beach is home to 13 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Virginia Beach area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Dowd extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 234 to 315 in the most recent data, a 35% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Dowd's 176 verified procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45, ranking #96 nationally.
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. 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 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. Dowd's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 315 procedures shown here.
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, Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital, Sentara Princess Anne 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.