Dr. James Christensen, M.D.
Contact & Location
608-252-8000
Madison, WI 53715
Dr. Christensen performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 47% of orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #21 of 40 ranked shoulder surgeons in Wisconsin.
About Dr. Christensen
Practice. Dr. James Christensen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Madison, Wisconsin. The latest annual CMS data records 19 shoulder replacements. That is #21 in Wisconsin for shoulder replacement. Dr. Christensen also holds credentials in Sports Medicine. A Medicare provider since 2012.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2021 to 2024, 4 years. Volume rose from 14 procedures a year to 19, up 36%.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 19 procedures is below the national average of 29. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Madison has 23 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 | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 14 |
| 2022 | 19 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 19 |
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 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Christensen Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Wisconsin state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Christensen's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 36% from 14 procedures in 2021 to 19 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 step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
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. Christensen
How does Dr. Christensen's procedure volume compare to other Wisconsin surgeons?
Dr. Christensen has performed 19 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Wisconsin average is 51 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Christensen ranks #141 out of 189 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Christensen perform?
Dr. Christensen's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 19 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Christensen in Madison?
Yes. There are 23 orthopedic surgeons in Madison 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 Wisconsin surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Christensen 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Christensen's total volume across all insurers at roughly 50 to 70 procedures against the 19 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. Christensen's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Christensen's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 14 procedures in 2021 to 19 in the most recent data, a 36% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 19 procedures in 2022.
Which hospitals is Dr. Christensen affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Christensen is affiliated with Ssm Health St Mary'S Hospital - Madison.
How does Dr. Christensen compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Madison?
Among the 23 orthopedic surgeons in Madison, Dr. Christensen ranks #17 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Madison has 246 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Christensen practices?
Ssm Health St Mary'S Hospital - Madison (4 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 Madison, Wisconsin
Dr. Christensen's 19 Medicare procedures are below the Madison average of 149. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Madison.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Brian Nickel | 246 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Hennessy | 233 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Illgen | 189 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Rajit Chakravarty | 133 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Scott Anderson | 112 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Andrew Livermore | 109 | 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.