After reading the previous reviews for Dr. James, I'm sad but not completely surprised that several clients have had problems. I agree that it is sometimes difficult to reach the NCOA (Northern California Orthopedic Associates) staff and that follow up has not been stellar, but I think those problems have been addressed in the two years I've been associated with NCOA. And on the bright side, several NCOA staff members have gone the extra mile in my case. I've had two total hip joint replacement surgeries with Dr. James. He completed total right hip arthroplasty on my right hip in Aug 2023 at Mercy General Sacramento CA, and the same for my left hip in Feb 2025 at SNMH, Grass Valley CA. The 1st procedure was normal, although I did spend two nights in hospital. Recovery following that was normal. The 2nd procedure was done at SNMH and was accomplished outpatient. I was apprehensive about going home right away, but it worked out much better. Recovery has been much faster, and three weeks later, I'm pain free and totally functional. Overall, NCOA has been good to work with. I'm genuinely sorry that other's have had problems, but once one works through the process, Dr. James is, for me, a miracle worker. My hip function is fully restored, equal to someone decades younger. Dr. James for me has also been great to work with, and unless you prefer driving to Sacramento or San Francisco, I can vouch for Dr. James, right here in Grass Valley. He has far exceeded my expectations, and the staff has caught up too, in consideration of previous reviews. read more