Dr. James E. Ware

About the Doctor

Dr. James E. Ware is an orthopedic surgeon with over 21 years of experience, practicing in Alma, Michigan. He earned his medical degree (DO) from A. T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Ware is affiliated with MyMichigan Medical Center-Alma and MT Pleasant Surgery Center. He has earned a “Patients’ Top Choice” award with a perfect 5/5 patient rating from 47 reviews and four patient awards for clearly explaining, performing thorough exams, and being highly recommended by patients. His clinical expertise includes hip replacement, knee replacement, arthritis, and lower back pain. He accepts a wide range of insurance plans including Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross, and United Healthcare.

• Over 21 years of experience in orthopedic surgery

• Patients’ Top Choice with 5/5 rating from 47 reviews

• Expertise in joint replacement (hip and knee) and arthritis management

• Affiliated with MyMichigan Medical Center-Alma

• Accepts Medicare and major commercial insurance plans

Education & Training

Medical School – A. T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency – Not specified
Fellowship/Additional Training – None specified

Medical Conditions Treated

• Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee

• Lower back pain

• Degenerative joint disease

• Fractures and dislocations

• Rotator cuff tears and shoulder disorders

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Tendonitis and bursitis

• Sports-related injuries (ligament tears, meniscus injuries)

• Bunions and foot/ankle disorders

• Rheumatoid arthritis (orthopedic manifestations)

Medical Procedures Performed

• Total hip replacement

• Total knee replacement

• Partial knee replacement

• Arthroscopic surgery (knee, shoulder)

• Fracture repair (open reduction internal fixation – ORIF)

• Carpal tunnel release

• Rotator cuff repair

• Meniscectomy and meniscal repair

• Trigger finger release

• Bunionectomy

• Joint injection (corticosteroid, viscosupplementation)

Services Offered

Dr. Ware provides comprehensive orthopedic care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, ranging from non-surgical management to advanced surgical interventions. His practice emphasizes thorough examination and clear communication of treatment options. He offers same-day or scheduled consultations for acute injuries, chronic joint pain, and degenerative conditions. Non-surgical services include physical therapy referrals, medication management, and therapeutic injections. When surgery is indicated, Dr. Ware performs joint replacement and arthroscopic procedures using modern techniques to optimize recovery and function. Post-operative care includes rehabilitation coordination and long-term follow-up to monitor joint health.

• Consultations & diagnostic evaluations – history, physical exam, imaging review (X‑ray, MRI, CT)

• Non‑surgical treatment – activity modification, physical therapy, anti‑inflammatory medications, bracing/splinting, joint injections (cortisone, hyaluronic acid)

• Surgical services – hip replacement, knee replacement, arthroscopic knee/shoulder surgery, fracture fixation, tendon repair, carpal tunnel release

• Pre‑operative education – discussion of surgical risks, benefits, expected recovery timeline

• Post‑operative care – incision checks, pain management, rehabilitation coordination, follow‑up X‑rays

• Second opinion consultations for joint replacement or complex orthopedic conditions

• Telehealth visits – follow‑up evaluations and medication management

Accepted Insurances

• Aetna (EPO, HMO, Medicare, POS, PPO)

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (PPO)

• Cigna (PPO)

• CMS Medicare (Medicare)

• Elevance (EPO, HMO, Medicare, POS, PPO)

• McLaren Health Plan (HMO)

• Molina (HMO, Medicare)

• United Healthcare (HMO, POS, PPO)

Practice Locations

Address: 315 E Warwick Dr, Suite B, Alma, MI, 48801
Phone: (989) 463-2333

Hospital Affiliations

• MyMichigan Medical Center-Alma – Alma, Michigan

• MT Pleasant Surgery Center – Mount Pleasant, Michigan (ambulatory surgery center)