What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.79
Average wait time
4.52
Bedside manner
4.78
“Dr James Chen is very thorough and attentive listening to my problems and he recommends reasonable steps to follow up. I trust him a lot.”
Kou Y.March 16, 2026
“"Dr. Chen was great as always! I really appreciate that he takes the time to show me the MRI images on his laptop so I can actually see what’s going on. He is the only doctor I’d see for my orthopedic needs—I’ve been seeing him since 2018. My last visit before today was during the COVID era in 2023, and it was great to see him again. (By the way, Dr. Chen, you don’t seem to age at all!) Thanks for another great session; I truly appreciate the care. I highly recommend him!"”
John C.February 11, 2026
About Dr. James Chen
I strive to help patients return from injury or disability to an active lifestyle, specific sport, or hobby. I perform advanced and minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery of the knee, shoulder, elbow, hip, and ankle. I practice Sports Medicine and General Orthopaedic Surgery, including fracture care and joint replacement (knee, shoulder, hip, elbow). My special interests include ACL reconstruction and meniscus surgery in the knee, as well as rotator cuff repair and shoulder stabilization. My job is to provide the best possible medical advice and perform surgery when required to restore patients to optimal function. Our team works hard to provide each patient with the respect and attention we would give our own families. I earned my Doctor of Medicine from the University of California, Davis, completed my residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Hawai?i, and hold degrees from Swarthmore College (Bachelor's) and the University of California, Berkeley (Master's).
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
Enter your insurance carrier and plan
choose insurance
In-network insurances
99% of patients have successfully booked with these insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Medicare
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
Areas of expertise
This doctor's experience enhances their expertise in similar cases. Below are the conditions or surgeries they treat most frequently.
Lower back pain
Knee replacement
Rotator cuff injury
Arthritis
Knee arthroscopy
Inflammation or injury of the tendons or ligaments in the leg
Lower back pain
Knee replacement
Rotator cuff injury
Arthritis
Office location
Education and background
Practice names
Hospital affiliations
- California Pacific Medical Center - Pacific Campus
- Saint Francis Memorial Hospital
Board certifications
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery)
Education and training
- Medical School - University of California, Davis, Doctor of Medicine
- Swarthmore College (Bachelor's)
- University of California, Berkeley (Master's)
- University of Hawai‘i, Residency in Orthopedic Surgery
- University of California, San Francisco, Fellowship in Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy
Professional memberships
- Hawaii Orthopaedic Association
- Arthroscopy Association of North America
- International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
- American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
Awards and publications
- Paul R. Lipscomb Award for Excellence in Orthopaedics, UC Davis School of Medicine
- Loren D. Carlson Research Award, UC Davis School of Medicine
- Vernon Thompson Award, Western Orthopaedic Association
Languages spoken
- English
- Chinese (Mandarin)
Provider's gender
Male
NPI number
1306040548
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.79
Wait time
4.52
Bedside manner
4.78
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
1283 reviews
Most relevant
Dr Chen is professional. I have been visiting him since 2017. He provides great advice for my injured knee.
December 17, 2025Initials hidden
Super quick visit just gave me an mri referral that was denied and they didn’t want to do anything about it.
October 7, 2025Farouk G.Verified patient
Yes,I will go back. Very well organized office,friendly staff,punctual and direct communication.
November 12, 2025Steve M.Verified patient
Great thanks only seeing chiro now 2x per week - cut out PT since only working with assistants not actual the actual PT
September 19, 2024Beth D.Verified patient
Dr Chen and staff always take the time to ask about my knee issues , explains and offers solutions
July 21, 2025Mona H.Verified patient
Very knowledgeable. Not chatty, but listened and explained carefully. I
January 28, 2026Garry K.Verified patient
Dr. provided really helpful advice and staff was great. Appreciated him hearing my concerns and addressing them well.
June 1, 2023Selina S.Verified patient
Dr. Chen, is very professional and caring.
He knows his subject matter inside out.
I’m a return patient with a new problem.
September 22, 2021Jagdish P.Verified patient
Dr Chen and his staff are very professional and provide easy to understand explanations for the treatment options
September 20, 2023Mona H.Verified patient
He was nice, efficient but his bedside manner was lacking. I felt as if he thought my case wasnt really worthy of his time.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
He was very professional and knowledgable. I felt very comfortable making a plan with him on how best to support my injury.
February 10, 2014Initials hidden
Quick and professional. Could have used a little more information about the issues with my knee but I'd probably go back.
April 21, 2015Initials hidden
Dr Chen took the time to diagnose my knee problems and throughly explain to me the issue and what I can do to address it.
April 4, 2014Richard W.Verified patient
Dr Chen is professional. He explained my concerns and gave rightful advice about my treatment.
September 18, 2024Ke Fu W.Verified patient
Dr. Chen is very personable and responsive to your inquiries. the office is well run and they have X-ray on premises.
August 22, 2018Jonathan R.Verified patient
Dr. Chen is straight to the point and that is appreciated. His staff is friendly and I’ve always been seen right away!
April 12, 2021Genevieve R.Verified patient
Recently had a large trauma to my leg, Dr Chen and his assistant answered any questions I haf regarding rehabilitation.
August 2, 2017Megan M.Verified patient
i only had brief interaction with Dr. Chen because it was a check up, however he was really friendly and informative.
March 28, 2013Danielle M.Verified patient
Love Dr. Chen - my knee is healing great. Surgery and all appointments have been quick, and he always has a smile :-)
September 20, 2018Denice E.Verified patient
Dr. Chen is great to work with and very professional. I would recommend him to anyone needing an orthopedic surgeon.
October 29, 2012Initials hidden
Super knowledgeable doctor and friendly staff. I had a great experience overall and he made great recommendations.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Extremely satisfied with timely customer experience, professional knowledgeable staff and a great Doc who cared.
More than 1 year agoDan M.Verified patient
Dr. Chen and his staff are so personable and efficient - and he is such a talented doctor. Highly recommend him.
February 26, 2020Annie B.Verified patient
Great. He showed me my MRI results and explained how and why everything worked... or in my case, doesn't work haha
March 7, 2014Lauren R.Verified patient
Great experience. Dr. Chen is great and transparent. I will see him in the future for all my needs
October 27, 2023Thomas P.Verified patient
Dr.James Chen is a great doctor he takes his time to listen to his patients and takes care of theam great doctor
November 4, 2019Doris G.Verified patient
I am hopeful that Dr. Chen will help me take literal steps towards improving my overall health and well being.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Great visit. Dr Chen was friendly and patient. He answered all my questions and never made me feel rushed,
March 3, 2021Lori T.Verified patient
Efficient and fast. Clear about my issue. Staff were very pleasant and cheerful. Overall very good impression.
November 4, 2013Initials hidden
Great. Straight to the point. Listened to me. I didn't feel like I was being over-treated or under-treated.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr Chen and his staff were extremely courteous and professional
July 30, 2025Michael L.Verified patient
Professional and had reviewed my file before coming to see me. This was my 2nd visit. I am very satisfied.
February 6, 2019Flomer W.Verified patient
Excellent surgeon. Well worth the drive into the City.
October 25, 2025Cort M.Verified patient
Dr Chen ordered MRI for my lower back & right knee, until then he did not comment or suggest anything
November 9, 2022Kou Y.Verified patient
Very punctual and on time. Nursing staff very caring too. Listened to concerns and helped provide referrals.
April 1, 2013Initials hidden
Knowledgeable doctor, well informed and great at explaining things to you. Takes the time you need him to.
May 23, 2018Steven P.Verified patient
Love Dr Chen. Always listens to me and where my pain is and comes up with a plan to deal with it.
March 6, 2023Michael L.Verified patient
Dr. Chen and his assistant are professional and patient. Will come back if a follow-up appt is necessary.
June 6, 2019Initials hidden
The treatment was fine, but I think the wait time (~30 minutes) was too long given that I arrived on time.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
awed by the efficiency, professionalism and clinical acumen of this team. very sensitive to the patient.
May 15, 2017Mary Ellen N.Verified patient
Dr. Chen was awesome. He immediately acknowledged my concerns and helped me figure out a treatment plan.
July 8, 2019Taylor C.Verified patient
Dr. Chen and his staff are all very polite, professional and wonderful to deal with. Highly recommended!
August 1, 2018Cort M.Verified patient
Finally helped me resolve 2 years of knee problems! Professional, experienced, really listened to me. A+
June 29, 2016Grace M.Verified patient
My appointments with Dr. Chen are always very good. He's informative and kind as well as professional.
October 24, 2019Susan W.Verified patient
Really great doctor, found the problem in my knee right away and explained perfectly with a knee model.
June 12, 2017Initials hidden
Very professional and listens to your experiences and concerns. Very knowledgeable and informative.
March 30, 2021Paulette M.Verified patient
His staff were professional and efficient! They treated my mother with such great care. Thank you!
June 18, 2013Initials hidden
Dr. Chen was awesome--the wait in the room was short and he got my results back to me super quickly.
October 13, 2012Sidharth S.Verified patient
Very satisfactory! They helped me find a MRI place within the same day. Staff we kind and helpful.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr. Chen is amazing. Well-versed in current research and has patient’s optimal outcome as a goal.
June 17, 2019Anna J.Verified patient
Loading...
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. James Chen?
Generally, Dr. James Chen has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Chen's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. James Chen accepting new patients?
Dr. James Chen generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Chen's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. James Chen accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Chen is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. James Chen online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Chen using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
Which hospital is Dr. James Chen affiliated with?
Dr. James Chen is affiliated with California Pacific Medical Center - Pacific Campus and Saint Francis Memorial Hospital.
What practice does Dr. James Chen work with?
Dr. James Chen works with AO Sportsmed.
Where is Dr. James Chen's office located?
Dr. James Chen's office is located at 450 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94108.
Which board certifications does Dr. James Chen have?
Dr. James Chen is certified by American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery).
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. James Chen?
Dr. James Chen frequently sees patients for Hand Problems, Knee Pain, Knee Problems, Shoulder Pain, and Shoulder Problem. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. James Chen on their profile.
What languages does Dr. James Chen speak?
Dr. James Chen speaks English and Chinese (Mandarin).
How do patients rate Dr. James Chen in reviews?
1283 patients have reviewed Dr. James Chen. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.79/5. They have a 4.78/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.52/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.