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James L. Telfer, MD

James Telfer, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Speaks

Languages

English

Provider Groups

  • Trinity Health IHA Medical Group

  • Trinity Health Medical Providers

Primary Contact

(734) 712-0655
Provider Groups
  • Trinity Health IHA Medical Group

  • Trinity Health Medical Providers

Primary Contact
(734) 712-0655

Services & Specialties

Areas of Specialization

  • Orthopedic Surgery

Locations & Contact

Primary Location

Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, Orthopaedics - Ann Arbor Campus

5315 Elliott Dr
Ste 304
Ypsilanti , MI 48197

Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, Orthopaedics - Ann Arbor Campus

Also Affiliated With...

About

James L. Telfer, MD, has been active in general orthopaedic surgery with an emphasis on sports medicine. He completed a fellowship in sports medicine through the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Telfer's practice includes surgery of the knee and shoulder as well as primary joint replacement.

Insurances Accepted

  • Aetna
  • Aetna (Medicare Advantage)
  • Aetna Better Health Medicaid
  • Aetna Better Health of Michigan
  • Aetna Commercial ALL PLANS
  • Aetna Medicare Advantage ALL PLANS
  • BCBS Michigan (Medicare Advantage)
  • BCBS of Michigan Federal / Traditional
  • BCBS of Michigan Medicare Advantage PPO
  • BCBS of Michigan PPO Commercial
  • BCN Medicare Advantage
  • BCN of Michigan HMO
  • BCN of Michigan M Premier Care HMO
  • Blue Care Network of Michigan
  • Blue Cross Complete of Michigan
  • Blue Cross Complete of Michigan - Medicaid
  • BlueCross Blue Shield Michigan
  • Cofinity
  • Cofinity (Network)
  • Community Care
  • Community Care Associates
  • HAP Alliance Health & Life Commercial
  • HAP Alliance Health & Life Medicare Advantage
  • HAP Empowered (Medicaid)
  • Health Alliance Plan of Michigan
  • Humana Medicare Advantage
  • Humana Medicare Advantage ALL PLANS
  • McLaren Commercial ALL PLANS
  • McLaren Health Plan
  • McLaren Medicaid
  • McLaren Medicare Advantage ALL PLANS
  • Medicaid - Michigan
  • Medicaid Michigan
  • Medicare (Traditional)
  • Medicare Michigan
  • Meridian Commercial ALL PLANS
  • Meridian Health Plan
  • Meridian Medicaid
  • Molina Healthcare of Michigan
  • Molina Medicaid
  • Multiplan Network
  • Multiplan PHCS (Network)
  • Physicians Health Plan (PHP)
  • Physicians Health Plan (PHP) Medicare Advantage
  • Physicians Health Plan (PHP) Michigan Cares Network
  • Priority Health
  • Priority Health / Cigna Commercial
  • Priority Health / Cigna Medicare Advantage
  • Priority Health Medicaid
  • Priority Health Medicare
  • Railroad Medicare
  • Railroad Medicare Michigan
  • Tricare (Humana Military) Non-Prime Plans
  • TRICARE (Humana Military) Prime
  • Tricare Humana Military
  • Tricare Prime Remote
  • Trinity Health
  • United Healthcare Commercial ALL PLANS
  • United Healthcare Community Plan (Medicaid)
  • UnitedHealthcare Community Plan Michigan
  • University of Michigan Health Plan
  • Veterans Affairs Community Care Network
  • Veterans Choice Program
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Conditions Treated

  • shoulder pain
  • Joint Replacement
  • Knee
  • Orthopedic Surgery

Education & Certifications

Education

Internship:
Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital

Fellowship:
Sacred Heart Hospital

Medical School:
University of Virginia Health System

Board Certifications

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Provider Groups

Trinity Health IHA Medical Group

Trinity Health Medical Providers

Provider Ratings

The following ratings and reviews are based on verified feedback collected from independently administered patient experience surveys. The ratings and comments submitted by patients reflect their own views and opinions. Patient identities are withheld to ensure confidentiality and privacy. Learn More >

4.8 out of 5

(384 ratings)

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

200 Reviews

09/17/2024

Excellent

08/22/2024

I was glad to drive to West Arbor instead of the Ypsilanti complex as I live in Western Washtenaw co.

08/22/2024

The issue at hand was not addressed. Instead I was referred to another doctor. It was not my choice or decision to pick this particular doctor in the first place and I was told I couldn鈥檛 choose another one. Complete waste of my time. I left frustrated and confused with no answers to my issues!

08/13/2024

Very helpful with my concerns

08/08/2024

It is been covered!!!

08/07/2024

He is exceptional. He listens, asks questions and remembers me from previous visits

07/25/2024

Everyone should be so lucky as to have Dr. Telfer on their health care team.

07/18/2024

He listens tells it like it is if you are over weight is very helpful I just really like him office staff is professional and caring

07/18/2024

Very knowledgeable

07/09/2024

Like I said before this place listens does act like see this before you are treated for you not the one He just saw

07/03/2024

Very postive

07/03/2024

I learned alot about the knee process. The manual knee was a great tool to use to get an ideal of what your knee will look like after surgery. Dr. Tefler was not pushy, but very knowledge. He appeared a little shy initially, but I appreciated his ability to open up more as I asked more and more questions.

06/27/2024

Great service and professional

06/26/2024

Very pleased

06/26/2024

Always a postive visit

06/25/2024

I feel listened to when I express my pain and concerns

06/20/2024

Dr Telfer is always great

06/19/2024

Dr. Telfer is friendly, patient and knowledgeable

06/18/2024

Polite, patient, knowledgeable

06/04/2024

Dr. James Telfer is excellent. I trust him with my health completely.

05/15/2024

I liked the fact that he was straight forward about the issues I'm having.

05/15/2024

I intend to hold on to him

05/02/2024

I feel like because he didn't see anything on the x-ray (besides the "bump") meant that there wasn't a problem that PT couldn't fix.

05/01/2024

Dr. Telfer was very patient and explained everything step by step.

04/30/2024

Everyone has always been great to me, and they have helped me quite a bit.

04/11/2024

Full exam, answered questions, and educated me.

04/03/2024

I Could Not Tell The Difference Between Dr.Telfer And Dr. Denzien, My Needs Were Addressed With The Professionalism I Expected.

02/29/2024

Just wish the arrival time would be adjusted when a patient completes the digital sign in.

02/28/2024

cared about me.

02/14/2024

Dr. Telefer never looks me in the eye... he speaks at me looking away or with his eyes closed. Not sure why that is, but I like him as my Ortho Surgeon so I tolerate it.

02/01/2024

Trust him.

02/01/2024

Very kind and thoughtful

02/01/2024

Checking in was not user friendly

01/31/2024

Give them all a raise!!!

01/25/2024

Wouldn鈥檛 come back again

01/24/2024

Explained things well

01/24/2024

Always professional and thoughtful

01/11/2024

He was knowledgeable and good at explaining why I was getting pain

01/11/2024

All went well very organized polite and kind

01/10/2024

Dr. Telfer listened carefully to me. I highly recommend him.

01/10/2024

Listens and gives good assessment

12/20/2023

I trust Dr. Telfer to do my next total knee replacement.

12/07/2023

Great ultrasound technician.

11/30/2023

馃憤馃従

11/30/2023

Very satisfied with all I had contact at my visit.

11/29/2023

Always kind. Uses non medical terms to explain things.

11/21/2023

Was very please with everything. Knee replacement!

11/01/2023

Listened with understand about the problem I was having and understood the pain I was having and was ready to help with a new knee joint.

11/01/2023

Hiis explanations put me at ease

10/26/2023

Excellent Doctor

10/26/2023

Didn鈥檛 leave me waiting for services, explained agenda

10/17/2023

It was Very Good.

10/11/2023

They were concerned with my problem and were running test to determine what was wrong

09/27/2023

This is a great practice

09/16/2023

Very professional

09/13/2023

Very kind and very knowledgeable doctor.

08/25/2023

Provider was helpful with my concerns and skillful with delivery of treatment.

08/24/2023

They were willing to work with me to ultimately be seen after being sent to the wrong office

08/21/2023

The right place to be

08/19/2023

Dr. Telfer has been my go-to Ortho doctor for some time now & I wouldn鈥檛 change a thing

08/17/2023

Reminded me that I could contact him at any time if I had questions.

08/16/2023

I think he鈥檚 a great Doctor and good man.

08/10/2023

Everybody is always very nice

08/10/2023

Didn't have to wait long for my Dr to see me

07/21/2023

providers were on time. explained the procedures in a timely fashion,

07/07/2023

Everything was good. Great service.

06/30/2023

Dr. Telfer explained what was medically going on thoroughly in a way I could understand

06/28/2023

Other than the previously mentioned, thing was wonderful

06/08/2023

Entire staff is awesome and caring. I recommend Dr. Tefler for ANY orthopedic issues.

06/01/2023

Great staff

05/31/2023

I鈥檓 glad my primary care doctor recommended the doctor to me.

05/18/2023

I would return again to see Dr. Telfer if and when needed.

05/10/2023

Very professional

05/10/2023

At this point, I would only schedule an appointment w/him to drain fluid off my knee's nothing else..

04/28/2023

Took lots of time with me.

04/26/2023

Excellent!

04/20/2023

I was pleased with his demeanor, his knowledge and ability to listen and communicate.

04/20/2023

Excellent experience. Would recommend Dr.Telfer.

04/13/2023

A-1

04/06/2023

They listened tomy concerns

03/31/2023

I trust Dr. Telfers opinion and experience

03/17/2023

Transparent, Trust worthy and believable.

03/10/2023

Very companionate.

03/10/2023

I would not recommend this doctor to any of my friends

03/09/2023

Very personable

02/24/2023

I would never go back to this Doctor. Nor would I recommend him. He Kept his eyes Closed the entire time he spoke to me.

02/16/2023

Dr. Telfer was very thoughtful in his treatment recommendations and he explained everything really well.

02/10/2023

Dr. Telfor is very good at explaining everything and giving me the options.

02/09/2023

He is just awesome

02/04/2023

He is a wonderful caring awesome Doctor! The best of best!

08/05/2022

My visit went really well. It was the happiest doctor's office I have been too. Everyone was amazing!

07/21/2022

Satisfied.

06/27/2022

Waited in reception area & fair amount of time.

06/24/2022

Dr. Telfer is very good about explaining everything about my hip replacement surgery and the recovery period.

06/23/2022

Easy and relax.

06/22/2022

Very Good!

06/16/2022

Knowledgeable & friendly.

06/15/2022

Excellent. I received my steroid shot in left shoulder - it went very well and my shoulder feels great!

06/11/2022

Fantastic

06/03/2022

Listened, helpful.

05/31/2022

Always helpful to see Dr Telfer

05/27/2022

Dr. Telfer was very concern and polite caring Doctor.

05/24/2022

The doctor could have allowed time for questions; I felt as though he talked at me rather than listened to my questions and concerns when it came to discussing something as serious as surgery. He seemed anxious to end the appointment without any direction or advice as to what I could do while waiting for my next appointment. There didn't seem to any clear path forward other than a follow-up visit scheduled in two weeks.

05/19/2022

I H A has great doctors and staff this is why I come here

05/18/2022

Excellent care and I'm better.

05/12/2022

Because this was my first visit to this office, it would have helped to know I might be given an x-ray...just for time planning. Also, I liked how Dr. Telfer's listened and talked to me. But I like to understand what is happening physiologically. So I would have liked more clarity from him about what he was thinking in terms of a diagnosis and/or cause. I eventually understood that the rotator cuff muscles are a likely culprit and there may be some internal adhesion (?) of a tendon to the capsule...but maybe this understanding is completely wrong. It was jus what I was able to glean.

05/06/2022

Doctor & staff were attentive, competent professionals, who listened & responded with expertise & sensitivity. individespertise

04/29/2022

Was great

04/28/2022

Excellent

04/28/2022

Excellent!

04/26/2022

Dr Telfer always takes care of my knees. Takes about 5 minutes twice per year. Very grateful that it continues to work.

04/26/2022

I thought Dr. Telfer was very courteous and explained in a clear manner what my condition is. This visit was very helpful. I am so glad I went to see him.

04/23/2022

Dr. Telfer was very willing to answer any questions, made a return visit in 2 months to see how things are going and will decide our next move if needed

04/23/2022

SATISIFIED

04/19/2022

*Dr. Telfer was compassionate, professional & responsive to my needs. Other than not introducing himself to me as a new patient, he was excellent!!!

04/18/2022

Very well.

04/15/2022

Very good

04/15/2022

Dr. Telfer is an excellent doctor.

04/13/2022

Very good

02/25/2022

Very professional

02/19/2022

Dr. Telfer answered all my questions @ my visit. My experience was good.

02/18/2022

A very nice person who has helped me alot.

02/17/2022

I came to find out the cause of my hip pain.

02/16/2022

Dr. Telfer is very kind & compassionate. Very thorough. !Great doctor!

02/08/2022

OK.

01/27/2022

Doctor Telfer was my doctor when I shattered my shoulder in pieces [.... ] I was In horrible pain. I had no Idea who he was but I was so blessed to have him when It was time to do my surgery. He was so compassionate, and made me feel that he was going to do everything In his power to fix me. [....] He knew how Important It was to get my shoulder back to normal as he could. Today when I saw him regarding my shoulder I realized he still is the caring, very knowledgeable, understanding, personable doctor with that warm compassionate heart in listening to me like he was many years ago. We need more doctors like him that love their jobs and make their patients feel important, especially when they are in pain. Dr. Telfer and I can't forget the many times I have seen Dr. Wild too .the BEST in the their field .

01/25/2022

Very personable.

01/25/2022

Good.

01/19/2022

Pleasant informative

01/14/2022

This is an on-going maintenance issue. It's been consistently good.

01/13/2022

Excellent as always

01/12/2022

I trust dr. Telfer and would recommend him to others. Surgery is his last resort for injury and suggest physical therapy or injections before the latter. Really like dr. Telfer.

01/07/2022

Very good and thorough.

01/05/2022

After surgery check up. OK.

01/02/2022

He was an orthopedic, taking care of broken bones - not general health needs.

12/30/2021

Dr. Telfer and his staff are great, he listens to me and uses common sense on treatment options in regards to how they will effect my day to day activities.

12/28/2021

Everything was great!

12/22/2021

Very good, routine appointment.

12/14/2021

It was excellent

12/14/2021

Great

12/09/2021

Dr Telfer was excellent

11/30/2021

It was my first visit to Dr. Telford and I thought he and his staff were terrific.

11/24/2021

Dr. Telfer was excellent -- listened well, understood problem, and communicated well.

11/22/2021

Excelkent

11/20/2021

Excellent doctor who listens and takes time to understand problem.

11/11/2021

Very good and informative.

11/04/2021

I enjoy this office and have been a patient for many years.

10/29/2021

Everything was very good

10/23/2021

They don't get any better than Dr Telfer !! He is the very best !! I'm very blessed to have him as my Doctor!!

10/20/2021

I received excellent care from both the doctor and office staff.

10/19/2021

Declined a follow up x-ray as he felt that since my pain was subsiding it was more than likely healing up.

10/15/2021

He is wonderful and has been since 1997 with my knee needs

10/14/2021

Dr Telfer was outstanding and explained the issue and showed xrays to us.

10/14/2021

Excellent

10/05/2021

The experience was okay. It didn't seem like the doctor had much time to focus on me one on one. It seems like I had to ask the questions to get the information I needed.

10/02/2021

My experience was very good.

09/30/2021

Dr. Telfer is an excellent, caring physician. He explains clearly to the patient.

09/29/2021

The doctor was very respectful and listen to what I had to say

09/29/2021

He was pleasant but seemed VERY rushed , busy with patients.

09/28/2021

Dr Telfer is the most considerate doctor. He listens, advises, and thinks outside of the box for my care. I feel that he is very concerned about a realistic solution regarding my orthopaedic issues. He does not appear to be in a hurry. He is patient!

09/28/2021

Dr. Telfer was knowledgeable and professional. He administered shots to my knees very skillfully.

09/19/2021

He is a very compassionate Dr. He is kind and thoughtful and listened. One of the best Dr's I have

09/16/2021

I have complete confidence in Dr. Telfer and have always been pleased with his care.

09/16/2021

Dr. Teller is amazing. He listened to everything I'm had to say, did a professional exam, injected my knee and I didn't even feel it.

09/15/2021

Dr Telfer is competent, knowledgeable and shows empathy.

09/09/2021

It reassured me that I was in good hands and the staff was very knowledgeable.

08/26/2021

It was quick and informative

08/23/2021

Dr. Telfer is an outstanding physician. He is very knowledgeable, and excellent diagnostician, and he provides excellent education to the patient.

08/19/2021

An expeditious medical visit that accomplished the purpose of the visit

08/19/2021

Got all the information that I was looking for from Dr. Telfer. I feel like I can work well with him, as I continue to address some inevitable health challenges.I appreciate having that reliability.

08/18/2021

Dr. Telfer was very pleasant and knowledgeable.

08/16/2021

Fast and very professional.

08/12/2021

I was VERY HAPPY WITH THE SERVICES.

08/12/2021

Dr Telfer is an exceptional health care provider. My entire family uses his services for surgery.

08/06/2021

Got me the help I needed fast.

08/05/2021

Dr. Telfer was very condescending from the moment he came into the room. I have had knee pain for months and his only answer was lose weight. He could not get out of the room fast enough. I will not be back.

07/31/2021

Listen very well and knows He Job.

07/29/2021

Pleasant, efficient, caring

07/29/2021

I am sure he is very knowledgeable. I was not satisfied. I will now go back to my GP and request further testing.

07/27/2021

Dr. Telfer was very patient with my [....] mother who suffers from dementia. The visit was for her knee pain but she also examined the site of her recent hip replacement which saved my mom from having to make another trip to the clinic.

07/21/2021

Very good

07/14/2021

As with previous visits - always professional.

07/14/2021

Dr. Telfer is a good listener and very knowledgeable. He's a person you can trust.

07/13/2021

Everything went well and everyone was very helpful.

07/07/2021

Great meeting, pre-op discussion.

06/25/2021

Dr. Telfer is skilled and caring. The best!

06/25/2021

Exceptional. Professional. Thorough. Graceful. Friendly.

06/23/2021

very professional as always.

06/21/2021

Good experience, Dr Telfer gave great care.

06/18/2021

Provider was excellent and attended to all my needs and questions.

06/17/2021

Listened well and didn't interrupt.

06/16/2021

Dr. Tellfer always leaves me satisfied.

06/14/2021

The physician gave me great care.

06/11/2021

It feels like Dr Telfer and his staff truly care about me.

06/11/2021

It was excellent.

06/10/2021

Fast, friendly, and thorough at all stages of care.

06/09/2021

I always enjoy seeing Dr. Telfer. He carefully listens to my questions and concerns, he addresses them and shares his own opinion and knowledge, and gives you autonomy in decision making while also affirming decisions when appropriate. I always feel heard, well cared for, and in good hands. You want to trust your surgeon, and I sure do.

06/04/2021

Dr. Telfer treated me with courtesy and respect and was very helpful in dealing with my knee pain.

06/04/2021

excellent

06/02/2021

not real friendly.
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