Dr. Joseph Nelson, MD
Contact & Location
480-909-3788
Gilbert, AZ 85297
Chandler, AZ 85224
Phoenix, AZ 85013
Dr. Nelson performs more hip replacement procedures than 71% of orthopedic surgeons in Arizona, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #31 of 108 ranked hip surgeons in Arizona.
About Dr. Nelson
Dr. Joseph Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Gilbert, Arizona. A Medicare provider since 2015, Dr. Nelson performed 50 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#31 in Arizona) and 43 knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 93 procedures.
In Arizona, Dr. Nelson performs above the state average in hip (50 vs 40), near the state average in knee (43 vs 49).
Dr. Nelson's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (50 cases) and knee replacements (43 cases).
Gilbert is home to 19 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Gilbert area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Nelson extend back to 2020, covering 5 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 52 to 93 in the most recent data, a 79% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,542 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nelson's 50 verified procedures is above the national average of 36.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 31 | 21 |
| 2021 | 39 | 29 |
| 2022 | 11 | 12 |
| 2023 | 40 | 31 |
| 2024 | 50 | 43 |
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 25% to 33% for hip replacement, 23% to 28% for knee 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. Nelson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Arizona state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 79% from 52 procedures in 2020 to 93 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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Nelson
How does Dr. Nelson's procedure volume compare to other Arizona surgeons?
Dr. Nelson has performed 93 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Arizona average of 72 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nelson ranks #51 out of 191 orthopedic surgeons in Arizona.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nelson perform?
Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (50 cases) and knee replacement (43 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nelson in Gilbert?
Yes. There are 19 orthopedic surgeons in Gilbert 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 Arizona surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Nelson 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 25% to 33% for hip replacement, 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Nelson's total volume across all insurers at roughly 310 to 390 procedures against the 93 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. Nelson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 52 procedures in 2020 to 93 in the most recent data, a 79% increase over 5 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 93 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Nelson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (50 cases), knee replacement (43 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nelson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nelson is affiliated with Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, Arizona Specialty Hospital, Chandler Regional Medical Center.
How does Dr. Nelson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Gilbert?
Among the 19 orthopedic surgeons in Gilbert, Dr. Nelson ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Gilbert has 193 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nelson practices?
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Arizona Specialty Hospital (hip/knee complication rate above national average); Chandler Regional Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Gilbert, Arizona
Dr. Nelson's 93 Medicare procedures are below the Gilbert average of 121. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Gilbert.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Bryce | 193 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Maxwell Thomas | 170 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Myerthall | 149 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Earl Feng | 87 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Justin Woodruff | 78 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Dallyn Udall | 75 | 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.