Dr. Thomas Nelson, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Thomas Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Tucson, Arizona. In 2023, Dr. Nelson performed 30 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#88 in Arizona) and 12 hip replacements, for a combined total of 42 procedures.

Dr. Nelson's 42 Medicare procedures are near the Arizona median of 46. The state has 190 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Medicare fee-for-service data captures roughly 33–37% of all joint replacements, so total surgical volume is likely higher.

Dr. Nelson's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (30 cases) and hip replacements (12 cases).

Tucson is home to 24 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Tucson area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Verified Medicare Cases (2023)

Knee Replacement
30 verified cases
#88 in Arizona
Hip Replacement
12 verified cases
#99 in Arizona
Estimated total: 110 – 130 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
How is this estimated?

Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims represent approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally (source: CMS data, AJRR). This range estimates the surgeon's total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count above is the definitive, audited figure.

Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-2023)

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Nelson

How does Dr. Nelson's procedure volume compare to other Arizona surgeons?

In 2023, Dr. Nelson performed 42 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Arizona average is 67 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Nelson ranks #101 out of 190 orthopedic surgeons in Arizona.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nelson perform?

Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (30 cases) and hip replacement (12 cases).

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nelson in Tucson?

Yes. There are 24 orthopedic surgeons in Tucson 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 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data for 2023, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This captures approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally. Dr. Nelson's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 42 procedures shown here.

Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Tucson, Arizona

Compare Dr. Nelson's volume with other surgeons practicing in Tucson.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Russell Cohen 229 Hip, Knee
Dr. John Maltry 178 Hip, Knee
Dr. Michael Miller 158 Hip, Knee
Dr. Chad Hills 120 Hip, Knee
Dr. Timothy Dixon 114 Hip, Knee
Dr. Jordan Smith 112 Hip

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Contact & Location

📞 Phone: 520-887-7700
6567 E Carondelet Dr Ste 415
Tucson, AZ 85710
NPI: 1386753895
Credentials: M.D.
✅ Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
📅 20 years of practice experience
🎓 Licensed M.D.
🏥 Licensed surgical specialist
🦴 Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
📞 Contact information available
Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately 33–37% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide (63% of Medicare fee-for-service). Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.