Dr. Thomas Nelson, M.D.
Contact & Location
Tucson, AZ 85710
Dr. Thomas Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Tucson, Arizona. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Nelson has performed 30 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#90 in Arizona) and 12 hip replacements, for a combined total of 42 procedures.
In Arizona, Dr. Nelson performs below average in knee (30 vs 49 avg), below average in hip (12 vs 37 avg).
Dr. Nelson's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (30 cases) and hip replacements (12 cases).
Tucson is home to 27 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.
Medicare records for Dr. Nelson extend back to 2013, covering 8 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 14 to 42 in the most recent data, a 200% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Nelson's 30 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Verified Medicare Cases
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.
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 8 years, increasing 200% from 14 procedures in 2013 to 42 in the most recent data.
Patient Resources: Preparing for Knee Replacement
If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
An overview of current surgical approaches including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques, implant options, and expected outcomes.
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.
Knee Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full knee 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 42 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Arizona average is 68 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Nelson ranks #103 out of 193 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 27 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 the most recent Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, 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.
Has Dr. Nelson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 14 procedures in 2013 to 42 in the most recent data, a 200% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 54 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Nelson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (30 cases), hip replacement (12 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
How does Dr. Nelson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Tucson?
Among the 27 orthopedic surgeons in Tucson, Dr. Nelson ranks #16 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Tucson has 229 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Tucson, Arizona
Dr. Nelson's 42 Medicare procedures are below the Tucson average of 146. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Tucson.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Russell Cohen | 229 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Maltry | 178 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Wild | 178 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Miller | 158 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Chad Hills | 120 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Timothy Dixon | 114 | 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.