Dr. John Nelligan, MD
Contact & Location
209-536-5780
Sonora, CA 95370
About Dr. Nelligan
Dr. John Nelligan is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Sonora, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Nelligan performed 35 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#134 in California) and 22 knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 57 procedures.
In California, Dr. Nelligan performs near the state average in hip (35 vs 41), below the state average in knee (22 vs 47).
Dr. Nelligan's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (35 cases) and knee replacements (22 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Nelligan holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Sonora is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Sonora area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Nelligan extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 15 to 57 in the most recent data, a 280% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nelligan's 35 verified procedures is near the national average of 36.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 15 |
| 2014 | 0 | 20 |
| 2015 | 11 | 18 |
| 2016 | 0 | 16 |
| 2017 | 0 | 18 |
| 2018 | 11 | 0 |
| 2019 | 16 | 12 |
| 2020 | 0 | 11 |
| 2021 | 16 | 23 |
| 2022 | 16 | 12 |
| 2023 | 25 | 25 |
| 2024 | 35 | 22 |
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. Nelligan Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nelligan's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 280% from 15 procedures in 2013 to 57 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Nelligan
How does Dr. Nelligan's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Nelligan has performed 57 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nelligan ranks #239 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nelligan perform?
Dr. Nelligan's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (35 cases) and knee replacement (22 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nelligan in Sonora?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Sonora 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 California surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Nelligan 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. Nelligan's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 57 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nelligan's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nelligan's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 15 procedures in 2013 to 57 in the most recent data, a 280% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 57 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Nelligan perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nelligan's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (35 cases), knee replacement (22 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nelligan affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nelligan is affiliated with Adventist Health Sonora.
How does Dr. Nelligan compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Sonora?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Sonora, Dr. Nelligan ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Nelligan has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nelligan practices?
Adventist Health Sonora (3 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 Sonora, California
Dr. Nelligan's 57 Medicare procedures are above the Sonora average of 47. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Sonora.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. James Boyd | 56 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Ariana Demers | 27 | 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.