Hip
Dr. Michael Nuzzo, MD
Dr. Michael Nuzzo is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Capitola, California. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Nuzzo has performed 20 Medicare-verified hip replacements, ranking #220 in California.
In California, Dr. Nuzzo performs below average in hip (20 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Nuzzo's Medicare data shows a focused hip replacement practice with 20 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Capitola is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Capitola area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Nuzzo extend back to 2016, covering 6 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 20 in the most recent data, a 82% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Nuzzo's 20 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,526 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Nuzzo Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Contact & Location
Capitola, CA 95010
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nuzzo's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 82% from 11 procedures in 2016 to 20 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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. Nuzzo
How does Dr. Nuzzo's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Nuzzo has performed 20 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 65 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Nuzzo ranks #448 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nuzzo perform?
Dr. Nuzzo's reported Medicare volume is focused on hip replacement, with 20 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nuzzo in Capitola?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Capitola 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. Nuzzo 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. Nuzzo's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 20 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nuzzo's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nuzzo's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2016 to 20 in the most recent data, a 82% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 26 procedures in 2018.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nuzzo affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nuzzo is affiliated with Canyon Vista Medical Center. Dr. Nuzzo maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Nuzzo compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Capitola?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Capitola, Dr. Nuzzo ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Nuzzo is among the highest-volume surgeons in Capitola.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nuzzo practices?
Canyon Vista Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Capitola, California
Dr. Nuzzo's 20 Medicare procedures are below the Capitola average of 63. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Capitola.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Nicholas Abidi | 86 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christian Heywood | 82 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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