#128 Hip
#131 Knee

Dr. Nicholas Abidi, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
86 procedures 3 hospitals Capitola, CA
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 35 vs 36 avg (4,526 surgeons)
Knee 51 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Nicholas Abidi is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Capitola, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Abidi has performed 51 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#131 in California) and 35 hip replacements, for a combined total of 86 procedures.

In California, Dr. Abidi performs near average in knee (51 vs 45 avg), near average in hip (35 vs 41 avg).

Dr. Abidi's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (51 cases) and hip replacements (35 cases).

Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Abidi holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.

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. Abidi extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 50 to 86 in the most recent data, a 72% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Abidi's 51 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
51 verified cases
#131 in California
Hip Replacement
35 verified cases
#128 in California
Estimated total: 230 – 260 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.

How Dr. Abidi Compares

Procedure volume compared to the California state average.

Hip Average
35 Avg: 41
Knee Average
51 Avg: 45
Dr. Abidi California Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 831-475-4024
4140 Jade St Ste 100
Capitola, CA 95010
NPI: 1548273758
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
20 years of practice experience
Licensed MD
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Abidi's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 72% from 50 procedures in 2013 to 86 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 86
Peak Volume 95 (2021)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Dominican Hospital
★★★★★
Santa Cruz, CA
Similar to national avg
H
Watsonville Community Hospital
★☆☆☆☆
Watsonville, CA
Low case volume
H
El Camino Health
★★★★☆
Mountain View, CA
Similar to national avg

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Abidi

How does Dr. Abidi's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?

Dr. Abidi has performed 86 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the California average of 65 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Abidi ranks #140 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Abidi perform?

Dr. Abidi's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (51 cases) and hip replacement (35 cases).

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Abidi 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. Abidi 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. Abidi's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 86 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Abidi's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Abidi's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 50 procedures in 2013 to 86 in the most recent data, a 72% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 95 procedures in 2021.

Does Dr. Abidi perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Abidi's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (51 cases), hip replacement (35 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.

Which hospitals is Dr. Abidi affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Abidi is affiliated with Dominican Hospital, Watsonville Community Hospital, El Camino Health.

How does Dr. Abidi compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Capitola?

Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Capitola, Dr. Abidi ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Abidi has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Abidi practices?

Dominican Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Watsonville Community Hospital (1 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); El Camino Health (4 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. Abidi's 86 Medicare procedures are above the Capitola average of 63. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Capitola.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Christian Heywood 82 Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Dr. Michael Nuzzo 20 Hip

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Nicholas Abidi, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ca/dr-nicholas-abidi-capitola.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ca/dr-nicholas-abidi-capitola.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

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 one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.