Dr. Stephen Nelson, M.D.
Contact & Location
Hamden, CT 06518
Dr. Stephen Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Hamden, Connecticut. A Medicare provider since 2013, Dr. Nelson has performed 59 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#8 in Connecticut) and 22 hip replacements, for a combined total of 81 procedures.
In Connecticut, Dr. Nelson performs above average in knee (59 vs 33 avg), below average in hip (22 vs 32 avg).
Dr. Nelson's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (59 cases) and hip replacements (22 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Nelson holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Hamden is home to 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Hamden 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 2020, covering 5 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 56 to 81 in the most recent data, a 45% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nelson's 59 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
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 Connecticut state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 45% from 56 procedures in 2020 to 81 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 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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 Connecticut surgeons?
Dr. Nelson has performed 81 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Connecticut average of 49 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nelson ranks #19 out of 94 orthopedic surgeons in Connecticut.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nelson perform?
Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (59 cases) and hip replacement (22 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Nelson with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Nelson ranks #8 in Connecticut for knee replacement with 59 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 94 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nelson in Hamden?
Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Hamden 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 Connecticut 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 81 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nelson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 56 procedures in 2020 to 81 in the most recent data, a 45% increase over 5 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 83 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 (59 cases), hip replacement (22 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nelson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nelson is affiliated with Midstate Medical Center, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Bridgeport Hospital.
How does Dr. Nelson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Hamden?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Hamden, Dr. Nelson ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Nelson has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nelson practices?
Midstate Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Yale-New Haven Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Bridgeport Hospital (3 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 Hamden, Connecticut
Dr. Nelson's 81 Medicare procedures are above the Hamden average of 50. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Hamden.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. John McCallum | 81 | Knee |
| Dr. John Irving | 69 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Eric Padegimas | 45 | Shoulder |
| Dr. John Daigneault | 33 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Derek Shia | 23 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Kenoma Anighoro | 16 | Hip |
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.