Dr. Christopher Nelson, DO
Dr. Christopher Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in West Des Moines, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Nelson has performed 68 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#7 in Iowa) and 59 knee replacements, for a combined total of 127 procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Nelson performs above average in hip (68 vs 35 avg), near average in knee (59 vs 50 avg).
Dr. Nelson's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (68 cases) and knee replacements (59 cases).
West Des Moines is home to 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the West Des Moines 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 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 18 to 127 in the most recent data, a 606% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,526 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nelson's 68 verified procedures is above the national average of 36.
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 Iowa state average.
Contact & Location
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 606% from 18 procedures in 2013 to 127 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.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
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. Nelson
How does Dr. Nelson's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Nelson has performed 127 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nelson ranks #17 out of 114 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nelson perform?
Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (68 cases) and knee replacement (59 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Nelson with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Nelson ranks #7 in Iowa for hip replacement with 68 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 114 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nelson in West Des Moines?
Yes. There are 11 orthopedic surgeons in West Des Moines 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 Iowa 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 127 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nelson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 18 procedures in 2013 to 127 in the most recent data, a 606% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 127 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Nelson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (68 cases), knee replacement (59 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 Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi, Guthrie County Hospital, Greene County Medical Center.
How does Dr. Nelson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in West Des Moines?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in West Des Moines, Dr. Nelson ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Nelson is among the highest-volume surgeons in West Des Moines.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nelson practices?
Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Greene County Medical Center (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 West Des Moines, Iowa
Dr. Nelson's 127 Medicare procedures are above the West Des Moines average of 116. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in West Des Moines.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Barron Bremner | 175 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Matthew Dewall | 149 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Dulaney | 123 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kary Schulte | 94 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Nicholas Honkamp | 76 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Kawsu Barry | 65 | Hip, Knee |
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