Dr. Nathan Nicholson
Dr. Nathan Nicholson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Ottumwa, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2012, Dr. Nicholson has performed 44 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#48 in Iowa) and 32 hip replacements, for a combined total of 76 procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Nicholson performs near average in knee (44 vs 50 avg), near average in hip (32 vs 35 avg).
Dr. Nicholson's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (44 cases) and hip replacements (32 cases).
Dr. Nicholson is the only orthopedic surgeon in Ottumwa represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.
Medicare records for Dr. Nicholson extend back to 2018, covering 6 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 28 to 76 in the most recent data, a 171% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nicholson's 44 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. Nicholson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Contact & Location
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nicholson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 171% from 28 procedures in 2018 to 76 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.
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.
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. Nicholson
How does Dr. Nicholson's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Nicholson has performed 76 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nicholson ranks #39 out of 114 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nicholson perform?
Dr. Nicholson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (44 cases) and hip replacement (32 cases).
Where is Dr. Nicholson's practice located?
Dr. Nicholson practices in Ottumwa, Iowa. The office is located at 1001 Pennsylvania Ave, Ottumwa, IA 52501. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Nicholson for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Nicholson 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. Nicholson's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 76 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nicholson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nicholson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 28 procedures in 2018 to 76 in the most recent data, a 171% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 90 procedures in 2021.
Does Dr. Nicholson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nicholson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (44 cases), hip replacement (32 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nicholson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nicholson is affiliated with Pella Regional Health Center, Keokuk County Health Center, Jefferson County Health Center.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nicholson practices?
Pella Regional Health Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Jefferson County Health 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.
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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