Dr. Ellis Nam, MD
Contact & Location
Chicago, IL 60657
Dr. Ellis Nam is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Chicago, Illinois. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Nam has performed 20 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#192 in Illinois) and 14 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 34 procedures.
In Illinois, Dr. Nam performs below average in knee (20 vs 50 avg), below average in shoulder (14 vs 27 avg).
Dr. Nam's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (20 cases) and shoulder replacements (14 cases).
Chicago is home to 41 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Chicago area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Nam extend back to 2013, covering 9 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 34 in the most recent data, a 162% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Nam's 20 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Nam Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Illinois state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nam's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 162% from 13 procedures in 2013 to 34 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Nam
How does Dr. Nam's procedure volume compare to other Illinois surgeons?
Dr. Nam has performed 34 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Illinois average is 69 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Nam ranks #201 out of 316 orthopedic surgeons in Illinois.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nam perform?
Dr. Nam's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (20 cases) and shoulder replacement (14 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nam in Chicago?
Yes. There are 41 orthopedic surgeons in Chicago 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 Illinois surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Nam 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. Nam's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 34 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nam's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nam's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2013 to 34 in the most recent data, a 162% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 34 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Nam perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nam's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (20 cases), shoulder replacement (14 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nam affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nam is affiliated with Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Presence Saint Joseph Hospital - Chicago.
How does Dr. Nam compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Chicago?
Among the 41 orthopedic surgeons in Chicago, Dr. Nam ranks #22 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Chicago has 318 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nam practices?
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Presence Saint Joseph Hospital - Chicago (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 Chicago, Illinois
Dr. Nam's 34 Medicare procedures are below the Chicago average of 206. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Chicago.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Denis Nam | 318 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Vasili Karas | 287 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Raju Ghate | 257 | Knee |
| Dr. Hany Bedair | 249 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Tad Gerlinger | 155 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kevin Hardt | 141 | Hip, Knee |
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.