Dr. Gregory Nicholson, M.D.
Contact & Location
Chicago, IL 60612
Dr. Gregory Nicholson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Chicago, Illinois. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Nicholson has performed 91 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #1 in Illinois.
In Illinois, Dr. Nicholson performs well above average in shoulder (91 vs 28 avg).
Dr. Nicholson's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 91 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Chicago is home to 43 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. Nicholson extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 64 to 91 in the most recent data, a 42% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nicholson's 91 verified procedures is more than 3x the national average of 28, ranking #52 nationally.
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. Nicholson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Illinois state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nicholson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 42% from 64 procedures in 2013 to 91 in the most recent data.
Patient Resources: Preparing for Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A 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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Nicholson
How does Dr. Nicholson's procedure volume compare to other Illinois surgeons?
Dr. Nicholson has performed 91 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Illinois average of 69 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nicholson ranks #82 out of 323 orthopedic surgeons in Illinois.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nicholson perform?
Dr. Nicholson's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 91 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Nicholson with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Nicholson ranks #1 in Illinois for shoulder replacement with 91 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 323 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nicholson in Chicago?
Yes. There are 43 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. 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 91 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nicholson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nicholson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 64 procedures in 2013 to 91 in the most recent data, a 42% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 116 procedures in 2016.
How does Dr. Nicholson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Chicago?
Among the 43 orthopedic surgeons in Chicago, Dr. Nicholson ranks #13 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Chicago has 308 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Chicago, Illinois
Dr. Nicholson's 91 Medicare procedures are below the Chicago average of 216. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Chicago.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Denis Nam | 308 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Vasili Karas | 269 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Raju Ghate | 256 | Knee |
| Dr. Hany Bedair | 238 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Bryan Haughom | 189 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brett Levine | 160 | 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.