Who is the top-ranked shoulder replacement surgeon in Illinois?

Gregory Nicholson in Chicago is the highest-volume shoulder replacement surgeon in Illinois with 91 Medicare procedures. Our rankings list 25 Illinois surgeons by verified Medicare procedure volume. High-volume surgeons are associated with better outcomes and fewer complications.

How many shoulder replacement surgeons are in Illinois?

Illinois has 25 orthopedic surgeons who perform shoulder replacement, with a combined 1,361 Medicare procedures. The average surgeon in our Illinois shoulder replacement rankings performs 54 procedures annually. Top cities include Chicago, Peoria, Saint Louis.

What is the average cost of shoulder replacement in Illinois?

For Medicare beneficiaries in Illinois, out-of-pocket costs for shoulder replacement typically range from $1,500-$4,500 after meeting your deductible. Costs depend on your hospital choice, whether you have outpatient vs. inpatient surgery, and your specific Medicare plan. Reverse shoulder replacement may cost slightly more than anatomic replacement.

Does Medicare cover shoulder replacement surgery in Illinois?

Yes, Medicare Part A and Part B cover medically necessary shoulder replacement surgery in Illinois. Coverage includes the surgery, hospital stay, anesthesia, physical therapy, and durable medical equipment. You'll pay 20% coinsurance after meeting your Part B deductible. All 25 Illinois surgeons in our rankings accept Medicare assignment.

How do I choose the right shoulder replacement surgeon in Illinois?

Compare Illinois shoulder replacement surgeons by: (1) Medicare procedure volume — the top surgeon in Illinois performs 91 procedures; (2) Board certification in orthopedic surgery; (3) Fellowship training in joint replacement; (4) Hospital quality ratings; (5) Use of modern techniques like reverse shoulder replacement when appropriate; (6) Proximity to your home.

What is the recovery time for shoulder replacement?

Initial recovery from shoulder replacement takes 6-8 weeks with arm support in a sling. Full recovery including strength and range of motion takes 6-12 months. Physical therapy typically continues for 3-6 months. Illinois shoulder surgeons provide comprehensive rehabilitation protocols.

Why does surgeon procedure volume matter for shoulder replacement?

Medical research consistently shows that high-volume shoulder replacement surgeons achieve better patient outcomes. Studies published in the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that surgeons performing 50+ procedures annually have lower complication rates, fewer revision surgeries, and higher patient satisfaction. Our Illinois rankings use verified Medicare data to help you identify the most experienced surgeons.

Which cities in Illinois have the best shoulder replacement surgeons?

The top cities for shoulder replacement surgery in Illinois include Chicago, Peoria, Saint Louis. These cities have the highest concentration of experienced shoulder replacement surgeons based on Medicare procedure volume data. We provide city-specific rankings to help you find qualified surgeons near you.

25 Best Shoulder Replacement Surgeons in Illinois (2026)

1

State Rank

NPI: 1477532141

TOP 25 Shoulder Replacement Surgeons in Illinois

How to Read This Data

Gregory Nicholson

Jay Keener, MD

Paul Perry, M.D.

Rolando Izquierdo

Robert Thorsness

Matthew Saltzman, MD

Aaron Bare

Grant Garrigues

Benjamin Zmistowski, MD

Scott Trenhaile

Michael Merkley

Craig Cummins

Miguel Ramirez

Brent Johnson

Treg Brown

Dane Salazar

Guido Marra

Arif Saleem

Thomas Obermeyer

Gregory Drake

Edward Joy

Lewis Shi

Nickolas Garbis

Charles Lehmann

Kevin Rasuli

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Other Procedures in Illinois

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