#86 in Indiana
Hip

Dr. Ian Nelson, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
18 procedures 4 hospitals Fort Wayne, IN
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Hip replacement recovery kit Essentials every patient wishes they bought first
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 18 vs 36 avg (4,526 surgeons)

Dr. Ian Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fort Wayne, Indiana. A Medicare provider since 2009, Dr. Nelson has performed 18 Medicare-verified hip replacements, ranking #86 in Indiana.

In Indiana, Dr. Nelson performs below average in hip (18 vs 32 avg).

Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows a focused hip replacement practice with 18 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.

Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Nelson holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.

Fort Wayne is home to 19 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Fort Wayne area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Dr. Nelson's Medicare data spans 3 years, beginning in 2021. Volume peaked at 30 procedures in 2021 before settling at 18 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.

Dr. Nelson's 18 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,526 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.

Verified Medicare Cases

Hip Replacement
18 verified cases
#86 in Indiana
Estimated total: 50 – 50 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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 Indiana state average.

Hip Below Avg
18 Avg: 32
Dr. Nelson Indiana Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 260-436-8686
7601 W Jefferson Blvd
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
NPI: 1043440852
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
17 years of practice experience
Licensed M.D.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Nelson's recorded volume peaked at 30 procedures in 2021 and stood at 18 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.

Years of Data 3
2023 Volume 18
Peak Volume 30 (2021)
Trend Declining

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Dupont Hospital Llc
★★★☆☆
Fort Wayne, IN
Low case volume
H
The Orthopaedic Hospital Of Lutheran Health Networ
Fort Wayne, IN
Similar to national avg
H
Lutheran Hospital Of Indiana
★★☆☆☆
Fort Wayne, IN
Low case volume
H
Cameron Health
★★★☆☆
Angola, IN
Low case volume

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.

Hip Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device (walker or cane). Gentle range-of-motion exercises begin. Most patients can manage basic self-care.
Week 3-6 Transition to walking independently. Resume driving short distances. Physical therapy focuses on strength and balance.
Week 7-12 Return to most daily activities and light exercise. Stair climbing improves. Many patients return to desk work.
Month 4-6 Full recovery for most patients. Resume recreational activities, golf, swimming, and low-impact exercise.

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 Indiana surgeons?

Dr. Nelson has performed 18 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Indiana average is 60 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Nelson ranks #181 out of 222 orthopedic surgeons in Indiana.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nelson perform?

Dr. Nelson's reported Medicare volume is focused on hip replacement, with 18 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nelson in Fort Wayne?

Yes. There are 19 orthopedic surgeons in Fort Wayne 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 Indiana 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 18 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Nelson's procedure volume changed over time?

Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 30 procedures in 2021 and was 18 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.

Which hospitals is Dr. Nelson affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nelson is affiliated with Dupont Hospital Llc, The Orthopaedic Hospital Of Lutheran Health Networ, Lutheran Hospital Of Indiana, Cameron Health.

How does Dr. Nelson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Fort Wayne?

Among the 19 orthopedic surgeons in Fort Wayne, Dr. Nelson ranks #19 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Fort Wayne has 168 verified Medicare procedures.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nelson practices?

Dupont Hospital Llc (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); The Orthopaedic Hospital Of Lutheran Health Networ (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Lutheran Hospital Of Indiana (2 out of 5 CMS stars, 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 Fort Wayne, Indiana

Dr. Nelson's 18 Medicare procedures are below the Fort Wayne average of 98. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Fort Wayne.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. William Berghoff 168 Hip, Knee
Dr. John Paul Manalo 144 Hip, Knee
Dr. Jeffrey Harris 125 Hip, Knee
Dr. Phillip Penny 77 Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Dr. Stephen Wright 76 Knee, Shoulder
Dr. David Conner 75 Knee, Shoulder

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Ian Nelson, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/in/dr-ian-nelson-fort-wayne.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/in/dr-ian-nelson-fort-wayne.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.