Dr. Andrew Nelson, M.D.
Contact & Location
620-783-4441
Galena, KS 66739
Dr. Nelson performs more knee replacement procedures than 74% of orthopedic surgeons in Kansas, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #23 of 89 ranked knee surgeons in Kansas.
About Dr. Nelson
Practice. Dr. Andrew Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Galena, Kansas. The latest annual CMS data records 81 knee replacements and 32 hip replacements, 113 procedures in all. That is #23 in Kansas for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2014.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2019 to 2024, 6 years. Volume rose from 13 procedures a year to 113, up 769%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 81 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Galena has 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Nelson also holds hospital privileges in KS and MO, a practice that extends beyond Kansas.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 13 |
| 2020 | 23 | 12 |
| 2021 | 25 | 13 |
| 2022 | 37 | 40 |
| 2023 | 59 | 70 |
| 2024 | 32 | 81 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Nelson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Kansas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 769% from 13 procedures in 2019 to 113 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. Nelson
How does Dr. Nelson's procedure volume compare to other Kansas surgeons?
Dr. Nelson has performed 113 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Kansas average of 85 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nelson ranks #30 out of 110 orthopedic surgeons in Kansas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nelson perform?
Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (81 cases) and hip replacement (32 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nelson in Galena?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Galena 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 Kansas surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Nelson represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Nelson's total volume across all insurers at roughly 390 to 480 procedures against the 113 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Nelson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2019 to 113 in the most recent data, a 769% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 129 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Nelson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (81 cases), hip replacement (32 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nelson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nelson is affiliated with Mercy Specialty Hospital Southeast Kansas, Mercy Hospital Joplin, Mercy Hospital Carthage, Mercy Hospital Pittsburg, Inc, Freeman Health System - Freeman West. Dr. Nelson maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nelson practices?
Mercy Specialty Hospital Southeast Kansas (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Mercy Hospital Joplin (1 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Mercy Hospital Carthage (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 Galena, Kansas
Dr. Nelson's 113 Medicare procedures are above the Galena average of 91. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Galena.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. John Ogden | 68 | Knee, Shoulder |
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.