Dr. Andrew Nelson, MD
Dr. Andrew Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Galena, Kansas. A Medicare provider since 2014, Dr. Nelson has performed 70 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#33 in Kansas) and 59 hip replacements, for a combined total of 129 procedures.
In Kansas, Dr. Nelson performs near average in knee (70 vs 64 avg), above average in hip (59 vs 37 avg).
Dr. Nelson's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (70 cases) and hip replacements (59 cases).
Galena is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Galena area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Nelson also maintains hospital privileges in KS and MO, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Kansas.
Medicare records for Dr. Nelson extend back to 2019, covering 5 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 129 in the most recent data, a 892% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nelson's 70 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
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. Nelson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Kansas state average.
Contact & Location
Galena, KS 66739
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 892% from 13 procedures in 2019 to 129 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 129 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Kansas average of 81 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nelson ranks #24 out of 118 orthopedic surgeons in Kansas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nelson perform?
Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (70 cases) and hip replacement (59 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nelson in Galena?
Yes. There are 4 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 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 129 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nelson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2019 to 129 in the most recent data, a 892% increase over 5 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 (70 cases), hip replacement (59 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, Mercy Hospital Cassville. Dr. Nelson maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Nelson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Galena?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Galena, Dr. Nelson ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Nelson is among the highest-volume surgeons in Galena.
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 129 Medicare procedures are above the Galena average of 126. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Galena.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jon Banwart | 237 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Ogden | 83 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Robert Stringer | 53 | Knee, Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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