Dr. Eric Nelson, MD
Dr. Eric Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Alexandria, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Nelson has completed 48 knee replacements (#28 in Minnesota), 16 shoulder replacements, and 12 hip replacements, totaling 76 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Minnesota, Dr. Nelson performs above average in knee (48 vs 32 avg), below average in shoulder (16 vs 26 avg), below average in hip (12 vs 27 avg).
Dr. Nelson performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (48 cases), followed by shoulder replacements (16) and hip replacements (12).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Nelson holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Alexandria is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Alexandria area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Nelson extend back to 2017, covering 6 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 76 in the most recent data, a 591% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nelson's 48 verified procedures is near 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 Minnesota state average.
Contact & Location
Alexandria, MN 56308
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 591% from 11 procedures in 2017 to 76 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
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 Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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 Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Nelson has performed 76 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Minnesota average of 47 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nelson ranks #36 out of 179 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nelson perform?
Dr. Nelson performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (48 cases), shoulder replacement (16 cases), hip replacement (12 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nelson in Alexandria?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Alexandria 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 Minnesota 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 76 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nelson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2017 to 76 in the most recent data, a 591% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 76 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 (48 cases), shoulder replacement (16 cases), hip replacement (12 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Nelson among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nelson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nelson is affiliated with Alomere Health, Glacial Ridge Hospital, Centracare- Rice Memorial Hospital, Sanford Wheaton Medical Center, Ccm Health.
How does Dr. Nelson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Alexandria?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Alexandria, Dr. Nelson ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Nelson is among the highest-volume surgeons in Alexandria.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nelson practices?
Alomere Health (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Glacial Ridge Hospital (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Centracare- Rice Memorial Hospital (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 Alexandria, Minnesota
Dr. Nelson's 76 Medicare procedures are above the Alexandria average of 54. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Alexandria.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Dennis Weigel | 87 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Nelson | 34 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Aaron Balgaard | 20 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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