Dr. James Nelson, MD
Dr. James Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Alexandria, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2010, Dr. Nelson has performed 23 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#82 in Minnesota) and 11 hip replacements, for a combined total of 34 procedures.
In Minnesota, Dr. Nelson performs below average in knee (23 vs 32 avg), below average in hip (11 vs 27 avg).
Dr. Nelson's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (23 cases) and hip replacements (11 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Nelson holds additional credentials in Military Health Care Provider, 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.
Dr. Nelson first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2023. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Nelson's 23 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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)
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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
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.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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 34 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Minnesota average is 47 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Nelson ranks #92 out of 179 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nelson perform?
Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (23 cases) and hip replacement (11 cases).
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 34 procedures shown here.
Does Dr. Nelson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (23 cases), hip replacement (11 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 Alomere Health, Centracare- Rice Memorial Hospital, Glacial Ridge Hospital.
How does Dr. Nelson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Alexandria?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Alexandria, Dr. Nelson ranks #3 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); Centracare- Rice Memorial Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Glacial Ridge Hospital (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 34 Medicare procedures are below 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. Eric Nelson | 76 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Aaron Balgaard | 20 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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