Dr. James Nelson, MD
Contact & Location
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Dr. James Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Dr. Nelson has performed 12 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #216 in North Carolina.
In North Carolina, Dr. Nelson performs below average in knee (12 vs 44 avg).
Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 12 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.
Rocky Mount is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Rocky Mount area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Nelson's Medicare data spans 10 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 47 procedures in 2013 before settling at 12 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 12 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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 North Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nelson's recorded volume peaked at 47 procedures in 2013 and stood at 12 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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 North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Nelson has performed 12 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The North Carolina average is 61 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Nelson ranks #277 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nelson perform?
Dr. Nelson's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 12 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 Rocky Mount?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Rocky Mount 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 North Carolina 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 12 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nelson's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 47 procedures in 2013 and was 12 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 Unc Health Nash.
How does Dr. Nelson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Rocky Mount?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Rocky Mount, Dr. Nelson ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Nelson is among the highest-volume surgeons in Rocky Mount.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nelson practices?
Unc Health Nash (3 out of 5 CMS stars, 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 Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Dr. Nelson's 12 Medicare procedures are below the Rocky Mount average of 34. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Rocky Mount.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bernard Kemker | 71 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Greig McAvoy | 43 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Hardayal Singh | 11 | 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.