Dr. James Nelson, M.D.
Contact & Location
252-962-4450
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Dr. Nelson performs more knee replacement procedures than 5% of orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #216 of 228 ranked knee surgeons in North Carolina.
About Dr. Nelson
Practice. Dr. James Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. The latest annual CMS data records 12 knee replacements. That is #216 in North Carolina for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 10 years. Volume peaked at 47 in 2013 and stands at 12 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 12 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Rocky Mount has 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 16 | 31 |
| 2014 | 0 | 34 |
| 2015 | 13 | 28 |
| 2016 | 13 | 24 |
| 2017 | 0 | 25 |
| 2018 | 11 | 20 |
| 2019 | 0 | 12 |
| 2020 | 0 | 19 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 12 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 | 12 |
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. 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 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 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, which puts Dr. Nelson's total volume across all insurers at roughly 40 to 50 procedures against the 12 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?
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.