Dr. Matthew Nelsen, MD
Dr. Matthew Nelsen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fargo, North Dakota. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Nelsen has performed 71 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#7 in North Dakota) and 28 hip replacements, for a combined total of 99 procedures.
In North Dakota, Dr. Nelsen performs above average in knee (71 vs 45 avg), below average in hip (28 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Nelsen's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (71 cases) and hip replacements (28 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Nelsen holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Fargo is home to 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Fargo area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Nelsen also maintains hospital privileges in ND and MN, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond North Dakota.
Medicare records for Dr. Nelsen extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 36 to 99 in the most recent data, a 175% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nelsen's 71 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. Nelsen Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Dakota state average.
Contact & Location
Fargo, ND 58103
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nelsen's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 175% from 36 procedures in 2013 to 99 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.
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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Nelsen
How does Dr. Nelsen's procedure volume compare to other North Dakota surgeons?
Dr. Nelsen has performed 99 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the North Dakota average of 66 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nelsen ranks #7 out of 33 orthopedic surgeons in North Dakota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nelsen perform?
Dr. Nelsen's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (71 cases) and hip replacement (28 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Nelsen with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Nelsen ranks #7 in North Dakota for knee replacement with 71 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 33 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nelsen in Fargo?
Yes. There are 10 orthopedic surgeons in Fargo 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 Dakota surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Nelsen 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. Nelsen's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 99 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nelsen's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nelsen's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 36 procedures in 2013 to 99 in the most recent data, a 175% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 99 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Nelsen perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nelsen's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (71 cases), hip replacement (28 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nelsen affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nelsen is affiliated with Sanford, Perham Health. Dr. Nelsen maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Nelsen compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Fargo?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Fargo, Dr. Nelsen ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Nelsen is among the highest-volume surgeons in Fargo.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nelsen practices?
Sanford (4 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 Fargo, North Dakota
Dr. Nelsen's 99 Medicare procedures are above the Fargo average of 97. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Fargo.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Gary Matthys | 169 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Howard Berglund | 166 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Steven Lantz | 80 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kevin Dahl | 80 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Todd Sekundiak | 65 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Philip Johnson | 22 | Knee |
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