Dr. Scott Bigelow, M.D.
Contact & Location
402-436-2000
Lincoln, NE 68510
Dr. Bigelow performs more knee replacement procedures than 43% of orthopedic surgeons in Nebraska, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #34 of 60 ranked knee surgeons in Nebraska.
About Dr. Bigelow
Practice. Dr. Scott Bigelow is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lincoln, Nebraska. The latest annual CMS data records 40 knee replacements. That is #34 in Nebraska for knee replacement. Dr. Bigelow also holds credentials in Sports Medicine. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 175 in 2016 and stands at 40 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 40 procedures is near the national average of 45.
Local context. Lincoln has 19 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 | 26 | 61 |
| 2014 | 35 | 55 |
| 2015 | 39 | 59 |
| 2016 | 45 | 130 |
| 2017 | 37 | 116 |
| 2018 | 37 | 107 |
| 2019 | 38 | 83 |
| 2020 | 20 | 62 |
| 2021 | 24 | 55 |
| 2022 | 27 | 70 |
| 2023 | 32 | 77 |
| 2024 | 0 | 40 |
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. Bigelow Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Nebraska state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bigelow's recorded volume peaked at 175 procedures in 2016 and stood at 40 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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. Bigelow
How does Dr. Bigelow's procedure volume compare to other Nebraska surgeons?
Dr. Bigelow has performed 40 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Nebraska average is 81 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Bigelow ranks #52 out of 72 orthopedic surgeons in Nebraska.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bigelow perform?
Dr. Bigelow's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 40 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bigelow in Lincoln?
Yes. There are 19 orthopedic surgeons in Lincoln 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 Nebraska surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Bigelow 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. Bigelow's total volume across all insurers at roughly 140 to 170 procedures against the 40 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. Bigelow's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Bigelow's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 175 procedures in 2016 and was 40 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.
How does Dr. Bigelow compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Lincoln?
Among the 19 orthopedic surgeons in Lincoln, Dr. Bigelow ranks #13 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Lincoln has 283 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Lincoln, Nebraska
Dr. Bigelow's 40 Medicare procedures are below the Lincoln average of 154. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Lincoln.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. James Gallentine | 283 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Sukchan Lee | 193 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Douglas Koch | 174 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. David Clare | 148 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Benjamin Woodhead | 131 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Brad Webb | 111 | Hip, Knee |
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.