Dr. James Nicholson, M.D.
Contact & Location
East Setauket, NY 11733
Dr. James Nicholson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in East Setauket, New York. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Nicholson has performed 188 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#5 in New York) and 120 hip replacements, for a combined total of 308 procedures.
In New York, Dr. Nicholson performs well above average in knee (188 vs 47 avg), well above average in hip (120 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Nicholson's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (188 cases) and hip replacements (120 cases).
East Setauket is home to 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the East Setauket area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Nicholson extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 172 to 308 in the most recent data, a 79% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nicholson's 188 verified procedures is more than 4x the national average of 45, ranking #71 nationally.
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. Nicholson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the New York state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nicholson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 79% from 172 procedures in 2013 to 308 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Nicholson
How does Dr. Nicholson's procedure volume compare to other New York surgeons?
Dr. Nicholson has performed 308 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 4x the New York average of 69 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nicholson ranks #6 out of 334 orthopedic surgeons in New York.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nicholson perform?
Dr. Nicholson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (188 cases) and hip replacement (120 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Nicholson with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Nicholson ranks #5 in New York for knee replacement with 188 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 334 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nicholson in East Setauket?
Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in East Setauket 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 New York surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Nicholson 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. Nicholson's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 308 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nicholson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nicholson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 172 procedures in 2013 to 308 in the most recent data, a 79% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 308 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Nicholson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nicholson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (188 cases), hip replacement (120 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nicholson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nicholson is affiliated with Stony Brook University Hospital, St Charles Hospital.
How does Dr. Nicholson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in East Setauket?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in East Setauket, Dr. Nicholson ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Nicholson has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nicholson practices?
Stony Brook University Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate better than national average); St Charles Hospital (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 East Setauket, New York
Dr. Nicholson's 308 Medicare procedures are above the East Setauket average of 121. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in East Setauket.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Douglas Petraco | 205 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Fazel Khan | 98 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Mileto | 91 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Gregory Mallo | 80 | Shoulder |
| Dr. John Brennan | 38 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gregory Minutillo | 28 | 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.