Dr. Stephen Nicholas, M.D.
Contact & Location
212-737-3301
Nyc, NY 10021
Dr. Nicholas performs more knee replacement procedures than 47% of orthopedic surgeons in New York, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #142 of 269 ranked knee surgeons in New York.
About Dr. Nicholas
Practice. Dr. Stephen Nicholas is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Nyc, New York. The latest annual CMS data records 28 knee replacements and 14 hip replacements, 42 procedures in all. That is #142 in New York for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume has held between 22 and 70 procedures a year.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 28 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 37 | 0 |
| 2014 | 16 | 33 | 0 |
| 2015 | 13 | 28 | 0 |
| 2016 | 13 | 29 | 0 |
| 2017 | 11 | 59 | 0 |
| 2018 | 13 | 39 | 0 |
| 2019 | 20 | 33 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 22 | 0 |
| 2021 | 11 | 26 | 0 |
| 2022 | 11 | 24 | 0 |
| 2023 | 16 | 28 | 14 |
| 2024 | 14 | 28 | 0 |
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, 25% to 33% for hip 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. Nicholas Compares
Procedure volume compared to the New York state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nicholas's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 22 to 70 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Nicholas
How does Dr. Nicholas's procedure volume compare to other New York surgeons?
Dr. Nicholas has performed 42 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The New York average is 69 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Nicholas ranks #184 out of 334 orthopedic surgeons in New York.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nicholas perform?
Dr. Nicholas's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (28 cases) and hip replacement (14 cases).
Where is Dr. Nicholas's practice located?
Dr. Nicholas practices in Nyc, New York. The office is located at 130 E 77th St, Nyc, NY 10021. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Nicholas for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Nicholas 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Nicholas's total volume across all insurers at roughly 140 to 180 procedures against the 42 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. Nicholas's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Nicholas's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 22 to 70 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Nicholas perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nicholas's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (28 cases), hip replacement (14 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nicholas affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nicholas is affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital, Hospital For Special Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nicholas practices?
Lenox Hill Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Hospital For Special Surgery (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); New York-Presbyterian Hospital (5 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.
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.