Dr. Stephen Nicholas, MD
Contact & Location
Nyc, NY 10021
Dr. Stephen Nicholas is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Nyc, New York. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Nicholas has performed 28 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#142 in New York) and 14 hip replacements, for a combined total of 42 procedures.
In New York, Dr. Nicholas performs below average in knee (28 vs 47 avg), below average in hip (14 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Nicholas's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (28 cases) and hip replacements (14 cases).
Dr. Nicholas is the only orthopedic surgeon in Nyc represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.
Dr. Nicholas's Medicare record spans 12 years from 2013 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 22 to 70 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Nicholas's 28 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. 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 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. Nicholas's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 42 procedures shown here.
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.
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). 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.