Dr. Stephen Nicholas, MD
Dr. Stephen Nicholas is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Nyc, New York. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Nicholas has completed 28 knee replacements (#142 in New York), 16 hip replacements, and 14 shoulder replacements, totaling 58 Medicare-verified procedures.
In New York, Dr. Nicholas performs below average in knee (28 vs 45 avg), below average in hip (16 vs 42 avg), below average in shoulder (14 vs 28 avg).
Dr. Nicholas performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (28 cases), followed by hip replacements (16) and shoulder replacements (14).
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.
Medicare records for Dr. Nicholas extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 37 to 58 in the most recent data, a 57% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Nicholas's 28 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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.
Contact & Location
Nyc, NY 10021
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nicholas's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 57% from 37 procedures in 2013 to 58 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.
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 58 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the New York average of 67 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nicholas ranks #131 out of 338 orthopedic surgeons in New York.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nicholas perform?
Dr. Nicholas performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (28 cases), hip replacement (16 cases), shoulder replacement (14 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
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 58 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nicholas's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nicholas's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 37 procedures in 2013 to 58 in the most recent data, a 57% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 70 procedures in 2017.
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 (16 cases), shoulder replacement (14 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Nicholas among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
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 Reviews & Ratings
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