Dr. Charles Nelson, MD
Dr. Charles Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Nelson has performed 70 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#57 in Pennsylvania) and 67 hip replacements, for a combined total of 137 procedures.
In Pennsylvania, Dr. Nelson performs above average in knee (70 vs 45 avg), above average in hip (67 vs 34 avg).
Dr. Nelson's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (70 cases) and hip replacements (67 cases).
Philadelphia is home to 33 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Philadelphia area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Nelson extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 84 to 137 in the most recent data, a 63% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nelson's 70 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
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. Nelson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Pennsylvania state average.
Contact & Location
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 63% from 84 procedures in 2013 to 137 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.
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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Nelson
How does Dr. Nelson's procedure volume compare to other Pennsylvania surgeons?
Dr. Nelson has performed 137 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Pennsylvania average of 63 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nelson ranks #42 out of 388 orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nelson perform?
Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (70 cases) and hip replacement (67 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nelson in Philadelphia?
Yes. There are 33 orthopedic surgeons in Philadelphia 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 Pennsylvania surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Nelson 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. Nelson's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 137 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nelson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 84 procedures in 2013 to 137 in the most recent data, a 63% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 146 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Nelson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (70 cases), hip replacement (67 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nelson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nelson is affiliated with Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Pennsylvania Hospital, Hospital Of Univ Of Pennsylvania.
How does Dr. Nelson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Philadelphia?
Among the 33 orthopedic surgeons in Philadelphia, Dr. Nelson ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Philadelphia has 200 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nelson practices?
Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Pennsylvania Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Hospital Of Univ Of Pennsylvania (5 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dr. Nelson's 137 Medicare procedures are below the Philadelphia average of 159. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Philadelphia.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. James Purtill | 200 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Melnic | 181 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Craig Israelite | 181 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Stephen Sizer | 161 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Paul Courtney | 129 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Booth | 125 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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