Dr. Charles Nelson, MD
Contact & Location
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Dr. Charles Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Nelson has performed 69 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#25 in Pennsylvania) and 68 knee replacements, for a combined total of 137 procedures.
In Pennsylvania, Dr. Nelson performs above average in hip (69 vs 37 avg), above average in knee (68 vs 47 avg).
Dr. Nelson's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (69 cases) and knee replacements (68 cases).
Philadelphia is home to 30 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 12 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 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nelson's 69 verified procedures is above the national average of 36.
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. Nelson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Pennsylvania state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip 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 66 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nelson ranks #47 out of 376 orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nelson perform?
Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (69 cases) and knee replacement (68 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nelson in Philadelphia?
Yes. There are 30 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 12 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 hip replacement (69 cases), knee replacement (68 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 30 orthopedic surgeons in Philadelphia, Dr. Nelson ranks #6 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 162. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Philadelphia.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Melnic | 200 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Craig Israelite | 195 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Purtill | 171 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Stephen Sizer | 165 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Neil Sheth | 138 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Travers | 126 | Hip, 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.