Dr. Nicholas Grimaldi, D.O.
Contact & Location
Columbia, SC 29203
Dr. Nicholas Grimaldi is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbia, South Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Grimaldi has performed 12 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #117 in South Carolina.
In South Carolina, Dr. Grimaldi performs below average in knee (12 vs 58 avg).
Dr. Grimaldi's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 12 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Grimaldi holds additional credentials in Orthopaedic Surgery of the Spine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Columbia is home to 14 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Columbia area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Grimaldi's Medicare data spans 7 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 22 procedures in 2023 before settling at 12 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Grimaldi's 12 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. Grimaldi Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Grimaldi's recorded volume peaked at 22 procedures in 2023 and stood at 12 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. Grimaldi
How does Dr. Grimaldi's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Grimaldi has performed 12 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The South Carolina average is 76 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Grimaldi ranks #151 out of 158 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Grimaldi perform?
Dr. Grimaldi's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 12 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Grimaldi in Columbia?
Yes. There are 14 orthopedic surgeons in Columbia 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 South Carolina surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Grimaldi 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. Grimaldi's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 12 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Grimaldi's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Grimaldi's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 22 procedures in 2023 and was 12 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Which hospitals is Dr. Grimaldi affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Grimaldi is affiliated with Musc Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown, Kershaw Medical Center.
How does Dr. Grimaldi compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Columbia?
Among the 14 orthopedic surgeons in Columbia, Dr. Grimaldi ranks #13 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Columbia has 205 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Grimaldi practices?
Musc Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Kershaw Medical Center (3 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.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Columbia, South Carolina
Dr. Grimaldi's 12 Medicare procedures are below the Columbia average of 113. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbia.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jeffrey Hopkins | 205 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Bradley Presnal | 175 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Slif Ulrich | 117 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Coleman Fowble | 100 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James O'leary | 97 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Corey Hamilton | 83 | 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.