Dr. Daniel Nelson, M.D.
Contact & Location
605-217-2667
Dakota Dunes, SD 57049
Dr. Nelson performs more hip replacement procedures than 89% of orthopedic surgeons in South Dakota, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #3 of 29 ranked hip surgeons in South Dakota.
About Dr. Nelson
Practice. Dr. Daniel Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. The latest annual CMS data records 80 hip replacements and 67 knee replacements, 147 procedures in all. That is #3 in South Dakota for hip replacement.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 52 procedures a year to 147, up 183%.
National context. Among 4,542 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 80 procedures is more than 2x the national average of 36.
Local context. Dakota Dunes has 9 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Nelson also holds hospital privileges in SD and IA, a practice that extends beyond South Dakota.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 25 | 27 |
| 2014 | 35 | 17 |
| 2015 | 56 | 25 |
| 2016 | 69 | 54 |
| 2017 | 84 | 65 |
| 2018 | 92 | 55 |
| 2019 | 87 | 57 |
| 2020 | 83 | 52 |
| 2021 | 104 | 58 |
| 2022 | 77 | 53 |
| 2023 | 70 | 51 |
| 2024 | 80 | 67 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 25% to 33% for hip replacement, 23% to 28% for knee replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Nelson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Dakota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 183% from 52 procedures in 2013 to 147 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.
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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
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 South Dakota surgeons?
Dr. Nelson has performed 147 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the South Dakota average of 70 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nelson ranks #5 out of 52 orthopedic surgeons in South Dakota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nelson perform?
Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (80 cases) and knee replacement (67 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Nelson with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Nelson ranks #3 in South Dakota for hip replacement with 80 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 52 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nelson in Dakota Dunes?
Yes. There are 9 orthopedic surgeons in Dakota Dunes 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 Dakota surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Nelson represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 25% to 33% for hip replacement, 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Nelson's total volume across all insurers at roughly 480 to 610 procedures against the 147 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Nelson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 52 procedures in 2013 to 147 in the most recent data, a 183% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 162 procedures in 2021.
Does Dr. Nelson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (80 cases), knee 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 Dunes Surgical Hospital, Cherokee Regional Medical Center, Orange City Area Health System, St Lukes Regional Medical Center, Burgess Health Center. Dr. Nelson maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Nelson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Dakota Dunes?
Among the 9 orthopedic surgeons in Dakota Dunes, Dr. Nelson ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Nelson has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nelson practices?
Dunes Surgical Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Cherokee Regional Medical Center (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Orange City Area Health System (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 Dakota Dunes, South Dakota
Dr. Nelson's 147 Medicare procedures are above the Dakota Dunes average of 70. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Dakota Dunes.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Brian Johnson | 85 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Steven Meyer | 64 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Justin Deans | 62 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Benjamin Bissell | 58 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Ryan Meis | 36 | Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Carreau | 35 | Knee, Shoulder |
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.