Dr. Daniel Nelson, MD
Dr. Daniel Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. Dr. Nelson has performed 70 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#4 in South Dakota) and 51 knee replacements, for a combined total of 121 procedures.
In South Dakota, Dr. Nelson performs above average in hip (70 vs 36 avg), near average in knee (51 vs 45 avg).
Dr. Nelson's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (70 cases) and knee replacements (51 cases).
Dakota Dunes is home to 9 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Dakota Dunes area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Nelson also maintains hospital privileges in SD and IA, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond South Dakota.
Medicare records for Dr. Nelson extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 52 to 121 in the most recent data, a 133% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,526 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nelson's 70 verified procedures is above the national average of 36.
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 South Dakota state average.
Contact & Location
Dakota Dunes, SD 57049
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 133% from 52 procedures in 2013 to 121 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 121 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the South Dakota average of 72 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nelson ranks #8 out of 51 orthopedic surgeons in South Dakota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nelson perform?
Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (70 cases) and knee replacement (51 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Nelson with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Nelson ranks #4 in South Dakota for hip replacement with 70 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 51 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 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 121 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nelson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 52 procedures in 2013 to 121 in the most recent data, a 133% increase over 11 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 (70 cases), knee replacement (51 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 121 Medicare procedures are above the Dakota Dunes average of 67. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Dakota Dunes.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Steven Meyer | 80 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Johnson | 66 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Benjamin Bissell | 64 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Justin Deans | 53 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Stokesbary | 45 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ryan Meis | 40 | Knee |
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