Dr. Oliver Nikolaus, MD
Dr. Oliver Nikolaus is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Salt Lake City, Utah. Dr. Nikolaus has performed 59 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#5 in Utah) and 53 knee replacements, for a combined total of 112 procedures.
In Utah, Dr. Nikolaus performs above average in hip (59 vs 35 avg), above average in knee (53 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Nikolaus's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (59 cases) and knee replacements (53 cases).
Salt Lake City is home to 19 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Salt Lake City area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Nikolaus extend back to 2017, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 64 to 112 in the most recent data, a 75% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,526 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nikolaus's 59 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. Nikolaus Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Utah state average.
Contact & Location
Salt Lake City, UT 84124
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nikolaus's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 75% from 64 procedures in 2017 to 112 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.
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.
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. Nikolaus
How does Dr. Nikolaus's procedure volume compare to other Utah surgeons?
Dr. Nikolaus has performed 112 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Utah average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nikolaus ranks #13 out of 89 orthopedic surgeons in Utah.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nikolaus perform?
Dr. Nikolaus's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (59 cases) and knee replacement (53 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Nikolaus with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Nikolaus ranks #5 in Utah for hip replacement with 59 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 89 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nikolaus in Salt Lake City?
Yes. There are 19 orthopedic surgeons in Salt Lake City 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 Utah surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Nikolaus 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. Nikolaus's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 112 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nikolaus's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nikolaus's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 64 procedures in 2017 to 112 in the most recent data, a 75% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 148 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Nikolaus perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nikolaus's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (59 cases), knee replacement (53 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nikolaus affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nikolaus is affiliated with St Mark'S Hospital.
How does Dr. Nikolaus compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Salt Lake City?
Among the 19 orthopedic surgeons in Salt Lake City, Dr. Nikolaus ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Nikolaus is among the highest-volume surgeons in Salt Lake City.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nikolaus practices?
St Mark'S Hospital (4 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 Salt Lake City, Utah
Dr. Nikolaus's 112 Medicare procedures are above the Salt Lake City average of 91. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Salt Lake City.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jeremy Gililland | 118 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Peters | 101 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Pelt | 92 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Adam Bergeson | 89 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Russell Nelson | 66 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Tashjian | 61 | Shoulder |
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