Dr. Robert Nakken, M.D.
Dr. Robert Nakken is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Cedar City, Utah. Dr. Nakken has performed 32 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#36 in Utah) and 21 hip replacements, for a combined total of 53 procedures.
In Utah, Dr. Nakken performs below average in knee (32 vs 42 avg), below average in hip (21 vs 35 avg).
Dr. Nakken's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (32 cases) and hip replacements (21 cases).
Cedar City is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Cedar City area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Nakken extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 37 to 53 in the most recent data, a 43% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Nakken's 32 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Nakken Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Utah state average.
Contact & Location
Cedar City, UT 84720
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nakken's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 43% from 37 procedures in 2013 to 53 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 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Nakken
How does Dr. Nakken's procedure volume compare to other Utah surgeons?
Dr. Nakken has performed 53 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Utah average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nakken ranks #38 out of 89 orthopedic surgeons in Utah.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nakken perform?
Dr. Nakken's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (32 cases) and hip replacement (21 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nakken in Cedar City?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Cedar 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. Nakken 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. Nakken's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 53 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nakken's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nakken's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 37 procedures in 2013 to 53 in the most recent data, a 43% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 66 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Nakken perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nakken's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (32 cases), hip replacement (21 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nakken affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nakken is affiliated with Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital, Intermountain Health St George Regional Hospital.
How does Dr. Nakken compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Cedar City?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Cedar City, Dr. Nakken ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Nakken is among the highest-volume surgeons in Cedar City.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nakken practices?
Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Intermountain Health St George Regional 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 Cedar City, Utah
Dr. Nakken's 53 Medicare procedures are below the Cedar City average of 73. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Cedar City.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Randy Delcore | 110 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Daniel Jones | 56 | Hip |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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