Dr. Russell Nelson, MD
Dr. Russell Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Salt Lake City, Utah. Dr. Nelson has performed 53 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#19 in Utah) and 13 hip replacements, for a combined total of 66 procedures.
In Utah, Dr. Nelson performs above average in knee (53 vs 42 avg), below average in hip (13 vs 35 avg).
Dr. Nelson's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 80% of reported Medicare volume.
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. Nelson extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 49 to 66 in the most recent data, a 35% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nelson's 53 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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 Utah state average.
Contact & Location
Salt Lake City, UT 84107
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 35% from 49 procedures in 2013 to 66 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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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. Nelson
How does Dr. Nelson's procedure volume compare to other Utah surgeons?
Dr. Nelson has performed 66 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Utah average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nelson ranks #29 out of 89 orthopedic surgeons in Utah.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nelson perform?
Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (53 cases) and hip replacement (13 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Nelson with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Nelson ranks #19 in Utah for knee replacement with 53 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 89 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nelson 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. 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 66 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nelson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 49 procedures in 2013 to 66 in the most recent data, a 35% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 82 procedures in 2017.
Does Dr. Nelson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (53 cases), hip replacement (13 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 St Mark'S Hospital, Lds Hospital, Intermountain Medical Center.
How does Dr. Nelson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Salt Lake City?
Among the 19 orthopedic surgeons in Salt Lake City, Dr. Nelson ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Salt Lake City has 118 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nelson practices?
St Mark'S Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Lds Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Intermountain Medical Center (5 out of 5 CMS stars, 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 Salt Lake City, Utah
Dr. Nelson's 66 Medicare procedures are below 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. Oliver Nikolaus | 112 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Peters | 101 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Pelt | 92 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Adam Bergeson | 89 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Tashjian | 61 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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