Dr. Sarah Nelson, M.D.
Contact & Location
571-231-2317
Fort Belvoir, VA 22060
Bethesda, MD 20889
Dr. Nelson performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 14% of orthopedic surgeons in Virginia, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #55 of 64 ranked shoulder surgeons in Virginia.
About Dr. Nelson
Practice. Dr. Sarah Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The latest annual CMS data records 14 shoulder replacements. That is #55 in Virginia for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2017.
Trend. Dr. Nelson first appears in the Medicare data in 2023. With 2 years on record, the trend is still short.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 14 procedures is below the national average of 29. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Fort Belvoir has 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume
Verified Medicare data is available for 2 years: 14 procedures in 2023 and 14 procedures in the most recent reporting year. A multi-year trend chart is shown once at least 3 years of data are available.
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 29% to 37% for shoulder 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 Virginia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nelson has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2023. Additional years of data will provide a clearer picture of volume trends.
Patient Resources: Preparing for Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Nelson
How does Dr. Nelson's procedure volume compare to other Virginia surgeons?
Dr. Nelson has performed 14 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Virginia average is 82 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Nelson ranks #215 out of 229 orthopedic surgeons in Virginia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nelson perform?
Dr. Nelson's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 14 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nelson in Fort Belvoir?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Fort Belvoir 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 Virginia 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Nelson's total volume across all insurers at roughly 40 to 50 procedures against the 14 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.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Fort Belvoir, Virginia
Dr. Nelson's 14 Medicare procedures are below the Fort Belvoir average of 15. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Fort Belvoir.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jared Wolfe | 16 | Knee |
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.