#53 in Virginia
Shoulder

Dr. Sarah Nelson, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
14 procedures Fort Belvoir, VA
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Shoulder replacement recovery kit Slings, cold therapy, and adaptive clothing for recovery
National Comparison by Procedure
Shoulder 14 vs 28 avg (2,092 surgeons)

Dr. Sarah Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Dr. Nelson has performed 14 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #53 in Virginia.

In Virginia, Dr. Nelson performs below average in shoulder (14 vs 34 avg).

Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 14 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.

Dr. Nelson is the only orthopedic surgeon in Fort Belvoir represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.

Dr. Nelson first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2023. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.

Dr. Nelson's 14 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 28 among 2,092 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.

Verified Medicare Cases

Shoulder Replacement
14 verified cases
#53 in Virginia
Estimated total: 40 – 40 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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 Virginia state average.

Shoulder Below Avg
14 Avg: 34
Dr. Nelson Virginia Average

Contact & Location

9300 Dewitt Loop
Fort Belvoir, VA 22060
NPI: 1750815015
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider
Find Practice on Google Maps

Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:

Week 1-3 Arm in a sling for protection. Gentle pendulum exercises under therapist guidance. Focus on pain management and wound care.
Week 4-6 Gradual sling weaning. Begin passive and active-assisted range-of-motion exercises. Light daily activities resume.
Week 7-12 Active range-of-motion exercises. Light strengthening begins. Most patients can drive and perform desk work.
Month 4-6 Progressive strengthening continues. Return to most activities. Full recovery may take 6-12 months for complete shoulder strength.

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 83 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Nelson ranks #208 out of 223 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.

Where is Dr. Nelson's practice located?

Dr. Nelson practices in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The office is located at 9300 Dewitt Loop, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Nelson for joint replacement evaluation.

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 14 procedures shown here.

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Sarah Nelson, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/va/dr-sarah-nelson-fort-belvoir.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/va/dr-sarah-nelson-fort-belvoir.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.