Dr. Sarah Nelson, M.D.
Contact & Location
Fort Belvoir, VA 22060
Dr. Sarah Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. A Medicare provider since 2017, Dr. Nelson has performed 14 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #55 in Virginia.
In Virginia, Dr. Nelson performs below average in shoulder (14 vs 33 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.
Fort Belvoir is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Fort Belvoir area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Nelson first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2023. With 2 years of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Nelson's 14 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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 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 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.
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.