Dr. Nathaniel Nelms, M.D.
Dr. Nathaniel Nelms is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in South Burlington, Vermont. Dr. Nelms has performed 59 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#2 in Vermont) and 53 knee replacements, for a combined total of 112 procedures.
In Vermont, Dr. Nelms performs above average in hip (59 vs 36 avg), above average in knee (53 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Nelms's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (59 cases) and knee replacements (53 cases).
South Burlington is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the South Burlington area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Nelms extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 56 to 112 in the most recent data, a 100% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,526 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nelms's 59 verified procedures is above the national average of 36.
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. Nelms Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Vermont state average.
Contact & Location
South Burlington, VT 05403
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nelms's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 100% from 56 procedures in 2013 to 112 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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Nelms
How does Dr. Nelms's procedure volume compare to other Vermont surgeons?
Dr. Nelms has performed 112 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Vermont average of 67 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nelms ranks #3 out of 17 orthopedic surgeons in Vermont.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nelms perform?
Dr. Nelms's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (59 cases) and knee replacement (53 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Nelms with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Nelms ranks #2 in Vermont for hip replacement with 59 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 17 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nelms in South Burlington?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in South Burlington 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 Vermont surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Nelms 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. Nelms's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 112 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nelms's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nelms's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 56 procedures in 2013 to 112 in the most recent data, a 100% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 115 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Nelms perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nelms's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (59 cases), knee replacement (53 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nelms affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nelms is affiliated with University Of Vermont Medical Center.
How does Dr. Nelms compare to other orthopedic surgeons in South Burlington?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in South Burlington, Dr. Nelms ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Nelms has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nelms practices?
University Of Vermont Medical Center (3 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 South Burlington, Vermont
Dr. Nelms's 112 Medicare procedures are above the South Burlington average of 92. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in South Burlington.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Blankstein | 82 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Haimes | 82 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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