Dr. Brian Nickel, M.D.
Contact & Location
Madison, WI 53718
Dr. Brian Nickel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Madison, Wisconsin. A Medicare provider since 2012, Dr. Nickel has performed 140 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#1 in Wisconsin) and 106 hip replacements, for a combined total of 246 procedures.
In Wisconsin, Dr. Nickel performs well above average in knee (140 vs 36 avg), well above average in hip (106 vs 29 avg).
Dr. Nickel's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (140 cases) and hip replacements (106 cases).
Madison is home to 23 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Madison area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Nickel extend back to 2018, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 246 in the most recent data, a 1950% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nickel's 140 verified procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45.
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. Nickel Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Wisconsin state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nickel's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 1950% from 12 procedures in 2018 to 246 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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. Nickel
How does Dr. Nickel's procedure volume compare to other Wisconsin surgeons?
Dr. Nickel has performed 246 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 4x the Wisconsin average of 51 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nickel ranks #1 out of 189 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nickel perform?
Dr. Nickel's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (140 cases) and hip replacement (106 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Nickel with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Nickel ranks #1 in Wisconsin for knee replacement with 140 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 189 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nickel in Madison?
Yes. There are 23 orthopedic surgeons in Madison 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 Wisconsin surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Nickel 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. Nickel's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 246 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nickel's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nickel's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2018 to 246 in the most recent data, a 1950% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 246 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Nickel perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nickel's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (140 cases), hip replacement (106 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nickel affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nickel is affiliated with University Of Wi Hospitals & Clinics Authority, Unitypoint Health - Meriter.
How does Dr. Nickel compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Madison?
Among the 23 orthopedic surgeons in Madison, Dr. Nickel ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Nickel has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nickel practices?
University Of Wi Hospitals & Clinics Authority (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Unitypoint Health - Meriter (4 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 Madison, Wisconsin
Dr. Nickel's 246 Medicare procedures are above the Madison average of 161. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Madison.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Hennessy | 233 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Illgen | 189 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Rajit Chakravarty | 133 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Scott Anderson | 112 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Andrew Livermore | 109 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Grogan | 106 | Shoulder |
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.