Dr. Brian Nickel, M.D.
Dr. Brian Nickel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Madison, Wisconsin. Dr. Nickel has performed 150 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#1 in Wisconsin) and 85 hip replacements, for a combined total of 235 procedures.
In Wisconsin, Dr. Nickel performs well above average in knee (150 vs 37 avg), well above average in hip (85 vs 29 avg).
Dr. Nickel's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (150 cases) and hip replacements (85 cases).
Madison is home to 17 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 6 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 235 in the most recent data, a 1858% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nickel's 150 verified procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45, ranking #160 nationally.
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.
Contact & Location
Madison, WI 53718
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nickel's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 1858% from 12 procedures in 2018 to 235 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 235 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 4x the Wisconsin average of 52 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nickel ranks #1 out of 185 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nickel perform?
Dr. Nickel's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (150 cases) and hip replacement (85 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Nickel with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Nickel ranks #1 in Wisconsin for knee replacement with 150 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 185 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nickel in Madison?
Yes. There are 17 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 235 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 235 in the most recent data, a 1858% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 235 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Nickel perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nickel's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (150 cases), hip replacement (85 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 17 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 235 Medicare procedures are above the Madison average of 152. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Madison.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Richard Illgen | 206 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Hennessy | 204 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Scott Anderson | 137 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Brian Grogan | 114 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Andrew Livermore | 94 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Mitchell | 74 | Hip, Knee |
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.