Dr. Brian Nickel, M.D.
Contact & Location
608-263-7540
Madison, WI 53718
Durham, NC 27710
Madison, WI 53715
Dr. Nickel performs more knee replacement procedures than 99% of orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #1 of 152 ranked knee surgeons in Wisconsin.
About Dr. Nickel
Practice. Dr. Brian Nickel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Madison, Wisconsin. The latest annual CMS data records 140 knee replacements and 106 hip replacements, 246 procedures in all. That is #1 in Wisconsin for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2012.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2018 to 2024, 7 years. Volume rose from 12 procedures a year to 246, up 1950%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 140 procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45.
Local context. Madison has 23 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 12 | 0 |
| 2019 | 68 | 67 |
| 2020 | 66 | 81 |
| 2021 | 93 | 105 |
| 2022 | 75 | 126 |
| 2023 | 85 | 150 |
| 2024 | 106 | 140 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
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 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Nickel's total volume across all insurers at roughly 820 to 1,030 procedures against the 246 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
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, Stoughton Hospital, Fort Memorial Hospital.
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); Stoughton Hospital (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.