Dr. John Neilson, M.D.
Contact & Location
Milwaukee, WI 53226
Dr. John Neilson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Neilson has performed 21 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#66 in Wisconsin) and 20 knee replacements, for a combined total of 41 procedures.
In Wisconsin, Dr. Neilson performs below average in hip (21 vs 29 avg), below average in knee (20 vs 36 avg).
Dr. Neilson's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (21 cases) and knee replacements (20 cases).
Milwaukee is home to 16 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Milwaukee area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Neilson extend back to 2014, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 19 to 41 in the most recent data, a 116% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Neilson's 21 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,532 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. Neilson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Wisconsin state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Neilson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 116% from 19 procedures in 2014 to 41 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. Neilson
How does Dr. Neilson's procedure volume compare to other Wisconsin surgeons?
Dr. Neilson has performed 41 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Wisconsin average of 51 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Neilson ranks #98 out of 189 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Neilson perform?
Dr. Neilson's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (21 cases) and knee replacement (20 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Neilson in Milwaukee?
Yes. There are 16 orthopedic surgeons in Milwaukee 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. Neilson 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. Neilson's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 41 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Neilson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Neilson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 19 procedures in 2014 to 41 in the most recent data, a 116% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 41 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Neilson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Neilson's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (21 cases), knee replacement (20 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Neilson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Neilson is affiliated with Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital, Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital.
How does Dr. Neilson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Milwaukee?
Among the 16 orthopedic surgeons in Milwaukee, Dr. Neilson ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Milwaukee has 181 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Neilson practices?
Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital (1 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 Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Dr. Neilson's 41 Medicare procedures are below the Milwaukee average of 82. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Milwaukee.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Evanich | 181 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nicholas Webber | 132 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Patrick Jost | 65 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Navjot Kohli | 53 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Edward Nelsen-Freund | 50 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Benjamin Knight | 49 | Hip, 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.