#38 in West Virginia
Knee

Dr. Matthew Nelson, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
17 procedures Beckley, WV
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Knee 17 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Matthew Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Beckley, West Virginia. Dr. Nelson has performed 17 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #38 in West Virginia.

In West Virginia, Dr. Nelson performs below average in knee (17 vs 36 avg).

Dr. Nelson's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 17 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.

Beckley is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Beckley area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Dr. Nelson's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 39 procedures in 2016 before settling at 17 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.

Dr. Nelson's 17 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
17 verified cases
#38 in West Virginia
Estimated total: 50 – 50 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Nelson Compares

Procedure volume compared to the West Virginia state average.

Knee Below Avg
17 Avg: 36
Dr. Nelson West Virginia Average

Contact & Location

1717 Harper Rd
Beckley, WV 25801
NPI: 1720281306
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Nelson's recorded volume peaked at 39 procedures in 2016 and stood at 17 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 17
Peak Volume 39 (2016)
Trend Declining

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Nelson

How does Dr. Nelson's procedure volume compare to other West Virginia surgeons?

Dr. Nelson has performed 17 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The West Virginia average is 47 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Nelson ranks #43 out of 57 orthopedic surgeons in West Virginia.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nelson perform?

Dr. Nelson's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 17 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nelson in Beckley?

Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Beckley 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 West Virginia surgeons.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Nelson 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. Nelson's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 17 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Nelson's procedure volume changed over time?

Dr. Nelson's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 39 procedures in 2016 and was 17 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.

How does Dr. Nelson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Beckley?

Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Beckley, Dr. Nelson ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Nelson is among the highest-volume surgeons in Beckley.

Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Beckley, West Virginia

Dr. Nelson's 17 Medicare procedures are below the Beckley average of 36. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Beckley.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Stephen Whitfield 65 Hip, Knee
Dr. John Tabit 26 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.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Matthew Nelson, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/wv/dr-matthew-nelson-beckley.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/wv/dr-matthew-nelson-beckley.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.