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Dr. David Nielsen, DO

Dr. David Nielsen, DO

Orthopedic Hand Surgery*
25+ years of experience

Dr. David Nielsen, DO is an orthopedic hand surgeon in Charlottesville, VA and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from A. T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1996. He is affiliated with Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center-Janesville. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4.7 Star Rating
Based on 57 reviews 4.7 Star Rating (57 reviews)

Practice

183 Spotnap Rd Ste C Charlottesville, VA 22911
Telehealth available

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Hospital Highlight

Dr. Nielsen is affiliated with Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center-Janesville Janesville, a highly rated hospital.

At a Glance

  • Areas of Expertise
    Dr. Nielsen specializes in the areas of Hand Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Offers Telehealth
    This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Trustworthy
    Patients said this doctor is trustworthy. See reviews
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Dr. Nielsen's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Nielsen

4.7
57 ratings, 20 with a written review
5 star
88%
88%
4 star
5%
5%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
7%
7%

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Not likely at all
All I can say is it was awful and that's being nice, and I wouldn't leave 1 star if it were not required to post the review
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
May 01, 2023
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I’ve seen Dr. Nielsen a good bit over the last few years. He was the best. He always was straight up with me and didn’t sugar coat things and that’s what I like. Some doctors do what you want and not what may be best for you. I wasn’t for surgery and he never pushed for it but we tried other options before my elbow was so bad we didn’t have a choice. I ended up having Tommy johns surgery and it went as smooth as it could of gone. My recovery from the surgery and and healing was great. I was able to get back to playing golf and tournaments and that’s what delayed my surgery. His staff is excellent. Dr. Nielsen is my guy and trust him in taking care of me if I need anything else in the future.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Garin O'Roark – Mar 15, 2020
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Dr. Nielsen has done surgery on both hands and has a great bedside manner along with excellent results.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
David Knighton – Oct 31, 2019
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Dr. Nielsen did hand surgeon for carpal tunnel surgery. I was disappointed in both his bed side manner and the butchering he did closing up the incision from surgery. My hand looked like Dr. Frankenstein did it. He had a cold and dissociative attitude towards me before, during and after surgery.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Staff friendliness
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Unhappy – Oct 22, 2019
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I have been seeing Dr. Nielsen for over a year for chronic arthritis in my left knee. Previously , I had two arthroscopic surgeries and an ACL reconstruction on the same knee over 20 years ago with different surgeons. Dr. Nielsen performed a full knee replacement on my left knee 3 weeks ago. During our appointments, both before and after the surgery, I found him to be extremely knowledgeable, very willing to answer questions (I had many) and extremely personable. I would definitely recommend him to anyone considering this type of surgery.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
John Worth – Jul 29, 2019
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I've been a patient of Doctor Nielsen for about 20 years starting with a hand issue. In 2011 he replaced my left knee. The surgery went well, i recovered very quickly. I've had no complaints or problems with the joint. I believe it went well because of Dr Nielsen's skill as a surgeon. I see him every other year to monitor wear and tear on the knee, and to monitor my right arthritic knee. I am treated very well by Dr Nielsen and his staff, and every visit feels like I'm visiting old friends.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mar 28, 2019
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Dr. Nielson was very pleasant and professional when I went to see him for a frozen shoulder. He and the staff treated me with respect from the front desk to the x-ray tech, the assistant to the doctor... Even though I was hurting I was in a friendly caring atmosphere. I appreciate the care I received and highly recommend Cville Orthopaedic Center and Dr. Nielson to everyone who wants to excellent ortho care.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
VA – Feb 05, 2019
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I found that Dr. Nielsen lacked empathy. He was more like an X- ray technician, explaining what the x-rays showed. His answers to my questions were vague and general, and did not help me know what the outcome could be. He took a phone call on his cell phone, in the middle of my appointment. Showed no compassion or nurturing energy, and I had 4 broken bones.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Jan 17, 2019
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What a lovely doctor! Dr. Neilsen is skillful, knowledgeable, and caring. He's also a very good listener. I felt understood and heard by him. Most importantly, I was completely comfortable entrusting him with performing surgery on my hand.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Rosalyn Berne in VA – Jul 05, 2018
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I LOVE EVERYONE AT THIS OFFICE !!!!! I BROKE MY KNEECAP IN HALF AND WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE MY DR. NIELSON TO OPERATE THE VERY NEXT DAY...WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE A VERY GOOD THING. IF YOU NEED CARING, COMPASSIONATE AND NICE...GO HERE !!!!! AFTER ONLY 5 MONTHS, I AM WALKING, WHEN I DIDN'T THINK THAT WOULD BE POSSIBLE. THANK YOU TO MY NEW FOUND FAMILY !!!!! LISA OF PALMYRA
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
LISA in Palmyra, VA – Sep 03, 2017
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Dr. Nielsen hands down the best and most professional experienced doctor that could have performed my continuing extensive reconstructive surgery of my left limb following complications from a severe motorcycle accident. First time at his office his Staff was just impressive and continue to be just Immaculate today. Dr. Nielsen explains pros and cons to surgeries very well. But I need to say my heart Pumps confidence in C.O.C. knowing they will provide top/best/honest solutions. 5 Stars All-Day!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Emmit Picott in Greeneville, TN – Aug 21, 2017
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My mother visited Dr. Nielsen, desperate after 11 years of knee pain following a knee replacement. She has seen over 6 orthopedic surgeons who told her there was nothing wrong with the knee. Dr. Nielsen ordered a series of tests which resulted in a finding that the knee was loose. The other surgeons were, in my opinion, negligent, causing my mother to suffer for 11 years. I would recommend Dr. Nielsen without any reservations.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Marcia Wills in Harrisonburg, VA – Apr 07, 2017
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Dr. Nielsen is very nice, he listen to all my complaints and talked to me about all my options. When I have another problem I will definitely go to Dr. Nielsen again.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Doris Shular in Orange, VA – Feb 09, 2017
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Dr. Nielsen is very caring, has wonderful bedside manner and explained everything in detail for our son's recent injury. His staff is outstanding and ease of appointments is amazing. Would highly recommend.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Deborah in Charlottesville, VA – Nov 28, 2016
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Dr. Nielsen has performed carpal tunnel release surgery on both of my hands, and is now treating me for arthritis in my knee. He's very knowledgeable and caring, and I feel confident that I'm getting excellent advice from him.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
LC in Culpeper, VA – Nov 04, 2016
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His staff is wonderful.Found a Physical therapist in Waynesboro that could do manual therapy as Dr Neilsen prescribed plus took my insurance. Very prompt in returning my phone call and accommodating a request I had. Dr Nielsen seems to care about his patients concerns.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Chicago, IL – Oct 28, 2016
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Second time in for trigger and as before, he was great in providing information, diagnosis and treatment!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
Helpful
john mceuen in Charlottesville, Virginia – Oct 18, 2016
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Dr. Nielsen was very good at explaining my problem and the treatment I received was good. he sent me to a therapy group that was also great. I felt that both the dr. and the therapy folks were honest and effective!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
james d smith in ruckersville, va 22968 – Sep 20, 2016
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Dr. Nielsen made me feel very comfortable. He had to repair a tear in my rotator cuff. After explaining the procedure, I was confident that he was the right doctor for the job. I will recommend him to anyone who need this type of surgery.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Elnora Perkins in Buckingham, VA – Jun 15, 2016
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hip replacement made as easy as possible with this type of condition!!!!!!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
brenda e.fielding in Charlottesville, VA – May 11, 2016
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About Me

care philosophy

Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center works with patients in both Charlottesville and the surrounding communities, we treat musculoskeletal conditions in a variety of categories including the services listed below. We are also a full-service...read more

biography

Dr. Nielsen obtained his degree in medicine at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri. He completed a residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at Ohio University in Dayton and a fellowship in Hand, Upper Extremity and Microvascular...read more
  • Orthopedic Hand Surgery

  • Pediatric Hand Surgery

  • Orthopedic Surgery

  • Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery

  • Orthopedics

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • University Of South Florida

    Fellowship Hospital, 2002
  • Ohio University

    Residency Hospital, 2001
  • University Of New England

    Internship Hospital, 1997
  • A. T. Still University Kirksville College Of Osteopathic Medicine

    Medical School, 1996
  • University Of California, San Diego

    Undergraduate School, 1992
American Osteopathic Association®
American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery®
Hand Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Locations

Practice

Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center PLC.183 Spotnap Rd Ste C Charlottesville, VA 22911
1

Practice

Spiros K. Analitis M.D. P.C.2350 N Rockton Ave Rockford, IL 61103
2

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center-Janesville

    1000 Mineral Point Ave
    Janesville, WI 53548
    Recipient of 1
    hospital award

    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2022)

    Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    88%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    4% higher than the national average

    76%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well
    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality