Dr. Richard Nix, M.D.
Contact & Location
Little Rock, AR 72205
Dr. Richard Nix is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Little Rock, Arkansas. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Nix has performed 91 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #11 in Arkansas.
In Arkansas, Dr. Nix performs above average in knee (91 vs 47 avg).
Dr. Nix's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 91 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.
Little Rock is home to 26 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Little Rock area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Nix's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 164 procedures in 2019 before settling at 91 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nix's 91 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
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. Nix Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Arkansas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nix's recorded volume peaked at 164 procedures in 2019 and stood at 91 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Nix
How does Dr. Nix's procedure volume compare to other Arkansas surgeons?
Dr. Nix has performed 91 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Arkansas average of 66 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nix ranks #23 out of 89 orthopedic surgeons in Arkansas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nix perform?
Dr. Nix's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 91 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Nix with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Nix ranks #11 in Arkansas for knee replacement with 91 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 89 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nix in Little Rock?
Yes. There are 26 orthopedic surgeons in Little Rock 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 Arkansas surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Nix 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. Nix's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 91 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nix's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Nix's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 164 procedures in 2019 and was 91 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.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nix affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nix is affiliated with Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock.
How does Dr. Nix compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Little Rock?
Among the 26 orthopedic surgeons in Little Rock, Dr. Nix ranks #8 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Little Rock has 255 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nix practices?
Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Little Rock, Arkansas
Dr. Nix's 91 Medicare procedures are below the Little Rock average of 148. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Little Rock.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kenneth Martin | 255 | Knee |
| Dr. Samuel Baxter | 166 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Charles Barnes | 164 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Newbern | 135 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Paul Edwards | 131 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Adam Smith | 94 | 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.