Shoulder
Dr. Richard Howell, MD
Dr. Richard Howell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Clearwater, Florida. A Medicare provider since 2012, Dr. Howell has performed 25 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #57 in Florida.
In Florida, Dr. Howell performs below average in shoulder (25 vs 34 avg).
Dr. Howell's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 25 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.
Clearwater is home to 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Clearwater area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Howell extend back to 2020, covering 4 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 20 to 25 in the most recent data, a 25% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Howell's 25 verified procedures is near the national average of 28.
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. Howell Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Florida state average.
Contact & Location
Clearwater, FL 33756
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Howell's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 25% from 20 procedures in 2020 to 25 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Howell
How does Dr. Howell's procedure volume compare to other Florida surgeons?
Dr. Howell has performed 25 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Florida average is 72 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Howell ranks #390 out of 509 orthopedic surgeons in Florida.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Howell perform?
Dr. Howell's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 25 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Howell in Clearwater?
Yes. There are 10 orthopedic surgeons in Clearwater 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 Florida surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Howell 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. Howell's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 25 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Howell's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Howell's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 20 procedures in 2020 to 25 in the most recent data, a 25% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 25 procedures in 2023.
Which hospitals is Dr. Howell affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Howell is affiliated with Morton Plant Hospital.
How does Dr. Howell compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Clearwater?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Clearwater, Dr. Howell ranks #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Clearwater has 176 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Howell practices?
Morton Plant Hospital (4 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 Clearwater, Florida
Dr. Howell's 25 Medicare procedures are below the Clearwater average of 128. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Clearwater.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Andrew Cooper | 176 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Kilgore | 176 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Whiddon | 152 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Cheong | 132 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mitchell Herrema | 127 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Aaron Koslin | 110 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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