Knee
Dr. Richard Couch, D.O.
Dr. Richard Couch is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Washington, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Couch has performed 11 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #241 in North Carolina.
In North Carolina, Dr. Couch performs below average in knee (11 vs 44 avg).
Dr. Couch's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 11 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.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Couch holds additional credentials in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine, Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Washington is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Washington area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Couch's Medicare data spans 6 years, beginning in 2016. Volume peaked at 35 procedures in 2017 before settling at 11 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Couch's 11 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
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. Couch Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Washington, NC 27889
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Couch's recorded volume peaked at 35 procedures in 2017 and stood at 11 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA 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.
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. Couch
How does Dr. Couch's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Couch has performed 11 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The North Carolina average is 63 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Couch ranks #291 out of 294 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Couch perform?
Dr. Couch's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 11 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Couch in Washington?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Washington 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 North Carolina surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Couch 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. Couch's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 11 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Couch's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Couch's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 35 procedures in 2017 and was 11 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. Couch affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Couch is affiliated with Carolina East Medical Center.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Couch practices?
Carolina East Medical Center (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 Washington, North Carolina
Dr. Couch's 11 Medicare procedures are below the Washington average of 17. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Washington.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. James Barwick | 23 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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