Shoulder
Dr. Nathan Howlett, D.O.
Dr. Nathan Howlett is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Warwick, Rhode Island. Dr. Howlett has performed 23 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #5 in Rhode Island.
In Rhode Island, Dr. Howlett performs near average in shoulder (23 vs 23 avg).
Dr. Howlett's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 23 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.
Warwick is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Warwick area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Howlett extend back to 2021, covering 3 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 17 to 23 in the most recent data, a 35% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Howlett's 23 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. Howlett Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Rhode Island state average.
Contact & Location
Warwick, RI 02886
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Howlett's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 3 years, increasing 35% from 17 procedures in 2021 to 23 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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. Howlett
How does Dr. Howlett's procedure volume compare to other Rhode Island surgeons?
Dr. Howlett has performed 23 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Rhode Island average is 53 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Howlett ranks #23 out of 31 orthopedic surgeons in Rhode Island.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Howlett perform?
Dr. Howlett's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 23 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Howlett with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Howlett ranks #5 in Rhode Island for shoulder replacement with 23 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 31 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Howlett in Warwick?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Warwick 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 Rhode Island surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Howlett 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. Howlett's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 23 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Howlett's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Howlett's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 17 procedures in 2021 to 23 in the most recent data, a 35% increase over 3 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 28 procedures in 2022.
Which hospitals is Dr. Howlett affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Howlett is affiliated with South County Hospital Inc, Westerly Hospital, Newport Hospital.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Howlett practices?
South County Hospital Inc (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Westerly Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Newport 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 Warwick, Rhode Island
Dr. Howlett's 23 Medicare procedures are above the Warwick average of 18. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Warwick.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Brandon Lentine | 12 | Hip |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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