Dr. Nathan Howlett, D.O.
Contact & Location
Warwick, RI 02886
Dr. Nathan Howlett is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Warwick, Rhode Island. A Medicare provider since 2014, Dr. Howlett has performed 42 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements (#3 in Rhode Island) and 15 knee replacements, for a combined total of 57 procedures.
In Rhode Island, Dr. Howlett performs above average in shoulder (42 vs 32 avg), below average in knee (15 vs 35 avg).
Dr. Howlett's reported Medicare volume is split between shoulder replacements (42 cases) and knee replacements (15 cases).
Dr. Howlett is the only orthopedic surgeon in Warwick represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.
Medicare records for Dr. Howlett extend back to 2021, covering 4 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 17 to 57 in the most recent data, a 235% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Howlett's 42 verified procedures is above the national average of 29.
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. Howlett Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Rhode Island state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Howlett's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 235% from 17 procedures in 2021 to 57 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 57 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Rhode Island average of 56 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Howlett ranks #10 out of 28 orthopedic surgeons in Rhode Island.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Howlett perform?
Dr. Howlett's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (42 cases) and knee replacement (15 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Howlett with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Howlett ranks #3 in Rhode Island for shoulder replacement with 42 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 28 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Where is Dr. Howlett's practice located?
Dr. Howlett practices in Warwick, Rhode Island. The office is located at 120 Centerville Rd, Warwick, RI 02886. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Howlett for joint replacement evaluation.
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 57 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 57 in the most recent data, a 235% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 57 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Howlett perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Howlett's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (42 cases), knee replacement (15 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
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.
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.