#85 in South Carolina
Knee

Dr. Kevin Nahigian, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
25 procedures 1 hospital Columbia, SC
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Knee 25 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Kevin Nahigian is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbia, South Carolina. Dr. Nahigian has performed 25 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #85 in South Carolina.

In South Carolina, Dr. Nahigian performs below average in knee (25 vs 57 avg).

Dr. Nahigian's Medicare data shows a focused knee 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.

Columbia is home to 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Columbia area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Medicare records for Dr. Nahigian extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 19 to 25 in the most recent data, a 32% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Dr. Nahigian's 25 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

Knee Replacement
25 verified cases
#85 in South Carolina
Estimated total: 70 – 80 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Nahigian Compares

Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.

Knee Below Avg
25 Avg: 57
Dr. Nahigian South Carolina Average

Contact & Location

810 Mallet Hill Rd
Columbia, SC 29223
NPI: 1316906282
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Nahigian's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 32% from 19 procedures in 2013 to 25 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 25
Peak Volume 39 (2015)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Musc Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown
★★★☆☆
Columbia, SC
Similar to national avg

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Nahigian

How does Dr. Nahigian's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?

Dr. Nahigian has performed 25 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The South Carolina average is 78 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Nahigian ranks #114 out of 151 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nahigian perform?

Dr. Nahigian's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee 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. Nahigian in Columbia?

Yes. There are 11 orthopedic surgeons in Columbia 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 South Carolina surgeons.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Nahigian 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. Nahigian's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 25 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Nahigian's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Nahigian's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 19 procedures in 2013 to 25 in the most recent data, a 32% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 39 procedures in 2015.

Which hospitals is Dr. Nahigian affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nahigian is affiliated with Musc Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown.

How does Dr. Nahigian compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Columbia?

Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Columbia, Dr. Nahigian ranks #11 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Columbia has 192 verified Medicare procedures.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nahigian practices?

Musc Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown (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 Columbia, South Carolina

Dr. Nahigian's 25 Medicare procedures are below the Columbia average of 113. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbia.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Jeffrey Hopkins 192 Hip, Knee
Dr. Bradley Presnal 172 Hip, Knee
Dr. Coleman Fowble 119 Hip, Knee
Dr. Slif Ulrich 112 Hip, Knee
Dr. James O'leary 101 Knee, Shoulder
Dr. David Koon 70 Hip, Knee

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Kevin Nahigian, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/sc/dr-kevin-nahigian-columbia.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/sc/dr-kevin-nahigian-columbia.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.