Dr. Kevin Nahigian, M.D.
Contact & Location
803-419-6646
Columbia, SC 29223
Dr. Nahigian performs more knee replacement procedures than 31% of orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #82 of 120 ranked knee surgeons in South Carolina.
About Dr. Nahigian
Practice. Dr. Kevin Nahigian is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbia, South Carolina. The latest annual CMS data records 30 knee replacements. That is #82 in South Carolina for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 19 procedures a year to 30, up 58%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 30 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Columbia has 14 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 19 |
| 2014 | 30 |
| 2015 | 39 |
| 2016 | 25 |
| 2017 | 21 |
| 2018 | 30 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2022 | 18 |
| 2023 | 25 |
| 2024 | 30 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Nahigian Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nahigian's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 58% from 19 procedures in 2013 to 30 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 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.
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.
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. Nahigian
How does Dr. Nahigian's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Nahigian has performed 30 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The South Carolina average is 76 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Nahigian ranks #110 out of 158 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 30 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 14 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 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Nahigian's total volume across all insurers at roughly 110 to 130 procedures against the 30 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Nahigian's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nahigian's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 19 procedures in 2013 to 30 in the most recent data, a 58% increase over 12 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 14 orthopedic surgeons in Columbia, Dr. Nahigian ranks #11 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Columbia has 205 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 30 Medicare procedures are below the Columbia average of 115. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbia.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jeffrey Hopkins | 205 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Bradley Presnal | 175 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Slif Ulrich | 117 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Coleman Fowble | 100 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James O'leary | 97 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Corey Hamilton | 83 | Hip, Knee |
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.