Dr. Matthew Higgins, M.D.
Dr. Matthew Higgins is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Dr. Higgins has performed 93 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#6 in Tennessee) and 80 knee replacements, for a combined total of 173 procedures.
In Tennessee, Dr. Higgins performs well above average in hip (93 vs 36 avg), above average in knee (80 vs 45 avg).
Dr. Higgins's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (93 cases) and knee replacements (80 cases).
Chattanooga is home to 17 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Chattanooga area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Higgins also maintains hospital privileges in TN and GA, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Tennessee.
Medicare records for Dr. Higgins extend back to 2016, covering 8 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 20 to 173 in the most recent data, a 765% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,526 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Higgins's 93 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 36, ranking #193 nationally.
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. Higgins Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Tennessee state average.
Contact & Location
Chattanooga, TN 37403
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Higgins's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 765% from 20 procedures in 2016 to 173 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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
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.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Higgins
How does Dr. Higgins's procedure volume compare to other Tennessee surgeons?
Dr. Higgins has performed 173 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Tennessee average of 64 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Higgins ranks #14 out of 214 orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Higgins perform?
Dr. Higgins's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (93 cases) and knee replacement (80 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Higgins with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Higgins ranks #6 in Tennessee for hip replacement with 93 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 214 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Higgins in Chattanooga?
Yes. There are 17 orthopedic surgeons in Chattanooga 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 Tennessee surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Higgins 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. Higgins's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 173 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Higgins's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Higgins's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 20 procedures in 2016 to 173 in the most recent data, a 765% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 173 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Higgins perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Higgins's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (93 cases), knee replacement (80 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Higgins affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Higgins is affiliated with Erlanger Health System, Hamilton Medical Center. Dr. Higgins maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Higgins compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Chattanooga?
Among the 17 orthopedic surgeons in Chattanooga, Dr. Higgins ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Higgins is among the highest-volume surgeons in Chattanooga.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Higgins practices?
Erlanger Health System (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Hamilton Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Dr. Higgins's 173 Medicare procedures are above the Chattanooga average of 171. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Chattanooga.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. William Ballard | 345 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Nash | 207 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jason Rogers | 136 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Freeman | 122 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kristopher Sanders | 115 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Bernard | 97 | Hip, Knee |
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