Dr. Howard Harris, M.D.
Contact & Location
817-540-4477
Bedford, TX 76021
Dr. Harris performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 87% of orthopedic surgeons in Texas, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #18 of 140 ranked shoulder surgeons in Texas.
About Dr. Harris
Practice. Dr. Howard Harris is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bedford, Texas. The latest annual CMS data records 50 shoulder replacements. That is #18 in Texas for shoulder replacement. Dr. Harris also holds credentials in Sports Medicine. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 23 procedures a year to 50, up 117%.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 50 procedures is above the national average of 29.
Local context. Bedford has 3 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 | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 23 |
| 2014 | 28 |
| 2015 | 20 |
| 2016 | 28 |
| 2017 | 36 |
| 2018 | 26 |
| 2019 | 48 |
| 2020 | 40 |
| 2021 | 30 |
| 2022 | 45 |
| 2023 | 47 |
| 2024 | 50 |
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 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Harris Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Harris's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 117% from 23 procedures in 2013 to 50 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Harris
How does Dr. Harris's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Harris has performed 50 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Texas average of 57 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Harris ranks #238 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Harris perform?
Dr. Harris's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 50 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Harris with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Harris ranks #18 in Texas for shoulder replacement with 50 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 582 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Harris in Bedford?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Bedford 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 Texas surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Harris 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Harris's total volume across all insurers at roughly 140 to 170 procedures against the 50 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. Harris's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Harris's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 23 procedures in 2013 to 50 in the most recent data, a 117% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 50 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Harris affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Harris is affiliated with Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southlake, Baylor Medical Center At Trophy Club, Texas Health Heb, Texas Health Huguley Hospital Fort Worth South.
How does Dr. Harris compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Bedford?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Bedford, Dr. Harris ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Harris is among the highest-volume surgeons in Bedford.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Harris practices?
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southlake (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Baylor Medical Center At Trophy Club (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Texas Health Heb (3 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 Bedford, Texas
Dr. Harris's 50 Medicare procedures are below the Bedford average of 83. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Bedford.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Oscar Taunton | 183 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Nguyen | 16 | Shoulder |
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.