Dr. Howard Harris, MD
Contact & Location
Bedford, TX 76021
Dr. Howard Harris is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bedford, Texas. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Harris has performed 50 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #18 in Texas.
In Texas, Dr. Harris performs above average in shoulder (50 vs 27 avg).
Dr. Harris's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 50 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.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Harris holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Bedford is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Bedford area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Harris extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 23 to 50 in the most recent data, a 117% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Harris's 50 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. 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 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. Harris's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 50 procedures shown here.
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.
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.