Dr. Richard Nixon, M.D.
Contact & Location
713-864-2663
Houston, TX 77008
Dr. Nixon performs more knee replacement procedures than 81% of orthopedic surgeons in Texas, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #91 of 489 ranked knee surgeons in Texas.
About Dr. Nixon
Practice. Dr. Richard Nixon is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Houston, Texas. The latest annual CMS data records 61 knee replacements. That is #91 in Texas for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 27 procedures a year to 61, up 126%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 61 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Houston has 52 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 | 27 |
| 2014 | 29 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2016 | 32 |
| 2017 | 25 |
| 2018 | 41 |
| 2019 | 39 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2021 | 43 |
| 2022 | 36 |
| 2023 | 55 |
| 2024 | 61 |
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. Nixon Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nixon's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 126% from 27 procedures in 2013 to 61 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. Nixon
How does Dr. Nixon's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Nixon has performed 61 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Texas average of 57 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nixon ranks #180 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nixon perform?
Dr. Nixon's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 61 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nixon in Houston?
Yes. There are 52 orthopedic surgeons in Houston 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. Nixon 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. Nixon's total volume across all insurers at roughly 220 to 270 procedures against the 61 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. Nixon's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nixon's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 27 procedures in 2013 to 61 in the most recent data, a 126% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 61 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nixon affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nixon is affiliated with Memorial Hermann Hospital System, Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center.
How does Dr. Nixon compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Houston?
Among the 52 orthopedic surgeons in Houston, Dr. Nixon ranks #23 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Houston has 340 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nixon practices?
Memorial Hermann Hospital System (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center (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 Houston, Texas
Dr. Nixon's 61 Medicare procedures are below the Houston average of 174. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Houston.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Stefan Kreuzer | 340 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Vasilios Mathews | 229 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gregory Stocks | 168 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robin Goytia | 153 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ugonna Ihekweazu | 135 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jay Croley | 133 | 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.