Dr. Rick Bassett, M.D.
Contact & Location
956-421-2663
Harlingen, TX 78550
Dr. Bassett performs more knee replacement procedures than 57% of orthopedic surgeons in Texas, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #208 of 489 ranked knee surgeons in Texas.
About Dr. Bassett
Dr. Rick Bassett is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Harlingen, Texas. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Bassett performed 35 Medicare-verified knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #208 in Texas.
In Texas, Dr. Bassett performs near the state average in knee (35 vs 42).
Dr. Bassett's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 35 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.
Harlingen is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Harlingen area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Bassett's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 404 procedures in 2016 before settling at 35 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Bassett's 35 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,612 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 55 | 334 |
| 2014 | 55 | 346 |
| 2015 | 56 | 298 |
| 2016 | 55 | 349 |
| 2017 | 50 | 346 |
| 2018 | 52 | 291 |
| 2019 | 38 | 263 |
| 2020 | 28 | 154 |
| 2021 | 29 | 95 |
| 2022 | 19 | 128 |
| 2023 | 0 | 99 |
| 2024 | 0 | 35 |
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. Bassett Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bassett's recorded volume peaked at 404 procedures in 2016 and stood at 35 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Bassett
How does Dr. Bassett's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Bassett has performed 35 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Texas average is 57 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Bassett ranks #332 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bassett perform?
Dr. Bassett's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 35 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bassett in Harlingen?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Harlingen 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. Bassett 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. Bassett's total volume across all insurers at roughly 130 to 150 procedures against the 35 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. Bassett's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Bassett's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 404 procedures in 2016 and was 35 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
How does Dr. Bassett compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Harlingen?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Harlingen, Dr. Bassett ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Bassett has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Harlingen, Texas
Dr. Bassett's 35 Medicare procedures are above the Harlingen average of 22. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Harlingen.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Joseph Horton | 19 | Knee |
| Dr. Stephanie Baker | 12 | 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.