Dr. Michael Higgins, M.D.
Contact & Location
757-827-2480
Hampton, VA 23666
Dr. Higgins performs more knee replacement procedures than 85% of orthopedic surgeons in Virginia, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #26 of 183 ranked knee surgeons in Virginia.
About Dr. Higgins
Practice. Dr. Michael Higgins is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Hampton, Virginia. The latest annual CMS data records 104 knee replacements and 74 hip replacements, 178 procedures in all. That is #26 in Virginia for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 78 procedures a year to 178, up 128%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 104 procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
Local context. Hampton has 4 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 | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 41 | 37 |
| 2014 | 37 | 45 |
| 2015 | 57 | 55 |
| 2016 | 47 | 75 |
| 2017 | 51 | 69 |
| 2018 | 71 | 59 |
| 2019 | 65 | 69 |
| 2020 | 59 | 59 |
| 2021 | 68 | 80 |
| 2022 | 84 | 110 |
| 2023 | 97 | 110 |
| 2024 | 74 | 104 |
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, 25% to 33% for hip 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. Higgins Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Virginia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Higgins's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 128% from 78 procedures in 2013 to 178 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.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
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. Higgins
How does Dr. Higgins's procedure volume compare to other Virginia surgeons?
Dr. Higgins has performed 178 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Virginia average of 82 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Higgins ranks #24 out of 229 orthopedic surgeons in Virginia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Higgins perform?
Dr. Higgins's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (104 cases) and hip replacement (74 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Higgins in Hampton?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Hampton 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 Virginia surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Higgins 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Higgins's total volume across all insurers at roughly 600 to 750 procedures against the 178 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. Higgins's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Higgins's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 78 procedures in 2013 to 178 in the most recent data, a 128% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 207 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Higgins perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Higgins's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (104 cases), hip replacement (74 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 Sentara Careplex Hospital, Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, Sentara Obici Hospital, Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center.
How does Dr. Higgins compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Hampton?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Hampton, Dr. Higgins ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Higgins has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Higgins practices?
Sentara Careplex Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Sentara Obici Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Hampton, Virginia
Dr. Higgins's 178 Medicare procedures are above the Hampton average of 98. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Hampton.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Colin Kingston | 99 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Loel Payne | 97 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Nicholas Sablan | 18 | 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.