Dr. Michael Higgins, M.D.
Dr. Michael Higgins is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Hampton, Virginia. Dr. Higgins has performed 110 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#24 in Virginia) and 97 hip replacements, for a combined total of 207 procedures.
In Virginia, Dr. Higgins performs above average in knee (110 vs 58 avg), well above average in hip (97 vs 47 avg).
Dr. Higgins's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (110 cases) and hip replacements (97 cases).
Hampton is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Hampton area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Higgins extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 78 to 207 in the most recent data, a 165% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Higgins's 110 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
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. Higgins Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Virginia state average.
Contact & Location
Hampton, VA 23666
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Higgins's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 165% from 78 procedures in 2013 to 207 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 207 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Virginia average of 83 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Higgins ranks #14 out of 223 orthopedic surgeons in Virginia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Higgins perform?
Dr. Higgins's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (110 cases) and hip replacement (97 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 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. Higgins's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 207 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Higgins's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Higgins's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 78 procedures in 2013 to 207 in the most recent data, a 165% increase over 11 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 (110 cases), hip replacement (97 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 Obici Hospital, Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, Riverside Walter Reed Hospital.
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 Obici Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center (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 207 Medicare procedures are above the Hampton average of 122. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Hampton.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Colin Kingston | 134 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Loel Payne | 119 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Nicholas Sablan | 29 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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