#7 in West Virginia
Knee

Dr. Nicholas Higinbotham, DO

Orthopedic Surgery
64 procedures 1 hospital Princeton, WV
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Knee 64 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Nicholas Higinbotham is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Princeton, West Virginia. Dr. Higinbotham has performed 64 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #7 in West Virginia.

In West Virginia, Dr. Higinbotham performs above average in knee (64 vs 36 avg).

Dr. Higinbotham's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 64 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.

Princeton is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Princeton area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Dr. Higinbotham first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2023. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.

Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Higinbotham's 64 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
64 verified cases
#7 in West Virginia
Estimated total: 170 – 190 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Higinbotham Compares

Procedure volume compared to the West Virginia state average.

Knee High
64 Avg: 36
Dr. Higinbotham West Virginia Average

Contact & Location

311 Courthouse Rd
Princeton, WV 24740
NPI: 1154841872
Credentials: DO
Active Medicare provider
Find Practice on Google Maps

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Princeton Community Hospital Assn Inc
★☆☆☆☆
Princeton, WV
Similar to national avg

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Higinbotham

How does Dr. Higinbotham's procedure volume compare to other West Virginia surgeons?

Dr. Higinbotham has performed 64 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the West Virginia average of 47 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Higinbotham ranks #18 out of 57 orthopedic surgeons in West Virginia.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Higinbotham perform?

Dr. Higinbotham's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 64 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

How experienced is Dr. Higinbotham with knee replacement surgery?

Dr. Higinbotham ranks #7 in West Virginia for knee replacement with 64 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 57 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Higinbotham in Princeton?

Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Princeton 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 West Virginia surgeons.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Higinbotham 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. Higinbotham's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 64 procedures shown here.

Which hospitals is Dr. Higinbotham affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Higinbotham is affiliated with Princeton Community Hospital Assn Inc.

How does Dr. Higinbotham compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Princeton?

Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Princeton, Dr. Higinbotham ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Higinbotham is among the highest-volume surgeons in Princeton.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Higinbotham practices?

Princeton Community Hospital Assn Inc (1 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 Princeton, West Virginia

Dr. Higinbotham's 64 Medicare procedures are below the Princeton average of 96. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Princeton.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Frederick Morgan 121 Hip, Knee
Dr. Philip Branson 103 Hip, Knee

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Nicholas Higinbotham, DO -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/wv/dr-nicholas-higinbotham-princeton.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/wv/dr-nicholas-higinbotham-princeton.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.