Dr. Nicholas Higinbotham, DO
Contact & Location
Princeton, WV 24740
Dr. Nicholas Higinbotham is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Princeton, West Virginia. A Medicare provider since 2017, Dr. Higinbotham has performed 55 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #10 in West Virginia.
In West Virginia, Dr. Higinbotham performs above average in knee (55 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Higinbotham's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 55 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 2 years of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Higinbotham's 55 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Higinbotham Compares
Procedure volume compared to the West Virginia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Higinbotham has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2023. Additional years of data will provide a clearer picture of volume trends.
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. Higinbotham
How does Dr. Higinbotham's procedure volume compare to other West Virginia surgeons?
Dr. Higinbotham has performed 55 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the West Virginia average of 52 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Higinbotham ranks #18 out of 45 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 55 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 #10 in West Virginia for knee replacement with 55 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 45 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 55 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 55 Medicare procedures are below the Princeton average of 82. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Princeton.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Frederick Morgan | 113 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Philip Branson | 78 | 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.