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Home > MD Providers > Hand Surgeons

Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD

Accepting New Patients

(Dr. James P. Higgins, M.D.)

(1738 Ratings)

Specializes in: Hand Surgery and Plastic Surgery

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (1996)

Professional interests include: arthritis, peripheral nerve surgery, burns, and more.

3333 North Calvert Street The Curtis National Hand Center, Suite 200
Baltimore, MD 21218

(410) 235-5405

Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD is a hand surgeon in Baltimore, MD specializing in hand surgery and plastic surgery. He graduated from University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1996 and has 30 years of experience. Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD is affiliated with MedStar Health and Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder.

Office Locations

3333 North Calvert Street The Curtis National Hand Center, Suite 200
Baltimore, MD 21218

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1400 Front Avenue Suite 100
Lutherville Timonium, MD 21093

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Some issues Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD can help you with:

Palmar Fasciectomy

Palmar fasciectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat Dupuytren's contracture. The muscles and tendons that control the fingers are held in place by a tough sheet of connective tissue that lies just under the skin of the palm. In Dupuytren's, this connective tissue (or fascia) begins to develop scar tissue, even though it has not been injured. The fascia becomes thick and tough, and knits together into knots. This causes the fingers to become stiff and pull inwards towards the palm. It is not known exactly what causes Dupuytren's, but it is more common in older men, especially those from Northern Europe.

Palmar fasciectomy is the surgical removal of this diseased fascia. Depending on the severity of the disease, some or all of the fascia may be removed. In very severe cases, where the hand has been in a curled position for a long time, skin on the palm or ligaments around the finger joints can shrink so that it is impossible to straighten the fingers. In these cases, skin grafts and additional surgery can be used. The muscles and tendons of the hand are left in place, and without the diseased fascia they are free to move normally.

Because of the delicate nature of the hand, a palmar fasciectomy may take several hours to perform. There may be some pain as the skin and tissue in the hand heals, and patients will likely have to wear a splint to keep their fingers straight for several weeks. Physical therapy, including stretches, heat treatments, massage, and exercise, is often prescribed to assist healing. Unfortunately there is no cure for Dupuytren's contracture, and symptoms will come back in about half of the patients who have a palmar fasciectomy. The earlier in the disease the surgery is performed, the less likely it is to come back; so having surgery sooner rather than later is preferable.

Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury medicine is a branch of medicine that treats damage to the spinal cord from an injury or a nontraumatic myelopathy, which is any disorder that affects the spinal area. The spinal cord is a section of nerve tissue protected by the vertebrae (spinal bones). Trauma to the spinal cord, typically caused by compression or bent vertebrae, prevents the body and brain from communicating. This can result in pain, loss of sensation, and impaired physical function and movement. Acute spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are a leading cause of permanent disability. Spinal cord injuries may develop from accidents or myelopathies, disorders that provoke spinal compression. Traumatic incidents such as falls, sports injuries, vehicle accidents, and bullet or stab wounds can cause an acute spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury medicine seeks to stabilize the spine and to alleviate the symptoms of spine damage. Practitioners of spinal cord injury medicine are called spinal cord injury specialists. Spinal cord injury medicine is an interdisciplinary field, meaning physicians of various specialties may be trained to treat spinal cord injuries.

Damage to the spinal cord may initially be diagnosed through X-ray, MRI, or CT scans. Patients can also undergo spinal exams to evaluate their sensory ability and strength. Injuries to the spinal cord can be complete (no feeling or sensation) or incomplete (some feeling or sensation remains). Conditions spinal cord injury medicine specialists may treat include:

Paralysis, such as paraplegia (loss of function in the legs), or quadriplegia (loss of function from the neck down)
Spine fracture or trauma, which can lead to impairment and/or significant pain
Spinal infections
Myelopathies, such as herniated disks, spinal tumors, and rheumatoid arthritis
Inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylosis, and degenerative conditions like Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS)

Treatment for spinal cord injuries often involves surgery, either directly after an injury occurs or at a later date. Surgery for spine injuries is intended to ease spinal compression and stabilize the spine. Surgical procedures can involve shifting vertebrae, removing bone, or altering spinal placement with implantable devices. Patients with significant spinal trauma may require urgent surgical intervention.

Surgical treatments can be complemented by rehabilitative physical therapy to improve mobility. Spinal cord injury specialists also treat complications arising from a spinal injury, such as respiratory or bladder conditions. Some patients with spinal cord injuries may require lifelong treatment. Spinal cord injury specialists aim to help these patients successfully adjust and lead an improved quality of life. An emerging treatment for spinal cord injuries is neural prosthetics, which replicate patients' lost nerve function. Neural prostheses may be used as artificial body parts or assistive devices that patients may cognitively control. Other assistive devices include wheelchairs and scooters.

Spinal cord injury specialists may collaborate with physical therapists, radiologists, neurologists, urologists, and orthopedists.

Tenolysis

Tendons are tissue that connect muscle and bone and pull on bones during muscle contractions. Scar tissue can form on tendons due to injury or after surgical procedures, such as fracture repair. When scar tissue binds to tendons, adhesions form, preventing or restricting movement of the affected body part. Tenolysis is a type of tendon surgery done to release tendons from these adhesions. When physical therapy and other conservative treatments fail to work, tenolysis is an option.

To perform tenolysis, a surgeon will make an incision to expose the tendon. The tissue surrounding the tendon will be cut, and the tendon is released from its adhesions. The surgeon will assess whether patients are better able to move the affected body part. If no further surgery is necessary, the incision will be closed.

Tenolysis is most often performed in the hand or wrist and may take up to one hour. If patients experience no complications, they will stay in the hospital for 1-2 days following surgery. After the operation, patients may need medication to treat pain or prevent infection or blood clots, and strenuous activity and heavy lifting may be restricted.

In The News

“"It requires repairing everything - the bone injury, the tendons, the veins, the arteries, the nerves," Dr. James Higgins, whose surgical team was involved in Emmon's procedure, told the station.”—"Surgeons work to reattach injured firefighter's arm", Washington Top News, January 2013

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD in 2024

Click on any procedure below to see further details on volume and pricing among Medicare patients.

Top 5%

By Volume:

carpometacarpal interposition arthroplasty

injections

partial palmar fasciectomy with proximal interphalangeal joint release

In 2024, Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD performed more carpometacarpal (CMC) interposition arthroplasty, injections, and partial palmar fasciectomy with proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint release procedures for Medicare patients than 95% of providers in related specialties within Maryland.

Top 10%

By Volume:

upper extremity surgery

In 2024, Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD performed more upper extremity surgery procedures for Medicare patients than 90% of providers in related specialties within Maryland.

Top 25%

By Volume:

carpal tunnel injection

decompression surgery

endoscopic surgery

joint aspiration

tendon surgery

trigger finger surgery

By Affordability:

carpal tunnel injection

steroid injections

transplant procedures

In 2012, among providers in related specialties within Maryland, Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD performed more carpal tunnel injection, decompression surgery, endoscopic surgery, joint aspiration, tendon surgery, and trigger finger surgery procedures for Medicare patients than 75% of them and he also had a list price for carpal tunnel injection, steroid injections, and transplant procedures that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 75% of them. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD treated as a hand surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2012 were injections, nerve procedures, minimally invasive procedures and upper extremity surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration	25
decompression surgery	45
doctor visit	374
injections	121
minimally invasive procedures	45
nerve procedures	45
upper extremity surgery	45

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD treated as a hand surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2013 were injections, upper extremity surgery, nerve procedures and minimally invasive procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration	37
decompression surgery	45
doctor visit	384
injections	145
minimally invasive procedures	45
nerve procedures	45
tendon surgery	28
upper extremity surgery	73

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD.

**Gender**
Male	118
Female	179

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	246
Black	40
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	171
From 75 to 84	62
85 and over	27
Less than 65	37

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD in 2013

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	61
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	12
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	6
Heart Failure	9
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	26
Dementia	0
Cancer	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD treated as a hand surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2014 were injections, upper extremity surgery, aspiration and nerve procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration	61
decompression surgery	40
doctor visit	388
injections	188
minimally invasive procedures	40
nerve procedures	40
tendon surgery	21
upper extremity surgery	61

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD.

**Gender**
Male	127
Female	208

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	298
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	171
From 75 to 84	87
85 and over	43
Less than 65	34

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD in 2014

Hypertension	63
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	13
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	9
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	25
Dementia	0
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD treated as a hand surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2015 were injections, upper extremity surgery, aspiration and nerve procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration	68
decompression surgery	46
doctor visit	413
injections	220
minimally invasive procedures	46
nerve procedures	46
tendon surgery	26
upper extremity surgery	72

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD.

**Gender**
Male	326
Female	404

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	598
Black	92
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	404
From 75 to 84	194
85 and over	66
Less than 65	66

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD in 2015

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	58
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	21
Chronic Kidney Disease	16
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	7
Heart Failure	10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	28
Dementia	3
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD treated as a hand surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2016 were injections, upper extremity surgery, aspiration and nerve procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration	60
decompression surgery	51
doctor visit	444
injections	206
joint surgery	24
minimally invasive procedures	51
nerve procedures	51
reconstructive surgery	24
tendon surgery	41
transplant procedures	18
upper extremity surgery	116

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD.

**Gender**
Male	160
Female	238

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	313
Black	64
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	230
From 75 to 84	87
85 and over	35
Less than 65	46

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD in 2016

Hypertension	64
High Cholesterol	58
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	16
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	9
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	29
Dementia	7
Cancer	9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD treated as a hand surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2017 were injections, upper extremity surgery, aspiration and nerve procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration	83
decompression surgery	52
doctor visit	487
injections	242
joint surgery	15
minimally invasive procedures	52
nerve procedures	52
reconstructive surgery	15
tendon surgery	25
transplant procedures	12
upper extremity surgery	92

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD.

**Gender**
Male	161
Female	248

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	339
Black	53
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	241
From 75 to 84	86
85 and over	40
Less than 65	42

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD in 2017

Hypertension	61
High Cholesterol	47
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	13
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	9
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	24
Dementia	6
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD treated as a hand surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2018 were injections, upper extremity surgery, aspiration and nerve procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration	69
decompression surgery	57
doctor visit	474
injections	235
joint surgery	14
minimally invasive procedures	57
nerve procedures	57
reconstructive surgery	14
tendon surgery	55
transplant procedures	12
upper extremity surgery	126

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD.

**Gender**
Male	142
Female	249

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	328
Black	44
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	222
From 75 to 84	97
85 and over	33
Less than 65	39

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD in 2018

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	60
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	22
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	8
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	26
Dementia	6
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD treated as a hand surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2019 were injections, upper extremity surgery, aspiration and nerve procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration	73
decompression surgery	61
doctor visit	520
excision	12
injections	254
joint surgery	12
minimally invasive procedures	61
nerve procedures	61
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	12
tendon surgery	35
upper extremity surgery	84

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD.

**Gender**
Male	171
Female	270

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	353
Black	58
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	254
From 75 to 84	117
85 and over	36
Less than 65	34

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD in 2019

Hypertension	61
High Cholesterol	65
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	21
Chronic Kidney Disease	23
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	7
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	27
Dementia	5
Cancer	9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD treated as a hand surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2020 were injections, upper extremity surgery, aspiration and nerve procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration	54
closed (non-surgical) treatment of fracture	11
decompression surgery	36
doctor visit	488
injections	253
minimally invasive procedures	36
nerve procedures	36
tendon surgery	32
upper extremity surgery	68

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD.

**Gender**
Male	164
Female	270

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	362
Black	49
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	239
From 75 to 84	121
85 and over	37
Less than 65	37

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD in 2020

Hypertension	58
High Cholesterol	61
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	6
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	7
Diabetes	26
Dementia	6
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD treated as a hand surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2021 were injections, upper extremity surgery, aspiration and nerve procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration	62
decompression surgery	50
doctor visit	552
injections	281
minimally invasive procedures	50
nerve procedures	50
tendon surgery	39
upper extremity surgery	89

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD.

**Gender**
Male	171
Female	259

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	363
Black	42
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	237
From 75 to 84	131
85 and over	38
Less than 65	24

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD in 2021

Hypertension	61
High Cholesterol	61
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	21
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	9
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	7
Diabetes	22
Dementia	3
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD treated as a hand surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2022 were injections, aspiration, upper extremity surgery and nerve procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration	77
decompression surgery	35
doctor visit	515
injections	278
minimally invasive procedures	35
nerve procedures	35
tendon surgery	35
upper extremity surgery	70

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD.

**Gender**
Male	162
Female	277

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	368
Black	43
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	221
From 75 to 84	161
85 and over	30
Less than 65	27

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD in 2022

Hypertension	70
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	10
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	13
Asthma	13
Osteoperosis	18
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	8
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	24
Dementia	3
Cancer	15

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2023 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD treated as a hand surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2023 were injections, upper extremity surgery, aspiration and nerve procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration	70
decompression surgery	62
doctor visit	590
injections	294
minimally invasive procedures	62
nerve procedures	62
tendon surgery	50
upper extremity surgery	112

2023 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD.

**Gender**
Male	183
Female	303

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	400
Black	52
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	245
From 75 to 84	173
85 and over	36
Less than 65	32

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD in 2023

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	21
Chronic Kidney Disease	15
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	18
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	7
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	23
Dementia	3
Cancer	15

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2024 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD treated as a hand surgeon in Baltimore, MD during 2024 were injections, upper extremity surgery, aspiration and tendon surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration	79
decompression surgery	54
doctor visit	558
excision	13
injections	293
joint surgery	29
minimally invasive procedures	54
nerve procedures	54
reconstructive surgery	16
tendon surgery	60
transplant procedures	11
upper extremity surgery	143

2024 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD.

**Gender**
Male	185
Female	310

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	425
Black	44
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	252
From 75 to 84	185
85 and over	37
Less than 65	21

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD in 2024

Hypertension	71
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	13
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	19
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	7
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	22
Dementia	4
Cancer	17

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2024

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD treated as a hand surgeon in Baltimore, MD were injections, upper extremity surgery, aspiration and nerve procedures.

aspiration	62
closed (non-surgical) treatment of fracture	11
decompression surgery	48
doctor visit	475
excision	12
injections	231
joint surgery	18
minimally invasive procedures	48
nerve procedures	48
reconstructive surgery	17
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	12
tendon surgery	37
transplant procedures	13
upper extremity surgery	88

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2024

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD.

**Gender**
Male	159
Female	247

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	44
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	337
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	0
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	115
85 and over	35
Less than 65	33
65 to 74	222

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD From 2012 - 2024

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and diabetes.

Hypertension	59
High Cholesterol	58
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	16
Asthma	9
Osteoporosis	10
Heart Failure	8
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	23
Atrial Fibrillation	8
Cancer	10
Dementia	3

Education & Training

Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD graduated from University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1996. He completed residency at Union Memorial Hospital. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery: Surgery of the Hand and has a state license in Maryland.

Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (1996)

Residency: Union Memorial Hospital

Board Certification: American Board of Plastic Surgery: Surgery of the Hand

Licensed In: Maryland

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

MedStar Health

Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: MultiPlan, Optimum Choice, Optima Health, MAMSI, Magellan Health Services, United Healthcare Choice Plus, United Healthcare Choice, First Health PPO, Blue Choice, Great-West Healthcare, Coventry, TRICARE Reserve Select, Anthem, Aetna Managed Choice POS, Beech Street PPO, Aetna HMO, Kaiser Permanente, CIGNA PPO, CIGNA EPO, Aetna Medicare PPO, Aetna Medicare PFFS, CIGNA Indemnity, AmeriHealth, AARP, Medicare Advantage, TriWest, Coventry National Network PPO, Highmark, Amerigroup, United Healthcare, Medicaid, Humana, Cigna, Sentara Health Plans, WellPoint, United Healthcare Community Plan (AmeriChoice), Humana Medicare Advantage PPO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan, CIGNA PPO Plus, HealthyBlue PPO, Aetna Premier 200PD, MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice, CareFirst NASCO, Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), M.D. IPA Preferred (POS), CareFirst Maryland Indemnity or PPO, IH-PPO, TRICARE East Prime, Aetna Advantage 6350PD, DC/MD SHOP QHP Small Business Plans, CareFirst EPO, MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families, Optimum Choice Preferred (POS), Medicare Direct, OCI Direct (HMO), Alterwood Advanatge HMO & DSNP Plans, Aetna Open Choice (PPO), OA Plus, CareFirst Administrators, United Student Resources, IH-Network Only Plus, IH-POS, Aetna Classic 5000, Aetna Signature Administrator PPO/TPA, CareFirst Community Health Plan of Maryland, Healthy Blue (HMO, POS), IH-POS Plus, Jai Medical Systems - Maryland Health Choice, CareFirst Maryland Point of Service Plan, Aetna HMO-Open Access/Select OA/HealthFund/Health Network Option OA, Health Services for Children with Special Needs, Choice POS II, CareFirst Blue Card Program, Choice Fund PPO, IH-EPO Plus, Aetna VA Exchange, Aetna Managed Choice Open Access (POS), Aetna Better Health of Virginia, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Advantage Core/Enhanced, Aetna Worker's Compensation Network, Options PPO Cardiac Global, Uniformed Services Family Health Plan, Aetna Advantage 5750, IH-Open HMO Option, HumanaChoice Honor's plan PPO, Aetna Basic, CareFirst FEP Blue Focus, Optimum Choice & Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) Cardiac Global, MedStar Family Choice DC Healthcare Alliance, IH-Open EPO Plus, Core Essential (HMO), IH-Open POS Plus, Johns Hopkins Advantage MD PLUS PPO, Select HMO/HealthFund/Health Network, MD IPA (HMO) & MD IPA Preferred Cardiac Global, CareFirst Blue Preferred PPO, Aetna Elect Choice/ Open Access (POS), IH-Open HMO, Aetna Advantage 6350, Erickson Advantage Plans, M.D. IPA (HMO), POS OA, Aetna Elect Choice/ EPO (Aetna Health Fund), Aetna Quality Point of Service (POS), IH-Open POS II, Johns Hopkins Advantage MD HMO, Aetna Classic 5000PD, CareFirst Dual Prime HMO-SNP, Priority Partners - Maryland Health Choice, Aetna Student Health Insurance, Private Health Care Systems (PPO), Choice POS, Lasso Healthcare - Medicare Medical Savings Account, IH-Indemnity, CareFirst MedStar PPO, CareFirst (NCA) Indemnity, Aetna Traditional Choice (PPO), United Medicare Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans, IH-HMO, IH-Open Network Only Plus, HumanaChoice PPO, CareFirst Federal Employee Program (Std. & Basic PPO), Johns Hopkins Advantage MD PPO, Medicare FFS, Maryland Physicians Care MCO, Veterans Affairs Community Care Network, Advantra Platinum (PPO), Aetna Better Health of Maryland, BCBS Out-of-State Medicare Plans (Blue Advantage), Employee Health Plan, Choice POS II Open Access, Navigate, Police and Fire Clinic, Network OA, TRICARE East Select, TRICARE for Life East, CareFirst MedStar Select PPO and Aetna Classic 3500.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD accepts the following insurance providers:

MultiPlan

Optimum Choice

Optima Health

MAMSI

Magellan Health Services

United Healthcare Choice Plus

United Healthcare Choice

First Health PPO

Blue Choice

Great-West Healthcare

Coventry

TRICARE Reserve Select

Anthem

Aetna Managed Choice POS

Beech Street PPO

Aetna HMO

Kaiser Permanente

CIGNA PPO

CIGNA EPO

Aetna Medicare PPO

Aetna Medicare PFFS

CIGNA Indemnity

AmeriHealth

AARP

Medicare Advantage

TriWest

Coventry National Network PPO

Highmark

Amerigroup

United Healthcare

Medicaid

Humana

Cigna

Sentara Health Plans

WellPoint

United Healthcare Community Plan (AmeriChoice)

Humana Medicare Advantage PPO

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan

CIGNA PPO Plus

HealthyBlue PPO

Aetna Premier 200PD

MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice

CareFirst NASCO

Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS)

M.D. IPA Preferred (POS)

CareFirst Maryland Indemnity or PPO

IH-PPO

TRICARE East Prime

Aetna Advantage 6350PD

DC/MD SHOP QHP Small Business Plans

CareFirst EPO

MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families

Optimum Choice Preferred (POS)

Medicare Direct

OCI Direct (HMO)

Alterwood Advanatge HMO & DSNP Plans

Aetna Open Choice (PPO)

OA Plus

CareFirst Administrators

United Student Resources

IH-Network Only Plus

IH-POS

Aetna Classic 5000

Aetna Signature Administrator PPO/TPA

CareFirst Community Health Plan of Maryland

Healthy Blue (HMO, POS)

IH-POS Plus

Jai Medical Systems - Maryland Health Choice

CareFirst Maryland Point of Service Plan

Aetna HMO-Open Access/Select OA/HealthFund/Health Network Option OA

Health Services for Children with Special Needs

Choice POS II

CareFirst Blue Card Program

Choice Fund PPO

IH-EPO Plus

Aetna VA Exchange

Aetna Managed Choice Open Access (POS)

Aetna Better Health of Virginia

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Advantage Core/Enhanced

Aetna Worker's Compensation Network

Options PPO Cardiac Global

Uniformed Services Family Health Plan

Aetna Advantage 5750

IH-Open HMO Option

HumanaChoice Honor's plan PPO

Aetna Basic

CareFirst FEP Blue Focus

Optimum Choice & Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) Cardiac Global

MedStar Family Choice DC Healthcare Alliance

IH-Open EPO Plus

Core Essential (HMO)

IH-Open POS Plus

Johns Hopkins Advantage MD PLUS PPO

Select HMO/HealthFund/Health Network

MD IPA (HMO) & MD IPA Preferred Cardiac Global

CareFirst Blue Preferred PPO

Aetna Elect Choice/ Open Access (POS)

IH-Open HMO

Aetna Advantage 6350

Erickson Advantage Plans

M.D. IPA (HMO)

POS OA

Aetna Elect Choice/ EPO (Aetna Health Fund)

Aetna Quality Point of Service (POS)

IH-Open POS II

Johns Hopkins Advantage MD HMO

Aetna Classic 5000PD

CareFirst Dual Prime HMO-SNP

Priority Partners - Maryland Health Choice

Aetna Student Health Insurance

Private Health Care Systems (PPO)

Choice POS

Lasso Healthcare - Medicare Medical Savings Account

IH-Indemnity

CareFirst MedStar PPO

CareFirst (NCA) Indemnity

Aetna Traditional Choice (PPO)

United Medicare Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans

IH-HMO

IH-Open Network Only Plus

HumanaChoice PPO

CareFirst Federal Employee Program (Std. & Basic PPO)

Johns Hopkins Advantage MD PPO

Medicare FFS

Maryland Physicians Care MCO

Veterans Affairs Community Care Network

Advantra Platinum (PPO)

Aetna Better Health of Maryland

BCBS Out-of-State Medicare Plans (Blue Advantage)

Employee Health Plan

Choice POS II Open Access

Navigate

Police and Fire Clinic

Network OA

TRICARE East Select

TRICARE for Life East

CareFirst MedStar Select PPO

Aetna Classic 3500

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 1738 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Baltimore, MD.

4.93

Overall Rating

(1738 Ratings)

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Reviews From Around The Web

Overall Rating: 5.0 2023-06-28

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr. Higgins has now performed the same surgery on both my wrists. He is talented and listens to my concerns and offers plain speaking advice and comment. Really appreciate his bedside manner.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-04-05

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Doctor Higgins makes the whole experience great. He explains everything and his mannerisms make me sure I am receiving the best treatment.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-11-27

Patient verified via Press Ganey

I received exceptional care as always. All interventions were explained prior to performance and we laid out a care plan for the future

Overall Rating: 5.0 2023-02-23

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr. Higgins he really listen to the problem his patients has and make the feel things going to be fine.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2023-07-27

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr James Higgins is an absolutely professional knowledgeable kind compassionate man. He's the best!

Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-11-13

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr. Higgins took time in room with me to go over options for surgery and answer my questions.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2023-05-24

Patient verified via Press Ganey

I was satisfied with his down-to-earth explanation of my situation.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-12-18

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Very professional & very helpful Made me very comfortable

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-07-28

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr. Higgins is a rock star and very wonderful.

General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Medartis Inc.	$256 Aptus $256
TriMed, Inc.	$160 Tools - WFS $160
Smith & Nephew, Inc.	$134 Negative Pressure Wound Therapy $134
AXOGEN	$133 NERVE CUFF $110	AxoGuard Nerve Connector $23
Integra LifeSciences Corporation	$112 Freedom Wrist $62	Recon-Upper Extremity Metal $37	Instruments-General Surgery $13
Other	$315 Juggerknot-Sports Medicine $76	Ascension $40	Acutrak Headless Compression Screw System $34	Vivorte Fortera $23	Physio-Stim $17	Other $126

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$1,001
Gift	$110

Biography

Dr. James Higgins specializes in plastic surgery and hand surgery. His clinical interests include amputation, forearm fracture, and carpal tunnel surgery. Dr. Higgins's hospital/clinic affiliations include MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital. He graduated from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and then he performed his residency at Strong Memorial Hospital and Union Memorial Hospital. He is rated highly by his patients. He seems to be an in-network provider for Anthem, Blue California, and Coventry, as well as other insurance carriers. Dr. Higgins's practice in Baltimore, MD is open to new patients as reported by Doctor.com.

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Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD

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Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Patrick Higgins, MD From 2012 - 2024

Education & Training

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Biography

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