Michael Higgins is an orthopaedic doctor who knows first hand the trauma of knee replacement surgery.
A few years back, at age 49, Dr. Higgins had a total knee replacement. From that personal experience, he refined medical treatment and follow up care that results in less pain and a faster recovery for people undergoing knee and hip replacement surgery.
Dr. Higgins is now sharing his experience — both as a patient and orthopaedic surgeon — with residents of central and east Pasco.
He recently opened an orthopaedic practice next to Bayfront Health Dade City. Located at 13020 Fort King Road, the office is in the same location that was occupied for 30 years by Dr. Ben Chiang.
Dade City is Dr. Higgins’ second office. The other is in Spring Hill, where he has practiced for 11 years and has medical privileges at Oak Hill Hospital, Bayfront Health Springhill and Bayfront Health Brooksville. He has served as chief of surgery at Bayfront Health Brooksville.
In Dade City, Dr. Higgins sees patients and does surgery two to three times a week. He is working with Bayfront Health’s administration to expand its orthopaedic group and as other physicians come on board, expanded orthopaedic services will be available at Bayfront Health Dade City.
In addition to his personal knee replacement experience, Dr. Higgins also offers patients a unique perspective as a physical therapist, a profession he worked for seven years before earning his medical degree.
“Coming from a physical therapy background gives me a more holistic approach,” said Dr. Higgins. “I first consider what can be done to help a patient with therapy and other non-invasive treatments. Surgery is not always the best answer, because once you cut, you can’t take it back.”
Dr. Higgins views himself as a conservative physician, who prescribes proven, established best practices with documented results.
“Just because there is a new treatment out there, it doesn’t mean it’s the best treatment for the patient,” said Dr. Higgins. “I strongly believe that people have a right to be treated locally and to receive outstanding care locally. There is no reason for patients to go to Tampa for the medical/surgery expertise they need.”
Dr. Higgins views himself as an old-fashioned doctor who is determined to operate as an independent physician with no affiliation to any medical group.
“I like a practice where I know my patients, where my staff knows my patients,” said Dr. Higgins. “It is very important to me that I continue to maintain my private practice because it allows me to give patients the time I need to listen and provide top quality care.”
Dr. Higgins’ staff of seven, which includes medical assistants, an x-ray technician and a practice manager, staff both the Dade City and Springhill offices, which gives patients consistent, quality customer service.
Dr. Higgins lives in Spring Hill with his wife, Cara and their three sons: 10-year-old Edward, 7-year-old Ian and 3-year-old Patrick. The Higgins are active members of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Church in Spring Hill, where he also participates in the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Hernando Orthopaedic & Spinal Surgery
13020 Fort King Road, Suite 102, Dade City, FL 33525
Phone: 352-688-6035 • Fax: 352-688-6219
www.HernandoOrthoSpine.com
