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Dr. Paul Richards, MD

Dr. Paul Richards, MD

Orthopedic Hand Surgery*
30+ years of experience

Dr. Paul Richards, MD is an orthopedic hand surgeon in Fort Myers, FL and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Richards has extensive experience in Shoulder & Upper Arm Surgery and Hand & Wrist Surgery. He graduated from University of Florida College of Medicine in 1992. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Lee Memorial Hospital and Cape Coral Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4.9 Star Rating
Based on 104 reviews 4.9 Star Rating (104 reviews)

Practice

2531 Cleveland Ave Ste 1 Fort Myers, FL 33901
Telehealth available

Make an Appointment

Hospital Highlight

Dr. Richards is affiliated with Lee Memorial Hospital Fort Myers, a highly rated hospital.

At a Glance

  • Areas of Expertise
    Dr. Richards specializes in the areas of Hand Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Offers Telehealth
    This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    America's 100 Best Hospitals Award™ See hospitals
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Dr. Richards' Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Richards

4.9
104 ratings, 89 with a written review
5 star
96%
96%
4 star
3%
3%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
1%
1%

Your trust is our top concern.

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Great Doctor and PA
My husband and I have both seen Dr. Richards and his PA, Brooke, three or four years ago. And they remembered us and were as knowledgeable and efficient and friendly as ever.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 19, 2025
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Exceptional Care
Beyond satisfied with Dr. Richard’s. He is a skilled professional, showing both compassion and knowledge. As a new patient who was fit-in to his busy schedule, I was not rushed, and I felt he genuinely cared. He explained my X-rays, pointing out the break, and other that reflected in the X-ray. He gave me options, addressed all my concerns, and made sure I felt at ease before ending the visit. Top-notch care, and a doctor I highly recommend.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Satisfied Patient – Feb 12, 2025
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Ruptured Bicep Tendon
Dr. Richards was very thorough in his explanation of my injury and road to recovery.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Tim M – Jan 09, 2025
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Dr Richards and all his team are awesome. They all are attentive and take the time to listen and care for you.The new surgery center was awesome.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Diane – Dec 29, 2024
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Very impressed!
I had trigger thumb, not only painful but made every day living tough. Tried exercises but only got worse. Was able to get an appointment quickly. Dr Richards explained everything and got me in for surgery soon after. Not only did he do a great job fixing my problem but the surgery center and everyone there was wonderful. Was back to playing golf and buttoning my shirts in less than 2 weeks!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Trisha Seals – Nov 14, 2024
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Dr. Richards is an amazing doctor with an awesome team. Had trigger finger surgery on my right-hand first about a month back and to my surprise I experienced zero pain without taking any painkiller (just following doctor's instructions except the one to take painkiller). With such positive results, I went for the left-hand last week as I had 2 other fingers stuck there. This last one is recovering even better and faster than the first one. If I had not experienced this first-hand, I would not believe those results. I would like to also thank Amanda, Ralph, Barb, Di, Lisa and many other staff that made and continue to make those surgeries and the recovering process as good of an experience as that could be.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Alain – Dec 07, 2023
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Top Notch!
Everything good, on time, and all questions answered.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Terry Nelson – Dec 13, 2022
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Thoroughly professional
Staff is well trained and efficient. Dr. Richards has helped me overcome a bad wrist break. He explains everything and makes time to answer questions.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Gloria J Van Duzer – Dec 06, 2022
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Angel ulloa
Was a great visit dr is great
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Angel Ulloa – Dec 01, 2022
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HE IS SO KIND AND PERSONABLE! NO PAIN NEXT DAY!
EVERYONE INVOLVED WAS KIND AND HELPFUL! I DID NOT FEEL LIKE I WAS PART OF AN ASSEMBLY LINE! I FOUND ALL NURSES, PA’S VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE! DR RICHARDS WAS VERY KIND, CONNECTING AND UNDERSTANDING! I WAS SCARED AND I TOLD HIM . HE WAS FAST AND I COULDN’T BELIEVE HE WAS FINISHED WITH PROCEDURE! I WAS BETTER NEXT MORNING AFTER BEING IN BAD PAIN FOR MONTHS!! THE PA’S ARE GREAT AT EXPLAINING AND EVERYONE WAS HELPFUL! NURSE VICTORIA IS AMAZING AND HELPFUL. HER WORK PACE IS LIKE THE ENERGIZER BUNNY THAT NEVER STOPS! SHE WENT THE EXTRA MILE TO HELP ME !!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
EILEEN – Nov 10, 2022
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Very good experience
Dr. Richards and staff were both professional and friendly. From pre op to post op my questions were answered and I was given great care. My previous carpal tunnel surgeries with Dr. Richards were a success and I am certain once I am healed, this recent joint surgery will also make my life so much better. I certainly would see Dr. Richards and his team again should I need his surgical expertise. As I write I just got a call from his office checking up on me. There was a glitch with my pain medication prescription, but thankfully my night was comfortable enough without it and the nurse that called this morning had that sorted out in minutes. I am only day one after surgery but my experience so far has been very good. I am happy to refer anyone to Dr. Richards at Orthopedics Specialists of SW FL.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mona – Oct 20, 2022
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Dr Richards
Very simple Katie welcomed me friendly Brooke answered my questions and set up a follow-up date
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anthony Farina – Aug 18, 2022
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Really listened to my concerns. Very caring. Gave me good advice.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Julie Peterson – Aug 16, 2022
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Dr. Richards is the best!
I have been a patient of Dr. Richards for years. He Is thorough, answers any and all questions and has never made me feel rushed regardless of how busy his office may be. Thank you for the great care over the years.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Aug 12, 2022
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I have seen Dr. Richards twice. He was able to diagnose and treat my shoulder with physical therapy. Today I saw him for my hand and with his complete assessment, I am confident that in a couple of weeks, I will be able to resume my normal activities.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
JANET M CONFER – Jun 14, 2022
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He was so good .. great bed side manners, I really like him I will be back .. glad I found him and my doc
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mar 08, 2022
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Outstanding
As The wife of a physician, and Knowing many doctors personally and professionally, , Dr. Richards is everything you want in the person caring for your medical needs.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Staff wasn't friendly
Helpful
Our experience merits the highest recommendation. – Mar 05, 2022
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Staff& Dr. pleasant and listened closely. I will definitely refer my friends.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Gale Sklar – Mar 01, 2022
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First visit. Very impressed with his knowledge. Very detailed exam.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Feb 23, 2022
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Went to a consultation within an hour Dr Richards had taken me in as a patient. I would recommend him to anybody who needed help. He is awesome!!!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Leroy Barry – Jan 15, 2022
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About Me

care philosophy

The Orthopedic Specialists of SW Florida practice philosophy is to treat early with noninvasive, conservative treatments for degenerative conditions. Conservative treatments include a splint to immobilize the joint, analgesic medications for pain,...read more

biography

After spending two years in practice in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Dr. Richards and his wife Joan (a native of Southwest Florida) moved back to the area to enjoy more time with family. They are blessed with three beautiful children.

Dr....
read more
  • Orthopedic Hand Surgery

  • Orthopedic Surgery

  • Orthopedic Shoulder & Elbow Surgery

  • Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery

  • Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • University Of Alabama At Birmingham Heersink School Of Medicine

    Fellowship Hospital
  • Orlando Regional Medical Center

    Residency Hospital
  • University Of Florida College Of Medicine

    Medical School, 1992
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery®
Hand Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Locations

Practice

Orthopedic Prompt Care LLC2531 Cleveland Ave Ste 1 Fort Myers, FL 33901
1
  • Call
  • Fax
  • Hours
    • Mon: 7:30am - 4:30pm
    • Tue: 7:30am - 4:30pm
    • Wed: 7:30am - 4:30pm
    • Thu: 7:30am - 4:30pm
    • Fri: 7:30am - 4:30pm
  • Directions

Practice

Office14601 Hope Center Loop Fort Myers, FL 33912
2
  • Call
  • Fax
  • Hours
    • Mon: 7:30am - 4:30pm
    • Tue: 7:30am - 4:30pm
    • Wed: 7:30am - 4:30pm
    • Thu: 7:30am - 4:30pm
    • Fri: 7:30am - 4:00pm
    • Sat: closed
    • Sun: closed
  • Directions

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Lee Memorial Hospital

    2776 Cleveland Ave
    Fort Myers, FL 33901
    Recipient of 27
    hospital awards

    America's 100 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top 1% in the nation for providing the highest clinical quality year over year

    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top 1% in the nation for providing the highest clinical quality year over year

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    87%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    3% higher than the national average

    77%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

    2% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
  • Cape Coral Hospital

    636 Del Prado Blvd S
    Cape Coral, FL 33990
    Recipient of 26
    hospital awards

    America's 100 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top 5% in the nation for consistently delivering clinical quality

    America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top 5% in the nation for consistently delivering clinical quality

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    88%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    4% higher than the national average

    77%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

    2% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
  • Hendry Regional Medical Center

    524 W Sagamore Ave
    Clewiston, FL 33440

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    88%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home
    81%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

    1% lower than the national average

    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality