Kevin Varner, MD

Kevin Varner, MD

Kevin Varner, MD

Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Surgery, Foot and Ankle Surgery, Orthopedic Sports Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine
Chairman, Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Accepting New Patients
No Video Visits Available
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About Dr. Kevin Varner

"As a provider to Houston’s most elite athletes, I deliver expert care in foot and ankle conditions with a focus on precision, performance, and recovery for all patients."

Dr. Kevin Varner, Chair of Orthopedics at Houston Methodist, is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon specializing in ankle fractures, foot fractures, Achilles ruptures, sports injuries, and ankle replacements. A trusted leader in orthopedic care, he provides expert treatment for athletes and active patients across Houston.


As the head team physician for the Houston Ballet and assistant team orthopedic surgeon for the Houston Texans and the University of Houston, Dr. Varner brings extensive expertise in treating athletes at every level — from professional performers and collegiate athletes to recreational patients.


His practice combines cutting-edge surgical techniques, minimally invasive approaches, and individualized rehabilitation protocols to restore mobility and help patients return to their active lifestyles.

Dr. Kevin Varner has an academic appointment. Learn more about their research interests.

Clinical Interests

  • Achilles tendon ruptures
  • Advanced foot and ankle reconstruction
  • Ankle fractures
  • Ankle fusion surgery
  • Foot fractures
  • Sports injuries and return-to-play management
  • Total ankle replacement

Accepted Insurance Plans

  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE ESSENTIALS FROM UHC EP-1 (PPO) **
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE EXTRA FROM UHC EP-3 (PPO) **
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC EP-2 (PPO) **
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE CareFlex FROM UHC TX-44 (HMO-POS)**
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE CareFlex FROM UHC TX-45 (HMO-POS)**
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE ESSENTIAL FROM UHC TX-21 (HMO-POS)**
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE ESSENTIAL FROM UHC TX-22 (HMO-POS)**
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE EXTRA FROM UHC TX-27 (HMO-POS)**
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE EXTRA FROM UHC TX-28 (HMO-POS)**
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-35 (HMO-POS) **
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-38(HMO-POS) **
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-39 (HMO-POS) **
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-40 (HMO-POS) **
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-41 (HMO-POS) **
  • (WELLMED) AARP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-47 (HMO-POS) **
  • (WELLMED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-31 (PPO)** H1278-005
  • (WELLMED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-31 (PPO)** H1278-013
  • (WELLMED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-31 (PPO)** H1278-014
  • (WELLMED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-31 (PPO)** H1278-021
  • (WELLMED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-31 (PPO)** H1278-025
  • (WELLMED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-31 (PPO)** H1278-026
  • (WELLMED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-32 (PPO)** H1278-022
  • (WELLMED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE GIVEBACK FROM UHC TX-34 (PPO)** H1278-024
  • (WELLMED) SECURE HORIZON MEDICARE ADVANTAGE TX-0023 (HMO-POS)**
  • (WELLMED) SECURE HORIZON MEDICARE ADVANTAGE TX-0025 (HMO-POS)**
  • Aetna Affordable Health Choices
  • Aetna APCN Plus Multi-Tier HM Tier 2
  • Aetna Choice POS / Open Choice
  • Aetna Common Spirit Minimum Value Plan
  • Aetna CommonSpirit Health KelseyCare
  • Aetna EPO
  • Aetna Health Network
  • Aetna HMO
  • Aetna International
  • Aetna Managed Choice / Elect Choice
  • Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO
  • Aetna Medicare Advantage PPO
  • Aetna Medicare Dual Complete Plan (HMO D-SNP)
  • Aetna Medicare HMO Prime
  • Aetna Meritain Hlth/Aetna Premier Care (APCN)
  • Aetna Open Access
  • Aetna POS
  • Aetna PPO
  • Aetna Premier Care Network
  • Aetna QPOS
  • Aetna Select
  • Aetna Signature Administrators
  • Aetna Signature Administrators Allied Benefits
  • Aetna Signature Administrators CoreSource
  • Aetna Signature Administrators EBMS
  • Aetna Signature Administrators MODA
  • Aetna Student Health
  • Aetna Transplant
  • Aetna TX Pref Plus II Network
  • Aetna Workers' Comp
  • All Saver/United Healthcare
  • BCBS PPO GUIDESTONE
  • BCBS PPO Wespath
  • Best Doctors International
  • Bind Surest UHC
  • Blue Choice POS
  • Blue Choice PPO
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Federal Employee Plan
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage Out of State
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage PPO/UT Care
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield POS
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
  • Blue Edge
  • Blue Essentials
  • Blue Essentials Access
  • CareWorks Workers' Comp
  • Cigna Allegiance Houston Methodist Employee Medical Plan
  • Cigna Allegiance OAP
  • Cigna Allegiance PPO
  • Cigna APWU
  • Cigna C-24 Network
  • Cigna Choice Fund
  • Cigna EPO
  • Cigna Global Health Benefits (International)
  • Cigna Great West
  • Cigna HMO
  • Cigna Indemnity
  • Cigna LocalPlus
  • Cigna NALC
  • Cigna Network
  • Cigna Network Open Access
  • Cigna Open Access
  • Cigna Open Access Plus (OAP)
  • Cigna POS
  • Cigna PPO
  • Cigna Qualcare
  • Cigna Shared Administration OAP
  • Cigna Shared Administration PPO
  • Cigna SureFit
  • Community Health Choice Medicare Advantage HMO DSNP
  • Community Health Choice PREMIER Gold
  • Community Health Choice PREMIER Silver
  • Coventry PPO
  • DEVOTED CORE 001 TX (HMO)
  • DEVOTED CORE 019 TX (HMO)
  • DEVOTED C-SNP Plus 031 TX (HMO C-SNP)
  • DEVOTED C-SNP Premium 030 TX (HMO C-SNP)
  • DEVOTED DUAL 010 TX (HMO D-SNP)
  • DEVOTED DUAL FULL 040 (HMO D-SNP)
  • DEVOTED GIVEBACK 006 TX (HMO)
  • DEVOTED HEALTH DUAL PLUS GREATER HOUSTON
  • DEVOTED PREMIUM 002 (HMO)
  • Entrust/90 Degree EDI Payer ID# 36878
  • First Health PPO
  • GeoBlue
  • HAA Preferred Partners (International)
  • HealthSmart Accel PPO
  • HealthSmart Payors Organization
  • HealthSmart PPO
  • Healthspring/Cigna MCR HMO
  • Healthspring/Cigna MCR PPO
  • Healthspring/Cigna MCR Total Care Dual
  • HMO Blue
  • Humana Medicare Advantage Choice PPO
  • Humana Medicare Advantage Gold Plus/Choice
  • Humana Medicare Advantage HMO
  • Humana Medicare Advantage PPO
  • Injury Management Organization
  • Kelsey Seybold Affiliate Network
  • Medica Choice with UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus
  • Medicare
  • MEDICARE ADVANTAGE : TEXAN PLUS
  • Molina Marketplace Exchange
  • Molina Medicare Complete Care HMO (Dual) HIDE
  • Molina Medicare Complete Care Plus (HMO Dual-SNP) FIDE
  • MultiPlan PPO
  • Occunet
  • Olympus Managed Care (International)
  • PHCS Healthy Directions
  • PHCS MEDI-SHARE
  • PHCS PPO
  • PHCS/Multiplan Practitioner & Ancillary Only
  • ProCare Medicare Advantage
  • Reny Company Workers' Comp
  • Sana Benefits
  • Sedgwick CMS
  • SouthWest Medical Provider Network
  • Student Assurance Services Student Accident Plan
  • Texas Kids First /Fidelity Security Student Accident Plan
  • Texas Monarch/Web TPA Student Accident Plan
  • Three Rivers Provider Network
  • TRS-ActiveCare 2 Group 385002
  • TRS-ActiveCare Fully Insured Plan-South Texas Region Group 295430
  • TRS-ActiveCare Fully Insured Plan-West Texas Region Group 295781
  • TRS-ActiveCare HD Group 385000
  • TRS-ActiveCare Primary Group 385003
  • TRS-ActiveCare Primary Plus Group 385001
  • TRS-Care Standard ALT A I Group 485002
  • TRS-Care Standard ALT A II Group 485003
  • TRS-Care Standard ALT B I Group 485005
  • TRS-Care Standard ALT B II Group 485006
  • TRS-Care Standard CMED Group 485001
  • TRS-Care Standard Group 485000
  • TX Annual Conf of UMC-UMR
  • UHC COMPLETE CARE SUPPORT TX-1A (REGIONAL PPO C-SNP)** R6801-008
  • UHC Complete Care TX-16 (HMO-POS C-SNP)** H4527-039
  • UHC Complete Care TX-17 (HMO-POS C-SNP)** H4527-040
  • UHC Complete Care TX-18 (HMO-POS C-SNP)** H4527-041
  • UHC Complete Care TX-19 (HMO-POS C-SNP)** H4527-042
  • UHC COMPLETE CARE TX-29 (REGIONAL PPO C-SNP)** R6801-009
  • UHC DUAL COMPLETE TX-S001 (REGIONAL PPO D-SNP)** R6801-011
  • UHC GR MA HALLIBURTON HMO 137 ** H0609-822-137
  • UHC GR MA LOCKHEED HMO 164 ** H0609-822-164
  • UHC GR MA RIO TINTO SERVICE
  • UHC GR MA TEACHER RETIREMENT SYSTEM HMO 199** H0609-822-207
  • UHC GR MA VERIZON HMO 207** H0609-822-207
  • UHC MEDICARE ADVANTAGE TX-0030 (REGIONAL PPO)** R6801-012
  • UMR
  • United Health Integrated Services
  • United HealthCare Community Plan Dual Complete (HMO SNP)
  • United Healthcare Nexus ACO RA or OA
  • United Healthcare Plan of the River Valley
  • UnitedHealthcare Choice
  • UnitedHealthcare ChoicePlus
  • UnitedHealthcare Core
  • UnitedHealthcare Core Plus
  • UnitedHealthcare EPO
  • UnitedHealthcare Golden Rule
  • UnitedHealthcare HMO
  • UnitedHealthcare Navigate
  • UnitedHealthcare Navigate Plus
  • UnitedHealthcare Options PPO
  • UnitedHealthcare Oxford
  • UnitedHealthcare POS
  • UnitedHealthcare PPO
  • UnitedHealthcare Student Resources
  • UnitedHealthcare West
  • UnitedHealthOne
  • US Family Health Plan
  • WellMed AARP Medicare Advantage Choice PPO
  • WellMed AARP Medicare Advantage Plan 1 & Plan 2
  • WellMed Medicare Advantage Choice PPO
  • WellMed Medicare Advantage Patriot
  • WellMed UHC Dual Complete HMO D-SNP
  • WellMed UnitedHealthCare Dual Complete Choice (Regional PPO D-SNP)
  • WellMed UnitedHealthCare Medicare Advantage Choice (Regional PPO)
  • WellMed UnitedHealthCare Medicare Gold (Regional PPO C-SNP)
  • WellMed UnitedHealthCare Medicare Silver (Regional PPO C-SNP)
  • Wellpoint Chronic Care (HMO C-SNP)
  • Wellpoint Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)
  • Wellpoint Dual Advantage 2 (HMO D-SNP)
  • WELLPOINT ESSENTIALS MARKETPLACE
  • Wellpoint Full Dual Advantage (HMO D-SNP)
  • Wellpoint Full Dual Advantage 2 (HMO D-SNP)
  • Wellpoint Home Care (HMO C-SNP)
  • Wellpoint Kidney Care (HMO C-SNP)
  • Wellpoint Kidney Care (HMO-POS C-SNP)
  • Wellpoint Lung Care (HMO C-SNP)
  • Wellpoint Medicare Advantage 2 (HMO)
  • Wellpoint Select (HMO)
  • Workers' Comp: Corvel
  • Workers' Comp: Coventry / First Health
Insurance plans may change. Please verify your plan is accepted when scheduling an appointment.

Credentials

Board Certification
  • American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
Medical School
  • Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas | 1992
Residency
  • Orthopedic Surgery Baylor Coll of Med Houston, TX
Internship
  • General Surgery Baylor Coll of Med Houston, TX
Fellowship
  • Foot & Ankle Surgery Baltimore, Maryland
Affiliated Hospitals
  • Houston Methodist Hospital
Academic Appointments
  • C. James and Carole Walter Looke Presidential Distinguished Centennial Chair in Orthopedics, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
  • Assistant Professor of Clinical Orthopedic Surgery, Academic Institute
  • Chair, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
  • Director, Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
  • Houston Methodist
  • Weill Cornell Medical College

Languages

  • English
Languages listed are spoken by doctor and/or office staff.

FAQ

Can I book an appointment with Dr. Kevin Varner?
Yes. Please contact the physician's office directly at 713.441.3150 to schedule an appointment or call 713.790.3333 for assistance in finding another doctor.
What insurance does Dr. Kevin Varner accept?
See all insurance plans that Dr. Kevin Varner accepts.
What practice does Dr. Kevin Varner work at?
Dr. Kevin Varner works at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine.
Where is Dr. Kevin Varner office located?
How do patients rate Dr. Kevin Varner in reviews?
1045 patients have reviewed Dr. Kevin Varner. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. You can read individual reviews and ratings on Dr. Kevin Varner's profile.
What languages does Dr. Kevin Varner speak?
Dr. Kevin Varner, or the office, speaks English.
What are Dr. Kevin Varner's specialties?
Dr. Kevin Varner is a specialist in Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Surgery, Foot and Ankle Surgery, Orthopedic Sports Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine.

Patient Ratings & Comments

What is a Patient Rating score?
The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on our independently administered Patient Satisfaction Survey.
How are responses measured?
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score.
5 out of 5
(1045 Ratings, 203 Comments)
  • 5
    Provider discussed treatment options
  • 5
    Provider showed concern
  • 5
    Provider explained things clearly
  • 5
    Provider included you in decisions
  • 5
    Likelihood of recommending this provider
Comments also are gathered from our Patient Satisfaction Survey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
  • Sep 3, 2026
    Dr. Varner is the best! I really trust him.
  • Sep 2, 2026
    Already recommended Dr Varner to family friend. He and his team are awesome.
  • Sep 2, 2026
    Excellent service!
  • Aug 26, 2026
    Dr. Varner's attention and explanation were given with great care and consideration. It was such a relief to have the answers for my pain.
  • Aug 26, 2026
    Dr Varner listened to my concerns and offered treatment options.
  • Aug 22, 2026
    Everyone was professional and kind. It was a great experience.
  • Aug 19, 2026
    PA and Dr. Varner were great and very informative.