Dr. Thomas Paynter, MD
Contact & Location
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dr. Thomas Paynter is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Anchorage, Alaska. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Paynter has completed 62 knee replacements (#6 in Alaska), 40 hip replacements, and 38 shoulder replacements, totaling 140 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Alaska, Dr. Paynter performs above average in knee (62 vs 45 avg), above average in hip (40 vs 30 avg), above average in shoulder (38 vs 24 avg).
Dr. Paynter performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (62 cases), followed by hip replacements (40) and shoulder replacements (38).
Anchorage is home to 18 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Anchorage area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Paynter extend back to 2016, covering 9 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 140 in the most recent data, a 1067% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Paynter's 62 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. Paynter Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alaska state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Paynter's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 1067% from 12 procedures in 2016 to 140 in the most recent data.
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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Paynter
How does Dr. Paynter's procedure volume compare to other Alaska surgeons?
Dr. Paynter has performed 140 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Alaska average of 67 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Paynter ranks #4 out of 27 orthopedic surgeons in Alaska.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Paynter perform?
Dr. Paynter performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (62 cases), hip replacement (40 cases), shoulder replacement (38 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
How experienced is Dr. Paynter with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Paynter ranks #6 in Alaska for knee replacement with 62 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 27 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Paynter in Anchorage?
Yes. There are 18 orthopedic surgeons in Anchorage 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 Alaska surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Paynter 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. Paynter's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 140 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Paynter's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Paynter's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2016 to 140 in the most recent data, a 1067% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 140 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Paynter perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Paynter's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (62 cases), hip replacement (40 cases), shoulder replacement (38 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Paynter among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Paynter affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Paynter is affiliated with Alaska Regional Hospital, Providence Alaska Medical Center, South Peninsula Hospital.
How does Dr. Paynter compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Anchorage?
Among the 18 orthopedic surgeons in Anchorage, Dr. Paynter ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Anchorage has 229 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Paynter practices?
Alaska Regional Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Providence Alaska Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); South Peninsula Hospital (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Anchorage, Alaska
Dr. Paynter's 140 Medicare procedures are below the Anchorage average of 144. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Anchorage.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bryan Haughom | 229 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Bradley Sparks | 213 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Douglas Prevost | 165 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Tucker Drury | 104 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ian Brimhall | 89 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Elisha Powell | 67 | 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.