Dr. Thomas Paynter, MD
Dr. Thomas Paynter is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Anchorage, Alaska. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Paynter has completed 50 knee replacements (#4 in Alaska), 36 shoulder replacements, and 24 hip replacements, totaling 110 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Alaska, Dr. Paynter performs above average in knee (50 vs 36 avg), above average in shoulder (36 vs 22 avg), near average in hip (24 vs 27 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 (50 cases), followed by shoulder replacements (36) and hip replacements (24).
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 8 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 110 in the most recent data, a 817% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Paynter's 50 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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.
Contact & Location
Anchorage, AK 99508
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Paynter's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 817% from 12 procedures in 2016 to 110 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 110 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Alaska average of 52 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Paynter ranks #3 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 (50 cases), shoulder replacement (36 cases), hip replacement (24 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
How experienced is Dr. Paynter with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Paynter ranks #4 in Alaska for knee replacement with 50 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 110 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 110 in the most recent data, a 817% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 110 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Paynter perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Paynter's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (50 cases), shoulder replacement (36 cases), hip replacement (24 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 #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Paynter is among the highest-volume surgeons in Anchorage.
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 110 Medicare procedures are above the Anchorage average of 97. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Anchorage.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Douglas Prevost | 187 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Tucker Drury | 124 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ian Brimhall | 84 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Bradley Sparks | 64 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Elisha Powell | 56 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Caylor | 52 | Hip, Knee |
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