Dr. Richard Thunder, M.D.
Contact & Location
La Jolla, CA 92037
Dr. Richard Thunder is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in La Jolla, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Thunder has performed 12 Medicare-verified hip replacements, ranking #329 in California.
In California, Dr. Thunder performs below average in hip (12 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Thunder's Medicare data shows a focused hip replacement practice with 12 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Thunder holds additional credentials in Orthopaedic Trauma, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
La Jolla is home to 15 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the La Jolla area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Thunder's Medicare data spans 5 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 26 procedures in 2018 before settling at 12 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Thunder's 12 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,532 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Thunder Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Thunder's recorded volume peaked at 26 procedures in 2018 and stood at 12 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Thunder
How does Dr. Thunder's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Thunder has performed 12 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 68 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Thunder ranks #575 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Thunder perform?
Dr. Thunder's reported Medicare volume is focused on hip replacement, with 12 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Thunder in La Jolla?
Yes. There are 15 orthopedic surgeons in La Jolla 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 California surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Thunder 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. Thunder's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 12 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Thunder's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Thunder's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 26 procedures in 2018 and was 12 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Which hospitals is Dr. Thunder affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Thunder is affiliated with Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, Northern Inyo Hospital, Scripps Memorial Hospital - Encinitas.
How does Dr. Thunder compare to other orthopedic surgeons in La Jolla?
Among the 15 orthopedic surgeons in La Jolla, Dr. Thunder ranks #15 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in La Jolla has 232 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Thunder practices?
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Northern Inyo Hospital (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Scripps Memorial Hospital - Encinitas (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in La Jolla, California
Dr. Thunder's 12 Medicare procedures are below the La Jolla average of 147. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in La Jolla.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. William Bugbee | 232 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Copp | 211 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Wilde | 170 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Anna Kulidjian | 158 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Weber | 136 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kace Ezzet | 108 | 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.