Dr. Thomas Knutson, M.D.
Contact & Location
760-743-4789
Escondido, CA 92029
About Dr. Knutson
Dr. Thomas Knutson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Escondido, California. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Knutson performed 83 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#73 in California) and 80 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 163 procedures.
In California, Dr. Knutson performs above the state average in knee (83 vs 47), above the state average in hip (80 vs 41).
Dr. Knutson's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (83 cases) and hip replacements (80 cases).
Escondido is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Escondido area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Knutson extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 112 to 163 in the most recent data, a 46% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Knutson's 83 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 39 | 73 |
| 2014 | 50 | 77 |
| 2015 | 61 | 86 |
| 2016 | 68 | 76 |
| 2017 | 63 | 91 |
| 2018 | 68 | 106 |
| 2019 | 65 | 108 |
| 2020 | 57 | 85 |
| 2021 | 96 | 103 |
| 2022 | 55 | 85 |
| 2023 | 73 | 93 |
| 2024 | 80 | 83 |
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. Knutson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Knutson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 46% from 112 procedures in 2013 to 163 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Knutson
How does Dr. Knutson's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Knutson has performed 163 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Knutson ranks #58 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Knutson perform?
Dr. Knutson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (83 cases) and hip replacement (80 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Knutson in Escondido?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Escondido 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. Knutson 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. Knutson's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 163 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Knutson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Knutson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 112 procedures in 2013 to 163 in the most recent data, a 46% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 199 procedures in 2021.
Does Dr. Knutson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Knutson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (83 cases), hip replacement (80 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Knutson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Knutson is affiliated with Palomar Health Downtown Campus.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Knutson practices?
Palomar Health Downtown Campus (2 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 Escondido, California
Dr. Knutson's 163 Medicare procedures are above the Escondido average of 89. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Escondido.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jared Brummel | 14 | 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.