Dr. Richard Thoms, M.D.
Dr. Richard Thoms is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Niantic, Connecticut. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Thoms has performed 82 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#2 in Connecticut) and 53 hip replacements, for a combined total of 135 procedures.
In Connecticut, Dr. Thoms performs well above average in knee (82 vs 34 avg), above average in hip (53 vs 31 avg).
Dr. Thoms's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (82 cases) and hip replacements (53 cases).
Niantic is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Niantic area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Thoms also maintains hospital privileges in CT and RI, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Connecticut.
Dr. Thoms's Medicare record spans 11 years from 2013 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 124 to 195 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Thoms's 82 verified procedures is above 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. Thoms Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Connecticut state average.
Contact & Location
Niantic, CT 06357
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Thoms's procedure volume has been consistent across 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 124 to 195 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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. Thoms
How does Dr. Thoms's procedure volume compare to other Connecticut surgeons?
Dr. Thoms has performed 135 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Connecticut average of 47 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Thoms ranks #2 out of 101 orthopedic surgeons in Connecticut.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Thoms perform?
Dr. Thoms's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (82 cases) and hip replacement (53 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Thoms with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Thoms ranks #2 in Connecticut for knee replacement with 82 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 101 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Thoms in Niantic?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Niantic 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 Connecticut surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Thoms 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. Thoms's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 135 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Thoms's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Thoms's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 124 to 195 procedures per year between 2013 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Thoms perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Thoms's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (82 cases), hip replacement (53 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Thoms affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Thoms is affiliated with Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, Windham Comm Mem Hosp & Hatch Hosp, William W Backus Hospital, Westerly Hospital. Dr. Thoms maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Thoms practices?
Lawrence & Memorial Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Windham Comm Mem Hosp & Hatch Hosp (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); William W Backus Hospital (4 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 Niantic, Connecticut
Dr. Thoms's 135 Medicare procedures are above the Niantic average of 77. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Niantic.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jonathan Piposar | 19 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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