Dr. Richard Thoms, M.D.
Contact & Location
860-889-7345
Niantic, CT 06357
North Franklin, CT 06254
Dr. Thoms performs more knee replacement procedures than 95% of orthopedic surgeons in Connecticut, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #3 of 67 ranked knee surgeons in Connecticut.
About Dr. Thoms
Dr. Richard Thoms is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Niantic, Connecticut. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Thoms performed 79 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#3 in Connecticut) and 46 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 125 procedures.
In Connecticut, Dr. Thoms performs well above the state average in knee (79 vs 33), above the state average in hip (46 vs 32).
Dr. Thoms's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (79 cases) and hip replacements (46 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 data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 195 procedures in 2017 before settling at 125 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Thoms's 79 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 47 | 112 | 0 |
| 2014 | 56 | 94 | 0 |
| 2015 | 79 | 87 | 11 |
| 2016 | 70 | 102 | 0 |
| 2017 | 76 | 106 | 13 |
| 2018 | 78 | 80 | 0 |
| 2019 | 63 | 105 | 0 |
| 2020 | 54 | 81 | 0 |
| 2021 | 52 | 97 | 0 |
| 2022 | 57 | 67 | 0 |
| 2023 | 53 | 82 | 0 |
| 2024 | 46 | 79 | 0 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Thoms Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Connecticut state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Thoms's recorded volume peaked at 195 procedures in 2017 and stood at 125 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 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 125 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Connecticut average of 49 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Thoms ranks #3 out of 94 orthopedic surgeons in Connecticut.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Thoms perform?
Dr. Thoms's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (79 cases) and hip replacement (46 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Thoms with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Thoms ranks #3 in Connecticut for knee replacement with 79 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 94 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 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Thoms's total volume across all insurers at roughly 420 to 530 procedures against the 125 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Thoms's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Thoms's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 195 procedures in 2017 and was 125 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.
Does Dr. Thoms perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Thoms's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (79 cases), hip replacement (46 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, Yale-New Haven 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 125 Medicare procedures are above the Niantic average of 80. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Niantic.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jonathan Piposar | 34 | Knee, Shoulder |
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.