Dr. Thomas Bendowski, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
46 procedures 1 hospital Crystal River, FL

Contact & Location

352-795-4422
Phone: 352-795-4422
Practice phone listed in the NPI registry
6480 W Gulf To Lake Hwy
Crystal River, FL 34429
NPI: 1366628711
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
18 years of practice experience
Licensed M.D.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 30 vs 36 national avg (4,532 surgeons)
Knee 16 vs 45 national avg (6,599 surgeons)

About Dr. Bendowski

Dr. Thomas Bendowski is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Crystal River, Florida. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Bendowski performed 30 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#144 in Florida) and 16 knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 46 procedures.

In Florida, Dr. Bendowski performs below the state average in hip (30 vs 40), below the state average in knee (16 vs 48).

Dr. Bendowski's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (30 cases) and knee replacements (16 cases).

Dr. Bendowski is the only orthopedic surgeon in Crystal River represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.

Dr. Bendowski's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 82 procedures in 2017 before settling at 46 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.

Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Bendowski's 30 verified procedures is near the national average of 36.

Verified Medicare Cases

Hip Replacement
30 verified cases
#144 in Florida
Knee Replacement
16 verified cases
#347 in Florida
Estimated total: 120 – 140 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Bendowski Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Florida state average.

Hip Below Avg
30 Avg: 40
Knee Below Avg
16 Avg: 48
Dr. Bendowski Florida Average

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Bendowski's recorded volume peaked at 82 procedures in 2017 and stood at 46 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.

Years of Data 11
2024 Volume 46
Peak Volume 82 (2017)
Trend Declining

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Hca Florida Citrus Hospital
2/5
Inverness, FL
Similar to national avg

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:

Hip Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device (walker or cane). Gentle range-of-motion exercises begin. Most patients can manage basic self-care.
Week 3-6 Transition to walking independently. Resume driving short distances. Physical therapy focuses on strength and balance.
Week 7-12 Return to most daily activities and light exercise. Stair climbing improves. Many patients return to desk work.
Month 4-6 Full recovery for most patients. Resume recreational activities, golf, swimming, and low-impact exercise.

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. Bendowski

How does Dr. Bendowski's procedure volume compare to other Florida surgeons?

Dr. Bendowski has performed 46 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Florida average is 72 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Bendowski ranks #278 out of 523 orthopedic surgeons in Florida.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bendowski perform?

Dr. Bendowski's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (30 cases) and knee replacement (16 cases).

Where is Dr. Bendowski's practice located?

Dr. Bendowski practices in Crystal River, Florida. The office is located at 6480 W Gulf To Lake Hwy, Crystal River, FL 34429. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Bendowski for joint replacement evaluation.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Bendowski 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. Bendowski's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 46 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Bendowski's procedure volume changed over time?

Dr. Bendowski's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 82 procedures in 2017 and was 46 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. Bendowski perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Bendowski's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (30 cases), knee replacement (16 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.

Which hospitals is Dr. Bendowski affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Bendowski is affiliated with Hca Florida Citrus Hospital.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Bendowski practices?

Hca Florida Citrus Hospital (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.

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.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Thomas Bendowski, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/fl/dr-thomas-bendowski-crystal-river.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/fl/dr-thomas-bendowski-crystal-river.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.