Shoulder
Dr. Robert Thorsness, M.D.
Dr. Robert Thorsness is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Joliet, Illinois. A Medicare provider since 2010, Dr. Thorsness has performed 72 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #3 in Illinois.
In Illinois, Dr. Thorsness performs well above average in shoulder (72 vs 28 avg).
Dr. Thorsness's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 72 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.
Joliet is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Joliet area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Thorsness extend back to 2017, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 72 in the most recent data, a 500% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Thorsness's 72 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 28, ranking #112 nationally.
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. Thorsness Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Illinois state average.
Contact & Location
Joliet, IL 60435
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Thorsness's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 500% from 12 procedures in 2017 to 72 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Thorsness
How does Dr. Thorsness's procedure volume compare to other Illinois surgeons?
Dr. Thorsness has performed 72 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Illinois average of 69 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Thorsness ranks #114 out of 323 orthopedic surgeons in Illinois.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Thorsness perform?
Dr. Thorsness's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 72 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Thorsness with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Thorsness ranks #3 in Illinois for shoulder replacement with 72 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 323 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Thorsness in Joliet?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Joliet 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 Illinois surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Thorsness 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. Thorsness's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 72 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Thorsness's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Thorsness's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2017 to 72 in the most recent data, a 500% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 72 procedures in 2023.
Which hospitals is Dr. Thorsness affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Thorsness is affiliated with Silver Cross Hospital And Medical Centers, Uchicago Medicine Adventhealth La Grange, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers, Saint Joseph Medical Center.
How does Dr. Thorsness compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Joliet?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Joliet, Dr. Thorsness ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Thorsness is among the highest-volume surgeons in Joliet.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Thorsness practices?
Silver Cross Hospital And Medical Centers (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Uchicago Medicine Adventhealth La Grange (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers (3 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 Joliet, Illinois
Dr. Thorsness's 72 Medicare procedures are below the Joliet average of 81. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Joliet.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Anuj Puppala | 244 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nikhil Chokshi | 91 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jason Hurbanek | 43 | Knee |
| Dr. Bradley Dworsky | 21 | Knee |
| Dr. Jourdan Cancienne | 17 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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