Dr. Thomas Kay, M.D.
Contact & Location
Chesterton, IN 46304
Dr. Thomas Kay is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Chesterton, Indiana. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Kay has completed 27 knee replacements (#118 in Indiana), 16 hip replacements, and 12 shoulder replacements, totaling 55 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Indiana, Dr. Kay performs below average in knee (27 vs 41 avg), below average in hip (16 vs 31 avg), below average in shoulder (12 vs 23 avg).
Dr. Kay performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (27 cases), followed by hip replacements (16) and shoulder replacements (12).
Chesterton is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Chesterton area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Kay's Medicare record spans 12 years from 2013 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 37 to 81 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Kay's 27 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Kay Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Indiana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kay's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 37 to 81 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.
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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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. Kay
How does Dr. Kay's procedure volume compare to other Indiana surgeons?
Dr. Kay has performed 55 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Indiana average of 60 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Kay ranks #100 out of 224 orthopedic surgeons in Indiana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kay perform?
Dr. Kay performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (27 cases), hip replacement (16 cases), shoulder replacement (12 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kay in Chesterton?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Chesterton 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 Indiana surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Kay 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. Kay's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 55 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Kay's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Kay's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 37 to 81 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Kay perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Kay's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (27 cases), hip replacement (16 cases), shoulder replacement (12 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Kay among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kay affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kay is affiliated with Northwest Health- Porter, St Mary Medical Center Inc, Northwest Health-La Porte, Franciscan Health Michigan City.
How does Dr. Kay compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Chesterton?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Chesterton, Dr. Kay ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Kay is among the highest-volume surgeons in Chesterton.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kay practices?
Northwest Health- Porter (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); St Mary Medical Center Inc (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Northwest Health-La Porte (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Chesterton, Indiana
Dr. Kay's 55 Medicare procedures are above the Chesterton average of 51. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Chesterton.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Eric Szczesniak | 66 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Anthony Levenda | 57 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. David Musgrave | 50 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Paul Gruszka | 27 | 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.