Dr. Thomas Axelrad, M.D.
Contact & Location
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Dr. Thomas Axelrad is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lake Charles, Louisiana. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Axelrad has performed 21 Medicare-verified hip replacements, ranking #28 in Louisiana.
In Louisiana, Dr. Axelrad performs below average in hip (21 vs 29 avg).
Dr. Axelrad's Medicare data shows a focused hip replacement practice with 21 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.
Lake Charles is home to 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Lake Charles area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Axelrad extend back to 2014, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 15 to 21 in the most recent data, a 40% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Axelrad's 21 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,532 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. Axelrad Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Louisiana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Axelrad's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 40% from 15 procedures in 2014 to 21 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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
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. Axelrad
How does Dr. Axelrad's procedure volume compare to other Louisiana surgeons?
Dr. Axelrad has performed 21 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Louisiana average is 54 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Axelrad ranks #75 out of 104 orthopedic surgeons in Louisiana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Axelrad perform?
Dr. Axelrad's reported Medicare volume is focused on hip replacement, with 21 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Axelrad in Lake Charles?
Yes. There are 11 orthopedic surgeons in Lake Charles 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 Louisiana surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Axelrad 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. Axelrad's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 21 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Axelrad's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Axelrad's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 15 procedures in 2014 to 21 in the most recent data, a 40% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 31 procedures in 2017.
Which hospitals is Dr. Axelrad affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Axelrad is affiliated with Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital, Petaluma Valley Hospital, Adventist Health Clearlake, Healdsburg Hospital. Dr. Axelrad maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Axelrad compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Lake Charles?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Lake Charles, Dr. Axelrad ranks #8 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Lake Charles has 106 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Axelrad practices?
Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Petaluma Valley 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 Lake Charles, Louisiana
Dr. Axelrad's 21 Medicare procedures are below the Lake Charles average of 67. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Lake Charles.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Steven Hale | 106 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nathan Cohen | 87 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Garitty | 84 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jonathan Foret | 75 | Knee |
| Dr. Charles Hansen | 57 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. George Trappey | 37 | 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.