Dr. Thomas Burke, MD
Contact & Location
Cambridge, MA 02138
Dr. Thomas Burke is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Burke has performed 21 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #29 in Massachusetts.
In Massachusetts, Dr. Burke performs below average in shoulder (21 vs 32 avg).
Dr. Burke's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder 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.
Cambridge is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Cambridge area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Burke extend back to 2013, covering 7 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. Burke's 21 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 28 among 2,092 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. Burke Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Massachusetts state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Burke's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 40% from 15 procedures in 2013 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
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. Burke
How does Dr. Burke's procedure volume compare to other Massachusetts surgeons?
Dr. Burke has performed 21 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Massachusetts average is 74 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Burke ranks #164 out of 202 orthopedic surgeons in Massachusetts.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Burke perform?
Dr. Burke's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder 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. Burke in Cambridge?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Cambridge 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 Massachusetts surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Burke 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. Burke's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 21 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Burke's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Burke's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 15 procedures in 2013 to 21 in the most recent data, a 40% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 23 procedures in 2019.
Which hospitals is Dr. Burke affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Burke is affiliated with Mount Auburn Hospital, Merrimack Health Lawrence Hospital, New England Baptist Hospital.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Burke practices?
Mount Auburn Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Merrimack Health Lawrence Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); New England Baptist Hospital (5 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 Cambridge, Massachusetts
Dr. Burke's 21 Medicare procedures are at the Cambridge average of 21. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Cambridge.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Mercedes Von Deck | 20 | 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.