Dr. Thomas Burke, M.D.
Contact & Location
617-491-6766
Cambridge, MA 02138
Waltham, MA 02451
Dr. Burke performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 54% of orthopedic surgeons in Massachusetts, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #21 of 46 ranked shoulder surgeons in Massachusetts.
About Dr. Burke
Practice. Dr. Thomas Burke is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The latest annual CMS data records 28 shoulder replacements. That is #21 in Massachusetts for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 8 years. Volume rose from 15 procedures a year to 28, up 87%.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 28 procedures is near the national average of 29.
Local context. Cambridge has 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 15 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 17 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 22 |
| 2019 | 23 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2023 | 21 |
| 2024 | 28 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Burke Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Massachusetts state average.
See the Top 25 shoulder replacement surgeons in Massachusetts
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Burke's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 87% from 15 procedures in 2013 to 28 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 28 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 #148 out of 203 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 28 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 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Burke's total volume across all insurers at roughly 80 to 100 procedures against the 28 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Burke's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Burke's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 15 procedures in 2013 to 28 in the most recent data, a 87% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 28 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Burke affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Burke is affiliated with Mount Auburn Hospital, New England Baptist Hospital, Merrimack Health Lawrence Hospital, Emerson 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); New England Baptist Hospital (5 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). 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 28 Medicare procedures are above the Cambridge average of 23. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Cambridge.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Mercedes Von Deck | 18 | 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.