Shoulder
Dr. Thomas Holovacs, MD
Dr. Thomas Holovacs is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Boston, Massachusetts. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Holovacs has performed 27 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #22 in Massachusetts.
In Massachusetts, Dr. Holovacs performs near average in shoulder (27 vs 32 avg).
Dr. Holovacs's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 27 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.
Boston is home to 50 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Boston area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Holovacs's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 44 procedures in 2015 before settling at 27 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Holovacs's 27 verified procedures is near the national average of 28.
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. Holovacs Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Massachusetts state average.
Contact & Location
Boston, MA 02114
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Holovacs's recorded volume peaked at 44 procedures in 2015 and stood at 27 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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:
Evidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
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.
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.
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. Holovacs
How does Dr. Holovacs's procedure volume compare to other Massachusetts surgeons?
Dr. Holovacs has performed 27 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. Holovacs ranks #150 out of 202 orthopedic surgeons in Massachusetts.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Holovacs perform?
Dr. Holovacs's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 27 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Holovacs in Boston?
Yes. There are 50 orthopedic surgeons in Boston 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. Holovacs 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. Holovacs's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 27 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Holovacs's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Holovacs's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 44 procedures in 2015 and was 27 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Which hospitals is Dr. Holovacs affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Holovacs is affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital.
How does Dr. Holovacs compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Boston?
Among the 50 orthopedic surgeons in Boston, Dr. Holovacs ranks #41 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Boston has 312 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Holovacs practices?
Massachusetts General 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 Boston, Massachusetts
Dr. Holovacs's 27 Medicare procedures are below the Boston average of 187. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Boston.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Carl Talmo | 312 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Young-Min Kwon | 229 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Bono | 214 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Dennis Burke | 210 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Eric Smith | 164 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Wolfgang Fitz | 156 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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