Dr. Thomas Comfort, M.D.
Contact & Location
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
Dr. Thomas Comfort is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Oak Park Heights, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Comfort has performed 25 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#71 in Minnesota) and 17 hip replacements, for a combined total of 42 procedures.
In Minnesota, Dr. Comfort performs near average in knee (25 vs 30 avg), below average in hip (17 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Comfort's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (25 cases) and hip replacements (17 cases).
Oak Park Heights is home to 9 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Oak Park Heights area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Comfort extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 36 to 42 in the most recent data, a 17% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Comfort's 25 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. Comfort Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Comfort's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 17% from 36 procedures in 2013 to 42 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 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Comfort
How does Dr. Comfort's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Comfort has performed 42 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Minnesota average of 43 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Comfort ranks #76 out of 187 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Comfort perform?
Dr. Comfort's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (25 cases) and hip replacement (17 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Comfort in Oak Park Heights?
Yes. There are 9 orthopedic surgeons in Oak Park Heights 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 Minnesota surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Comfort 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. Comfort's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 42 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Comfort's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Comfort's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 36 procedures in 2013 to 42 in the most recent data, a 17% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 46 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Comfort perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Comfort's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (25 cases), hip replacement (17 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Comfort affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Comfort is affiliated with M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center, M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital, Welia Health.
How does Dr. Comfort compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Oak Park Heights?
Among the 9 orthopedic surgeons in Oak Park Heights, Dr. Comfort ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Oak Park Heights has 90 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Comfort practices?
M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Welia Health (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 Oak Park Heights, Minnesota
Dr. Comfort's 42 Medicare procedures are below the Oak Park Heights average of 49. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Oak Park Heights.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Knowlan | 90 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Timothy Panek | 75 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kevin Lindgren | 55 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nicholas Weiss | 33 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Meisterling | 24 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Andrea Saterbak | 23 | 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.