Dr. Frank Thomas, M.D.
Contact & Location
314-275-7800
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Dr. Thomas performs more knee replacement procedures than 62% of orthopedic surgeons in Missouri, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #62 of 166 ranked knee surgeons in Missouri.
About Dr. Thomas
Practice. Dr. Frank Thomas is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Chesterfield, Missouri. The latest annual CMS data records 38 knee replacements. That is #62 in Missouri for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2014 to 2024, 11 years. Volume rose from 12 procedures a year to 38, up 217%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 38 procedures is near the national average of 45.
Local context. Chesterfield has 5 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 | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 15 |
| 2016 | 22 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 32 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2020 | 13 |
| 2021 | 23 |
| 2022 | 36 |
| 2023 | 40 |
| 2024 | 38 |
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 23% to 28% for knee 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. Thomas Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Missouri state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Thomas's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 217% from 12 procedures in 2014 to 38 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.
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.
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. Thomas
How does Dr. Thomas's procedure volume compare to other Missouri surgeons?
Dr. Thomas has performed 38 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Missouri average is 59 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Thomas ranks #115 out of 204 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Thomas perform?
Dr. Thomas's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 38 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Thomas in Chesterfield?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Chesterfield 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 Missouri surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Thomas 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 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Thomas's total volume across all insurers at roughly 140 to 170 procedures against the 38 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. Thomas's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Thomas's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2014 to 38 in the most recent data, a 217% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 40 procedures in 2023.
Which hospitals is Dr. Thomas affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Thomas is affiliated with St Lukes Hospital, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Mercy Hospital St Louis, Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital.
How does Dr. Thomas compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Chesterfield?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Chesterfield, Dr. Thomas ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Chesterfield has 142 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Thomas practices?
St Lukes Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Missouri Baptist Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Mercy Hospital St Louis (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 Chesterfield, Missouri
Dr. Thomas's 38 Medicare procedures are below the Chesterfield average of 84. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Chesterfield.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Brian Wegman | 142 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Rames | 100 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Richard Rames | 78 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Andrew Spitzfaden | 64 | Hip, Knee, 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.