Dr. Thomas Sanders, MD
Contact & Location
Joplin, MO 64804
Dr. Thomas Sanders is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Joplin, Missouri. A Medicare provider since 2012, Dr. Sanders has performed 24 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #103 in Missouri.
In Missouri, Dr. Sanders performs below average in knee (24 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Sanders's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 24 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.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Sanders holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Joplin is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Joplin area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Sanders's Medicare data spans 6 years, beginning in 2019. Volume peaked at 81 procedures in 2021 before settling at 24 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Sanders's 24 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. Sanders Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Missouri state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Sanders's recorded volume peaked at 81 procedures in 2021 and stood at 24 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 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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 Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Sanders
How does Dr. Sanders's procedure volume compare to other Missouri surgeons?
Dr. Sanders has performed 24 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. Sanders ranks #145 out of 204 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Sanders perform?
Dr. Sanders's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 24 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Sanders in Joplin?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Joplin 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. Sanders 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. Sanders's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 24 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Sanders's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Sanders's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 81 procedures in 2021 and was 24 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. Sanders affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Sanders is affiliated with Freeman Health System - Freeman West.
How does Dr. Sanders compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Joplin?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Joplin, Dr. Sanders ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Joplin has 136 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Sanders practices?
Freeman Health System - Freeman West (2 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 Joplin, Missouri
Dr. Sanders's 24 Medicare procedures are below the Joplin average of 69. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Joplin.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Black | 136 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Derek Miller | 129 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Todd Twiss | 43 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Robert Lieurance | 13 | 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.