Dr. Thomas Sanders, M.D.
Contact & Location
417-347-5400
Joplin, MO 64804
Dr. Sanders performs more knee replacement procedures than 37% of orthopedic surgeons in Missouri, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #103 of 166 ranked knee surgeons in Missouri.
About Dr. Sanders
Practice. Dr. Thomas Sanders is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Joplin, Missouri. The latest annual CMS data records 24 knee replacements. That is #103 in Missouri for knee replacement. Dr. Sanders also holds credentials in Sports Medicine. A Medicare provider since 2012.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2019 to 2024, 6 years. Volume peaked at 81 in 2021 and stands at 24 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 24 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Joplin has 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Sanders also holds hospital privileges in MO and KS, a practice that extends beyond Missouri.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 27 | 0 |
| 2020 | 28 | 20 | 0 |
| 2021 | 29 | 31 | 21 |
| 2022 | 16 | 37 | 11 |
| 2023 | 0 | 22 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 | 24 | 0 |
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. 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 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. Sanders's total volume across all insurers at roughly 90 to 100 procedures against the 24 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. 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, Mercy Hospital Pittsburg, Inc. Dr. Sanders maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
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); Mercy Hospital Pittsburg, Inc (4 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.