Dr. Thomas Kelso, MD
Dr. Thomas Kelso is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Southport, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Kelso has completed 75 knee replacements (#35 in North Carolina), 36 hip replacements, and 30 shoulder replacements, totaling 141 Medicare-verified procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. Kelso performs above average in knee (75 vs 44 avg), near average in hip (36 vs 33 avg), near average in shoulder (30 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Kelso performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (75 cases), followed by hip replacements (36) and shoulder replacements (30).
Southport is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Southport area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Kelso extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 68 to 141 in the most recent data, a 107% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Kelso's 75 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
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. Kelso Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Southport, NC 28461
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kelso's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 107% from 68 procedures in 2013 to 141 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Kelso
How does Dr. Kelso's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Kelso has performed 141 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the North Carolina average of 63 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Kelso ranks #28 out of 294 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kelso perform?
Dr. Kelso performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (75 cases), hip replacement (36 cases), shoulder replacement (30 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kelso in Southport?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Southport 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 North Carolina surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Kelso 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. Kelso's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 141 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Kelso's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Kelso's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 68 procedures in 2013 to 141 in the most recent data, a 107% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 186 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Kelso perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Kelso's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (75 cases), hip replacement (36 cases), shoulder replacement (30 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Kelso among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kelso affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kelso is affiliated with J Arthur Dosher Memorial Hospital, Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kelso practices?
J Arthur Dosher Memorial Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate better than national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Southport, North Carolina
Dr. Kelso's 141 Medicare procedures are below the Southport average of 161. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Southport.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Marushack | 180 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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