Dr. Thomas Vail, M.D.
Dr. Thomas Vail is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Durham, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Vail has performed 24 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#162 in North Carolina) and 18 hip replacements, for a combined total of 42 procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. Vail performs below average in knee (24 vs 44 avg), below average in hip (18 vs 33 avg).
Dr. Vail's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (24 cases) and hip replacements (18 cases).
Durham is home to 19 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Durham area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Vail's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 97 procedures in 2018 before settling at 42 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Vail's 24 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Vail Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Durham, NC 27704
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Vail's recorded volume peaked at 97 procedures in 2018 and stood at 42 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Vail
How does Dr. Vail's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Vail has performed 42 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The North Carolina average is 63 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Vail ranks #166 out of 294 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Vail perform?
Dr. Vail's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (24 cases) and hip replacement (18 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Vail in Durham?
Yes. There are 19 orthopedic surgeons in Durham 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. Vail 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. Vail's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 42 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Vail's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Vail's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 97 procedures in 2018 and was 42 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.
Does Dr. Vail perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Vail's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (24 cases), hip replacement (18 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
How does Dr. Vail compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Durham?
Among the 19 orthopedic surgeons in Durham, Dr. Vail ranks #14 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Durham has 146 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Durham, North Carolina
Dr. Vail's 42 Medicare procedures are below the Durham average of 92. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Durham.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Bolognesi | 146 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Samuel Wellman | 124 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Rutherford | 113 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Adam Brekke | 79 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Merz | 74 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Klifto | 66 | Shoulder |
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