Dr. Clayton Thor, M.D.
Contact & Location
402-717-0820
Omaha, NE 68124
Dr. Thor performs more knee replacement procedures than 73% of orthopedic surgeons in Nebraska, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #16 of 60 ranked knee surgeons in Nebraska.
About Dr. Thor
Practice. Dr. Clayton Thor is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Omaha, Nebraska. The latest annual CMS data records 72 knee replacements and 69 hip replacements, 141 procedures in all. That is #16 in Nebraska for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2012.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2018 to 2024, 7 years. Volume rose from 13 procedures a year to 141, up 985%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 72 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Omaha has 23 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Thor also holds hospital privileges in NE and IA, a practice that extends beyond Nebraska.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 13 |
| 2019 | 29 | 55 |
| 2020 | 16 | 29 |
| 2021 | 46 | 48 |
| 2022 | 58 | 61 |
| 2023 | 50 | 70 |
| 2024 | 69 | 72 |
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, 25% to 33% for hip 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. Thor Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Nebraska state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Thor's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 985% from 13 procedures in 2018 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.
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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. Thor
How does Dr. Thor's procedure volume compare to other Nebraska surgeons?
Dr. Thor has performed 141 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Nebraska average of 81 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Thor ranks #12 out of 72 orthopedic surgeons in Nebraska.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Thor perform?
Dr. Thor's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (72 cases) and hip replacement (69 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Thor with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Thor ranks #16 in Nebraska for knee replacement with 72 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 72 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Thor in Omaha?
Yes. There are 23 orthopedic surgeons in Omaha 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 Nebraska surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Thor 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Thor's total volume across all insurers at roughly 470 to 590 procedures against the 141 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. Thor's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Thor's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2018 to 141 in the most recent data, a 985% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 141 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Thor perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Thor's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (72 cases), hip replacement (69 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Thor affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Thor is affiliated with Chi Health Lakeside, Chi Health Creighton University Medical Center - B, Chi Health Midlands, Chi Health Mercy Council Bluffs, Chi Health Immanuel. Dr. Thor maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Thor compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Omaha?
Among the 23 orthopedic surgeons in Omaha, Dr. Thor ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Omaha has 294 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Thor practices?
Chi Health Lakeside (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Chi Health Creighton University Medical Center - B (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Chi Health Midlands (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Omaha, Nebraska
Dr. Thor's 141 Medicare procedures are below the Omaha average of 154. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Omaha.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Sayfe Jassim | 294 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Goebel | 167 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Joshua Urban | 142 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Beau Kildow | 122 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Erik Otterberg | 114 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Bryan Bredthauer | 95 | Hip, 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.