Dr. Kristen Thomas, MD
Contact & Location
Portland, OR 97227
Dr. Kristen Thomas is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Thomas has performed 13 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #29 in Oregon.
In Oregon, Dr. Thomas performs below average in shoulder (13 vs 31 avg).
Dr. Thomas's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 13 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.
Portland is home to 18 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Portland area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Thomas's Medicare data spans 4 years, beginning in 2020. Volume peaked at 21 procedures in 2022 before settling at 13 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Thomas's 13 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 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. Thomas Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Oregon state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Thomas's recorded volume peaked at 21 procedures in 2022 and stood at 13 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Evidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
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 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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Thomas
How does Dr. Thomas's procedure volume compare to other Oregon surgeons?
Dr. Thomas has performed 13 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Oregon average is 63 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Thomas ranks #97 out of 101 orthopedic surgeons in Oregon.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Thomas perform?
Dr. Thomas's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 13 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Thomas in Portland?
Yes. There are 18 orthopedic surgeons in Portland 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 Oregon surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Thomas 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. Thomas's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 13 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Thomas's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Thomas's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 21 procedures in 2022 and was 13 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. Thomas affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Thomas is affiliated with Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center.
How does Dr. Thomas compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Portland?
Among the 18 orthopedic surgeons in Portland, Dr. Thomas ranks #17 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Portland has 138 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Thomas practices?
Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center (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 Portland, Oregon
Dr. Thomas's 13 Medicare procedures are below the Portland average of 93. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Portland.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Gustav Fischer | 138 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Alexander Dehaan | 137 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Andrew Bryan | 107 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kathryn Schabel | 91 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Estes | 86 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Elizabeth Lieberman | 82 | 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.