Dr. Thomas Kowalik, M.D.
Contact & Location
503-844-8219
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Dr. Kowalik performs more knee replacement procedures than 71% of orthopedic surgeons in Oregon, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #23 of 80 ranked knee surgeons in Oregon.
About Dr. Kowalik
Practice. Dr. Thomas Kowalik is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Hillsboro, Oregon. The latest annual CMS data records 47 knee replacements and 20 hip replacements, 67 procedures in all. That is #23 in Oregon for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2011.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2016 to 2024, 7 years. Volume rose from 25 procedures a year to 67, up 168%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 47 procedures is near the national average of 45.
Local context. Hillsboro has 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 25 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 12 |
| 2020 | 0 | 18 |
| 2021 | 13 | 13 |
| 2022 | 26 | 32 |
| 2023 | 24 | 37 |
| 2024 | 20 | 47 |
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. Kowalik Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Oregon state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kowalik's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 168% from 25 procedures in 2016 to 67 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. Kowalik
How does Dr. Kowalik's procedure volume compare to other Oregon surgeons?
Dr. Kowalik has performed 67 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Oregon average of 63 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Kowalik ranks #40 out of 101 orthopedic surgeons in Oregon.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kowalik perform?
Dr. Kowalik's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (47 cases) and hip replacement (20 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kowalik in Hillsboro?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Hillsboro 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. Kowalik 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. Kowalik's total volume across all insurers at roughly 230 to 280 procedures against the 67 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. Kowalik's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Kowalik's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 25 procedures in 2016 to 67 in the most recent data, a 168% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 67 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Kowalik perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Kowalik's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (47 cases), hip replacement (20 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kowalik affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kowalik is affiliated with Hillsboro Medical Center, Ohsu Hospital And Clinics, Columbia Memorial Hospital.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kowalik practices?
Hillsboro Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Ohsu Hospital And Clinics (3 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 Hillsboro, Oregon
Dr. Kowalik's 67 Medicare procedures are below the Hillsboro average of 70. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Hillsboro.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kyle Mombell | 73 | 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.