Shoulder
Dr. Thomas Hughes, MD
Dr. Thomas Hughes is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Hughes has performed 23 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #43 in Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, Dr. Hughes performs below average in shoulder (23 vs 29 avg).
Dr. Hughes's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 23 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.
Pittsburgh is home to 41 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Pittsburgh area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Hughes also maintains hospital privileges in PA and OH and WV, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Pennsylvania.
Medicare records for Dr. Hughes extend back to 2016, covering 8 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 23 in the most recent data, a 92% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Hughes's 23 verified procedures is near the national average of 28.
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. Hughes Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Pennsylvania state average.
Contact & Location
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hughes's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 92% from 12 procedures in 2016 to 23 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 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Hughes
How does Dr. Hughes's procedure volume compare to other Pennsylvania surgeons?
Dr. Hughes has performed 23 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Pennsylvania average is 63 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Hughes ranks #292 out of 388 orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hughes perform?
Dr. Hughes's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 23 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hughes in Pittsburgh?
Yes. There are 41 orthopedic surgeons in Pittsburgh 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 Pennsylvania surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Hughes 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. Hughes's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 23 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hughes's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Hughes's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2016 to 23 in the most recent data, a 92% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 24 procedures in 2021.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hughes affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hughes is affiliated with Upmc Passavant, Trinity Medical Ctr East &Trinity Medical Ctr West, Upmc East, Weirton Medical Center, Inc, Upmc Presbyterian Shadyside. Dr. Hughes maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Hughes compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Pittsburgh?
Among the 41 orthopedic surgeons in Pittsburgh, Dr. Hughes ranks #31 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Pittsburgh has 196 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hughes practices?
Upmc Passavant (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Trinity Medical Ctr East &Trinity Medical Ctr West (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Upmc East (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 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Dr. Hughes's 23 Medicare procedures are below the Pittsburgh average of 102. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Pittsburgh.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bryce Braaksma | 196 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Omalley | 137 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Pagnotto | 120 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Julius Huebner | 96 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Paul Wilkie | 74 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Klatt | 71 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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