Knee
Dr. Thomas Meade, MD
Dr. Thomas Meade is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Dr. Meade has performed 235 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #1 in Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, Dr. Meade performs well above average in knee (235 vs 45 avg).
Dr. Meade's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 235 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.
Bethlehem is home to 15 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Bethlehem area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Meade extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 202 to 235 in the most recent data, a 16% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Meade's 235 verified procedures is more than 5x the national average of 45, ranking #31 nationally.
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. Meade Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Pennsylvania state average.
Contact & Location
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Meade's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 16% from 202 procedures in 2013 to 235 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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 Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Meade
How does Dr. Meade's procedure volume compare to other Pennsylvania surgeons?
Dr. Meade has performed 235 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the Pennsylvania average of 63 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Meade ranks #7 out of 388 orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Meade perform?
Dr. Meade's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 235 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Meade with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Meade ranks #1 in Pennsylvania for knee replacement with 235 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 388 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Meade in Bethlehem?
Yes. There are 15 orthopedic surgeons in Bethlehem 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. Meade 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. Meade's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 235 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Meade's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Meade's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 202 procedures in 2013 to 235 in the most recent data, a 16% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 235 procedures in 2023.
Which hospitals is Dr. Meade affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Meade is affiliated with Lehigh Valley Hospital, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Dickson City, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Hazleton, St Luke'S Miners Memorial Hospital, St Luke'S Hospital Bethlehem.
How does Dr. Meade compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Bethlehem?
Among the 15 orthopedic surgeons in Bethlehem, Dr. Meade ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Meade has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Meade practices?
Lehigh Valley Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Lehigh Valley Hospital - Dickson City (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Lehigh Valley Hospital - Hazleton (1 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 Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Dr. Meade's 235 Medicare procedures are above the Bethlehem average of 120. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Bethlehem.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Patrick Brogle | 163 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Ferrante | 157 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Chinenye Nwachuku | 94 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Wayne Luchetti | 91 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Carl Weiss | 61 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Terpstra | 39 | Knee, Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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