Dr. Thomas Gautsch, M.D.
Contact & Location
615-452-3320
Gallatin, TN 37066
Dr. Gautsch performs more knee replacement procedures than 72% of orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #49 of 176 ranked knee surgeons in Tennessee.
About Dr. Gautsch
Practice. Dr. Thomas Gautsch is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Gallatin, Tennessee. The latest annual CMS data records 56 knee replacements. That is #49 in Tennessee for knee replacement. Dr. Gautsch also holds credentials in Sports Medicine. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 97 in 2023 and stands at 56 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 56 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Gallatin has 4 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 | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 35 |
| 2014 | 25 |
| 2015 | 28 |
| 2016 | 38 |
| 2017 | 55 |
| 2018 | 64 |
| 2019 | 59 |
| 2020 | 44 |
| 2021 | 75 |
| 2022 | 89 |
| 2023 | 97 |
| 2024 | 56 |
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. 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. Gautsch Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Tennessee state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Gautsch's recorded volume peaked at 97 procedures in 2023 and stood at 56 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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. Gautsch
How does Dr. Gautsch's procedure volume compare to other Tennessee surgeons?
Dr. Gautsch has performed 56 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Tennessee average of 65 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Gautsch ranks #96 out of 219 orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Gautsch perform?
Dr. Gautsch's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 56 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Gautsch in Gallatin?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Gallatin 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 Tennessee surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Gautsch 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, which puts Dr. Gautsch's total volume across all insurers at roughly 200 to 240 procedures against the 56 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. Gautsch's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Gautsch's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 97 procedures in 2023 and was 56 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.
How does Dr. Gautsch compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Gallatin?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Gallatin, Dr. Gautsch ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Gautsch is among the highest-volume surgeons in Gallatin.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Gallatin, Tennessee
Dr. Gautsch's 56 Medicare procedures are below the Gallatin average of 63. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Gallatin.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Stephen Rose | 102 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Brian Koch | 60 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Paul Grutter | 33 | 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.