Dr. Thomas Rivers, M.D.
Contact & Location
Sugar Land, TX 77479
Dr. Thomas Rivers is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Sugar Land, Texas. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Rivers has performed 45 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#138 in Texas) and 12 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 57 procedures.
In Texas, Dr. Rivers performs near average in knee (45 vs 42 avg), below average in shoulder (12 vs 27 avg).
Dr. Rivers's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 79% of reported Medicare volume.
Sugar Land is home to 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Sugar Land area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Rivers extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 14 to 57 in the most recent data, a 307% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Rivers's 45 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. Rivers Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Rivers's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 307% from 14 procedures in 2013 to 57 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. Rivers
How does Dr. Rivers's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Rivers has performed 57 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Texas average of 57 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Rivers ranks #197 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Rivers perform?
Dr. Rivers's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (45 cases) and shoulder replacement (12 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Rivers in Sugar Land?
Yes. There are 11 orthopedic surgeons in Sugar Land 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 Texas surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Rivers 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. Rivers's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 57 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Rivers's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Rivers's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 14 procedures in 2013 to 57 in the most recent data, a 307% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 57 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Rivers perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Rivers's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (45 cases), shoulder replacement (12 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Rivers affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Rivers is affiliated with Houston Methodist Sugarland Hospital, El Campo Memorial Hospital, Oakbend Medical Center, Matagorda Regional Medical Center.
How does Dr. Rivers compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Sugar Land?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Sugar Land, Dr. Rivers ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Sugar Land has 144 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Rivers practices?
Houston Methodist Sugarland Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Oakbend Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Sugar Land, Texas
Dr. Rivers's 57 Medicare procedures are below the Sugar Land average of 73. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Sugar Land.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Kent | 144 | Knee |
| Dr. Houston Braly | 109 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Carl Hicks | 70 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Timothy Sitter | 50 | Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Pearl | 40 | Hip |
| Dr. Ashvin Dewan | 39 | 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.