Knee
Dr. Thomas Rivers, M.D.
Dr. Thomas Rivers is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Sugar Land, Texas. Dr. Rivers has performed 40 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #170 in Texas.
In Texas, Dr. Rivers performs near average in knee (40 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Rivers's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 40 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.
Sugar Land is home to 10 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 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 14 to 40 in the most recent data, a 186% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Rivers's 40 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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.
Contact & Location
Sugar Land, TX 77479
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Rivers's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 186% from 14 procedures in 2013 to 40 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 40 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Texas average is 56 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Rivers ranks #286 out of 573 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Rivers perform?
Dr. Rivers's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 40 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Rivers in Sugar Land?
Yes. There are 10 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 40 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 40 in the most recent data, a 186% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 40 procedures in 2023.
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 10 orthopedic surgeons in Sugar Land, Dr. Rivers ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Sugar Land has 160 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 40 Medicare procedures are below the Sugar Land average of 74. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Sugar Land.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Kent | 160 | Knee |
| Dr. Houston Braly | 101 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Carl Hicks | 83 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Timothy Sitter | 62 | Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Pearl | 43 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Vishal Shah | 31 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:
These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.