This database was last updated in July 2015 and is based on data from 2009 to 2013. It should only be used as a historical snapshot.

NORTHWEST MEDICAL CENTER

  • 6200 NORTH LA CHOLLA BOULEVARD, TUCSON, ARIZONA, 85741, PHONE: 520-742-9000

How Surgeons at This Hospital Perform, by Procedure

Key:

An individual surgeon who performs this procedure at this hospital.

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At least one surgeon performing this procedure has a high adjusted rate of complications.

Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications
Test
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Knee Replacement
Hip Replacement
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Gallbladder Removal, Laparoscopic
Lumbar Spinal Fusion, Posterior Column
Lumbar Spinal Fusion, Anterior Column
Prostate Removal
Prostate Resection
Cervical (Neck) Spinal Fusion

How we calculated these rates: Guided by top researchers and doctors, ProPublica used Medicare data from 2009-2013 to identify cases where a patient died in the hospital or had to be readmitted within 30 days for a problem related to one of these elective procedures. We then calculated complication rates for surgeons, carefully accounting for differences in patient health, age and hospital quality. These rates are calculated using data from Medicare records, which do not include patients with private insurance or in another program like Medicaid. A surgeon’s rate spans all hospitals at which he or she operates and is not unique to a given hospital. Read our methodology »

Important: Some surgeons may no longer be operating at this hospital.

Hover over underlined items to see details.

Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement (ICD-9-CM code 81.54)

Replace diseased knee joint with an artificial knee. The most common reason for a knee replacement is osteoarthritis, which is a breakdown of the cartilage in the joint. More information External link 52be2b4367cfb6db1164bdeed0171197ab10172e55a8db3542a9c308908df2ba

JOHN MALTRY »
Performed Procedure 556 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

1.8%
FELIX JABCZENSKI »
Performed Procedure 49 times
Complications 0
Raw complication rate 0*
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

1.9%
WILLIAM QUINLAN »
Performed Procedure 26 times
Complications 0
Raw complication rate 0*
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

2.0%
DAVID MARTIN »
Performed Procedure 506 times
Complications 11
Raw complication rate 2.2%
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

2.1%
ARIO KIARASH »
Performed Procedure 59 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

2.2%
EDWARD PETROW »
Performed Procedure 79 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

2.5%
JOHN MEDLEN »
Performed Procedure 42 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

2.5%
REX COOLEY »
Performed Procedure 68 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

3.3%
Hospital Misattributions:

This hospital also billed Medicare for fewer than 11 cases of this procedure that were attributed to non-surgeons. Because the surgeon’s identity is uncertain, we do not report them. Of these cases, 0 resulted in complications.

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Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement (ICD-9-CM code 81.51)

Replace diseased hip joint with an artificial hip joint. The most common reason for a hip replacement is osteoarthritis, which is a breakdown of the cartilage in the joint. More information External link 52be2b4367cfb6db1164bdeed0171197ab10172e55a8db3542a9c308908df2ba

JOHN MALTRY »
Performed Procedure 350 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

2.1%
KEVIN BOWERS »
Performed Procedure 63 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

2.6%
REX COOLEY »
Performed Procedure 23 times
Complications 0
Raw complication rate 0*
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

2.6%
DAVID MARTIN »
Performed Procedure 197 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

2.9%
EDWARD PETROW »
Performed Procedure 62 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

2.9%
ARIO KIARASH »
Performed Procedure 42 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

3.1%

The following surgeons perform this procedure less than 20 times in Medicare, lower than our threshold for display:

WILLIAM QUINLAN, FELIX JABCZENSKI, JOHN MEDLEN

Hospital Misattributions:

This hospital also billed Medicare for fewer than 11 cases of this procedure that were attributed to non-surgeons. Because the surgeon’s identity is uncertain, we do not report them. Of these cases, 0 resulted in complications.

Compare to other nearby hospitals performing this procedure »

Gallbladder Removal, Laparoscopic

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ICD-9-CM code 51.23)

Minimally invasive gallbladder removal. This is performed most commonly when gallstones are blocking the flow of bile. More information External link 52be2b4367cfb6db1164bdeed0171197ab10172e55a8db3542a9c308908df2ba

STEPHEN BURPEE »
Performed Procedure 46 times
Complications 0
Raw complication rate 0
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

3.9%
GARY HENDERSON »
Performed Procedure 36 times
Complications 0
Raw complication rate 0
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

3.9%
WILLARD CARNAHAN »
Performed Procedure 53 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

4.0%
DONOVAN BLAND »
Performed Procedure 28 times
Complications 0
Raw complication rate 0*
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

4.0%
STUART MELCER »
Performed Procedure 49 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

4.1%
JENELLE OLSON »
Performed Procedure 43 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

4.1%
SARAH LEE »
Performed Procedure 26 times
Complications 0
Raw complication rate 0*
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

4.1%
PATRICK CHIASSON »
Performed Procedure 30 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

4.3%
HOWARD COMSTOCK »
Performed Procedure 88 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

5.3%

The following surgeons perform this procedure less than 20 times in Medicare, lower than our threshold for display:

THOMAS ELLIOTT, PAUL NAKAZATO

Hospital Misattributions:

This hospital also billed Medicare for fewer than 11 cases of this procedure that were attributed to non-surgeons. Because the surgeon’s identity is uncertain, we do not report them. Of these cases, 0 resulted in complications.

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Lumbar Spinal Fusion, Posterior Column and Approach

Fusing two or more vertebrae in the lower back; performed on the back of the spine, incision in the back (ICD-9-CM code 81.07)

The fusing of two or more vertebrae in the lower back, performed on the back portion of the spine. One of the most common reasons is the narrowing of the space between the vertebrae, which puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain. It can also be done because of disc degeneration or a condition where one bone in the back slides forward over the bone below it. More information External link 52be2b4367cfb6db1164bdeed0171197ab10172e55a8db3542a9c308908df2ba

THOMAS SCULLY »
Performed Procedure 23 times
Complications 0
Raw complication rate 0*
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

3.4%
RICHARD CHUA »
Performed Procedure 24 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

4.0%
STEPHEN HANKS »
Performed Procedure 32 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

4.5%
STEVEN ZEILLER »
Performed Procedure 50 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

4.6%
TIMOTHY PUTTY »
Performed Procedure 41 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

4.9%

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Lumbar Spinal Fusion, Anterior Column, Posterior Approach

Fusing two or more vertebrae in the lower back; performed on the front of the spine, incision in the back (ICD-9-CM code 81.08)

The fusing of two or more vertebrae in the lower back, performed on the front portion of the spine. One of the most common reasons is the narrowing of the space between the vertebrae, which puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain. It can also be done because of disc degeneration or a condition where one bone in the back slides forward over the bone below it. More information External link 52be2b4367cfb6db1164bdeed0171197ab10172e55a8db3542a9c308908df2ba

RICHARD CHUA »
Performed Procedure 31 times
Complications 0
Raw complication rate 0*
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

3.6%
THOMAS SCULLY »
Performed Procedure 41 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

3.8%
TIMOTHY PUTTY »
Performed Procedure 53 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

4.0%
STEVEN ZEILLER »
Performed Procedure 39 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

4.2%
STEPHEN HANKS »
Performed Procedure 44 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

4.6%

Compare to other nearby hospitals performing this procedure »

Prostate Removal

Radical prostatectomy (ICD-9-CM code 60.5)

The removal of the entire prostate gland via the open or laparoscopic or robotic method. Usually performed to treat prostate cancer. More information External link 52be2b4367cfb6db1164bdeed0171197ab10172e55a8db3542a9c308908df2ba

SANJAY RAMAKUMAR »
Performed Procedure 111 times
Complications 0
Raw complication rate 0
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

2.0%

The following surgeons perform this procedure less than 20 times in Medicare, lower than our threshold for display:

BRUCE ROSENFELD, KENNETH CHOI, KALPESH PATEL, JENNE MYERS, JAY PAGE, MICHAEL LEVIN, KENNETH BELKOFF, WILLIAM KUO, MANAS JAIN

Hospital Misattributions:

This hospital also billed Medicare for fewer than 11 cases of this procedure that were attributed to non-surgeons. Because the surgeon’s identity is uncertain, we do not report them. Of these cases, 0 resulted in complications.

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Prostate Resection

Other transurethral prostatectomy (ICD-9-CM code 60.29)

The resection and removal of a portion of the prostate through the urethra. This is most commonly done because of an enlarged prostate that may be restricting the flow of urine. More information External link 52be2b4367cfb6db1164bdeed0171197ab10172e55a8db3542a9c308908df2ba

KENNETH BELKOFF »
Performed Procedure 35 times
Complications 0
Raw complication rate 0*
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

3.5%
HENRY SETHNEY »
Performed Procedure 33 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

3.8%

The following surgeons perform this procedure less than 20 times in Medicare, lower than our threshold for display:

STEVEN STEINBERG, KENNETH CHOI, JENNIFER PETERS, KALPESH PATEL, JENNE MYERS, SANJAY RAMAKUMAR, CURTIS DUNSHEE, JAY PAGE, MITZI BARMATZ, MICHAEL LEVIN, TERENCE FAVAZZA, JENELLE OLSON

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Cervical (Neck) Spinal Fusion

Other cervical fusion of the anterior column, anterior technique (ICD-9-CM code 81.02)

The fusing of two or more vertebrae of the neck, using orthopedic devices to hold them in place. Age-related breakdown or displacement of the spinal discs in the neck. More information External link 52be2b4367cfb6db1164bdeed0171197ab10172e55a8db3542a9c308908df2ba

TIMOTHY PUTTY »
Performed Procedure 28 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

2.0%
STEPHEN HANKS »
Performed Procedure 25 times
Complications 1-10
Raw complication rate Redacted
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

2.0%

The following surgeons perform this procedure less than 20 times in Medicare, lower than our threshold for display:

STEVEN ZEILLER, RICHARD CHUA, THOMAS SCULLY

Hospital Misattributions:

This hospital also billed Medicare for fewer than 11 cases of this procedure that were attributed to non-surgeons. Because the surgeon’s identity is uncertain, we do not report them. Of these cases, 0 resulted in complications.

Compare to other nearby hospitals performing this procedure »