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.
MORTON PLANT HOSPITAL
- 300 PINELLAS ST, CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, 33756, PHONE: 727-462-7000
How Surgeons at This Hospital Perform, by Procedure
An individual surgeon who performs this procedure at this hospital.
At least one surgeon performing this procedure has a high adjusted rate of complications.
How to Read a Surgeon's Chart
Hover over each word for details
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 
WILLARD HUGHES »
ANDREW COOPER »
THOMAS SCHWAB »
MICHAEL PIAZZA »
JOHN MCCLURE »
CHARLES ABRAHAMSEN »
GEORGE MORRIS »
JOHN HARKER »
JOHN KILGORE »
RICHARD ABDO »
WILLIAM COTTRELL »
The following surgeons perform this procedure less than 20 times in Medicare, lower than our threshold for display:
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
ANDREW COOPER »
RICHARD ABDO »
JOHN KILGORE »
CHARLES ABRAHAMSEN »
THOMAS SCHWAB »
GEORGE MORRIS »
WILLARD HUGHES »
MICHAEL PIAZZA »
JOHN MCCLURE »
JOHN HARKER »
The following surgeons perform this procedure less than 20 times in Medicare, lower than our threshold for display:
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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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
JOHN GONZALVO »
KURT ERICKSON »
RICHARD RODRIGUEZ »
RICHARD GORDON »
THOMAS TIRONE »
The following surgeons perform this procedure less than 20 times in Medicare, lower than our threshold for display:
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
JAMES DAVIDSON »
ANDREW MESSER »
RICHARD PIGEON »
The following surgeons perform this procedure less than 20 times in Medicare, lower than our threshold for display:
HAROLD COLBASSANI, CHRISTOPHER MICKLER, DEAN GOBO, MICHAEL PIAZZA, ROBERT KOWALSKI, ANDREAS TOMAC
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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
JAMES DAVIDSON »
ANDREW MESSER »
MICHAEL PIAZZA »
RICHARD PIGEON »
The following surgeons perform this procedure less than 20 times in Medicare, lower than our threshold for display:
The following surgeons also perform procedures at a hospital that has misattributed surgeons’ identities, so we are not reporting their results:
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 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
CRAIG BARKLEY »
MITCHELL KLAVANS »
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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
CRAIG BARKLEY »
MITCHELL KLAVANS »
The following surgeons perform this procedure less than 20 times in Medicare, lower than our threshold for display:
WILLIAM STAFFORD, WEBB MCCANSE, WILLIAM LAROSA, THURMAN ROSS
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 »
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
ANDREW MESSER »
JAMES DAVIDSON »
The following surgeons perform this procedure less than 20 times in Medicare, lower than our threshold for display:
HAROLD COLBASSANI, GARY MOSKOVITZ, CHRISTOPHER MICKLER, DEAN GOBO, RICHARD PIGEON, MICHAEL PIAZZA, ANDREAS TOMAC
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