Medicare Procedure and Patient Information
2012 Medicare Procedure Volume
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.
| doctor visit | 152 |
|---|
Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS is a general surgeon in SEATTLE, WA specializing in general surgery and surgical oncology (cancer surgery). He graduated from University of California, San Diego (UCSD), School of Medicine in 1987 and has 39 years of experience. Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS is affiliated with University of Washington and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.
Adrenalectomy (Adrenal Surgery)
Adrenalectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the adrenal glands, which lie above each kidney. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing hormones that are necessary for bodily functions, such as the regulation of blood pressure and metabolism. If the adrenal glands overproduce certain hormones, or if a tumor grows on them, removal of the glands is a treatment option.
Adrenal surgery can be open or laparoscopic. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that inserts a thin tube with a camera (laparoscope) through several small incisions on the abdomen. The surgeon uses the laparoscope to guide the procedure and is able to access and remove adrenal glands through the small incisions. Laparoscopic adrenal surgery lasts approximately 1-2 hours.
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is associated with shorter recovery periods, reduced risk of infection, and smaller scars. Although these factors may be desirable, the location of the tumor, its size, and the severity of the condition may require that an individual instead undergo open surgery. An open adrenalectomy is typically done for larger adrenal tumors and requires a single, large incision on the abdomen. Open adrenal surgery takes around 2-4 hours.
Following the operation, patients will remain in the hospital for 1-2 days for a laparoscopic adrenalectomy or 3-5 days for an open adrenalectomy. Patients will likely have a liquid diet immediately after their surgery, but should be able to return to solid foods after a day. If both of the glands are removed, patients will be given drug therapy to replace the hormones they produced.
Hepatectomy (Liver Resection)
Hepatectomy, or liver resection, is a surgical procedure that removes all or part of the liver to treat cancer or other diseases. The liver is divided into one left and one right lobe, and each lobe is divided into segments. The amount of liver removed is dependent on factors such as the size, location, and number of tumors or other lesions. The following are types of liver resection:
Liver resection can be performed laparoscopically or through open surgery. Laparoscopic liver resection is a minimally invasive surgery that requires a few tiny incisions on the abdomen, through which the surgeon inserts a thin tube with a camera (laparoscope). Open hepatectomy is performed through a laparotomy, which makes one large incision on the abdomen. Although a laparoscopic liver resection is associated with less pain and quicker recovery, patients may have to undergo an open liver resection depending on factors such as the location of the tumor and previous abdominal operations they have had.
After the liver resection, patients will stay in the hospital for up to six days. The recovery period will vary based on how much of the liver was removed. Limiting consumption of alcohol and light physical activity, such as walking, can help patients to have a speedy recovery.
Pancreatectomy (Pancreas Removal)
Pancreatectomy is surgery to remove part or all of the pancreas to treat pancreatitis, tumors, or cancer. The pancreas is located behind the stomach and near the small intestine and spleen. There are three sections of the pancreas:
Pancreas removal procedures differ based on how much of the pancreas and surrounding organs are removed. There are three types of pancreatectomy:
Pancreatectomy can be done by open or minimally invasive surgery. During a laparoscopic pancreatectomy, the surgeon will use tiny incisions to insert a thin tube with a camera, or laparoscope, into the abdomen. Open surgery, or a laparotomy, is performed through a larger incision on the abdomen. If additional organs are removed, some procedures may require that the small intestine be reconnected to the stomach.
The hospital for pancreatectomy stay may be between 1-3 weeks. Generally, laparoscopic surgeries require shorter recovery periods. Whether patients undergo an open or laparoscopic procedure is determined by factors such as their condition and the extent of their procedure. For example, open surgery tends to be more common for distal pancreatectomies. If patients have difficulty eating, they may require a nasogastric tube, inserted through the nose, to carry food to their stomachs. A catheter can be inserted into the bladder if patients have trouble urinating. Full recovery may take about two months.
Click on any procedure below to see further details on volume and pricing among Medicare patients.
In 2024, Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS performed more inpatient hospital care (for patient admitted to hospital) procedures for Medicare patients than 90% of providers in related specialties within Washington.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.
| doctor visit | 152 |
|---|
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.
| doctor visit | 150 |
|---|
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS.
| Male | 85 |
|---|---|
| Female | 50 |
| Non-Hispanic White | 117 |
|---|---|
| Black | 0 |
| Hispanic | 0 |
| Asian | 0 |
| Other | 0 |
| Native American | 0 |
| From 65 to 74 | 68 |
|---|---|
| From 75 to 84 | 38 |
| 85 and over | 16 |
| Less than 65 | 13 |
| Hypertension | 58 |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | 44 |
| Stroke | 0 |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | 25 |
| Depression | 13 |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | 19 |
| Asthma | 12 |
| Osteoperosis | 9 |
| Atrial Fibrilation | 14 |
| Heart Failure | 19 |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | 8 |
| Diabetes | 27 |
| Dementia | 0 |
| Cancer | 20 |
The top procedures that Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in SEATTLE, WA during 2014 were open surgery, abdominal surgery and gastrointestinal procedures.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.
| abdominal surgery | 12 |
|---|---|
| doctor visit | 166 |
| gastrointestinal procedures | 12 |
| open surgery | 12 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS.
| Male | 91 |
|---|---|
| Female | 69 |
| From 65 to 74 | 84 |
|---|---|
| From 75 to 84 | 47 |
| 85 and over | 11 |
| Less than 65 | 18 |
| Hypertension | 56 |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | 48 |
| Stroke | 0 |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | 26 |
| Depression | 23 |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | 19 |
| Asthma | 8 |
| Osteoperosis | 8 |
| Atrial Fibrilation | 9 |
| Heart Failure | 14 |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | 14 |
| Diabetes | 19 |
| Dementia | 0 |
| Cancer | 18 |
The top procedures that Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in SEATTLE, WA during 2015 were hospital care and inpatient care.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.
| doctor visit | 195 |
|---|---|
| hospital care | 14 |
| inpatient care | 14 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS.
| Male | 202 |
|---|---|
| Female | 148 |
| Non-Hispanic White | 298 |
|---|---|
| Black | 0 |
| Hispanic | 0 |
| Asian | 0 |
| Other | 0 |
| Native American | 0 |
| From 65 to 74 | 166 |
|---|---|
| From 75 to 84 | 102 |
| 85 and over | 32 |
| Less than 65 | 50 |
| Hypertension | 54 |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | 44 |
| Stroke | 0 |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | 25 |
| Depression | 24 |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | 22 |
| Asthma | 6 |
| Osteoperosis | 0 |
| Atrial Fibrilation | 14 |
| Heart Failure | 14 |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | 0 |
| Diabetes | 23 |
| Dementia | 10 |
| Cancer | 19 |
The top procedures that Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in SEATTLE, WA during 2016 were hospital care, inpatient care and catheterization.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.
| catheterization | 12 |
|---|---|
| doctor visit | 214 |
| hospital care | 81 |
| inpatient care | 81 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS.
| Male | 100 |
|---|---|
| Female | 84 |
| Non-Hispanic White | 156 |
|---|---|
| Black | 0 |
| Hispanic | 0 |
| Asian | 0 |
| Other | 0 |
| Native American | 0 |
| From 65 to 74 | 92 |
|---|---|
| From 75 to 84 | 53 |
| 85 and over | 14 |
| Less than 65 | 25 |
| Hypertension | 54 |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | 46 |
| Stroke | 0 |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | 27 |
| Depression | 24 |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | 27 |
| Asthma | 15 |
| Osteoperosis | 9 |
| Atrial Fibrilation | 12 |
| Heart Failure | 19 |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | 13 |
| Diabetes | 24 |
| Dementia | 8 |
| Cancer | 18 |
The top procedures that Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in SEATTLE, WA during 2017 were hospital care, inpatient care and catheterization.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.
| catheterization | 13 |
|---|---|
| doctor visit | 231 |
| hospital care | 71 |
| inpatient care | 71 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS.
| Male | 131 |
|---|---|
| Female | 81 |
| Non-Hispanic White | 190 |
|---|---|
| Black | 0 |
| Hispanic | 0 |
| Asian | 0 |
| Other | 0 |
| Native American | 0 |
| From 65 to 74 | 116 |
|---|---|
| From 75 to 84 | 66 |
| 85 and over | 11 |
| Less than 65 | 19 |
| Hypertension | 54 |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | 42 |
| Stroke | 0 |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | 28 |
| Depression | 22 |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | 27 |
| Asthma | 10 |
| Osteoperosis | 8 |
| Atrial Fibrilation | 14 |
| Heart Failure | 14 |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | 9 |
| Diabetes | 24 |
| Dementia | 6 |
| Cancer | 18 |
The top procedures that Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in SEATTLE, WA during 2018 were hospital care, inpatient care, abdominal surgery and gastrointestinal procedures.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.
| abdominal surgery | 25 |
|---|---|
| doctor visit | 223 |
| gastrointestinal procedures | 25 |
| hospital care | 97 |
| inpatient care | 97 |
| minimally invasive procedures | 13 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS.
| Male | 128 |
|---|---|
| Female | 92 |
| Non-Hispanic White | 199 |
|---|---|
| Black | 0 |
| Hispanic | 0 |
| Asian | 0 |
| Other | 0 |
| Native American | 0 |
| From 65 to 74 | 96 |
|---|---|
| From 75 to 84 | 83 |
| 85 and over | 19 |
| Less than 65 | 22 |
| Hypertension | 56 |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | 42 |
| Stroke | 0 |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | 29 |
| Depression | 26 |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | 32 |
| Asthma | 9 |
| Osteoperosis | 8 |
| Atrial Fibrilation | 15 |
| Heart Failure | 19 |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | 11 |
| Diabetes | 25 |
| Dementia | 8 |
| Cancer | 20 |
The top procedures that Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in SEATTLE, WA during 2019 were hospital care, inpatient care, catheterization and minimally invasive procedures.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.
| abdominal surgery | 11 |
|---|---|
| catheterization | 15 |
| doctor visit | 242 |
| gastrointestinal procedures | 11 |
| hospital care | 134 |
| inpatient care | 134 |
| minimally invasive procedures | 11 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS.
| Male | 122 |
|---|---|
| Female | 105 |
| Non-Hispanic White | 192 |
|---|---|
| Black | 0 |
| Hispanic | 0 |
| Asian | 11 |
| Other | 0 |
| Native American | 0 |
| From 65 to 74 | 116 |
|---|---|
| From 75 to 84 | 69 |
| 85 and over | 24 |
| Less than 65 | 18 |
| Hypertension | 54 |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | 48 |
| Stroke | 0 |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | 27 |
| Depression | 24 |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | 32 |
| Asthma | 6 |
| Osteoperosis | 9 |
| Atrial Fibrilation | 13 |
| Heart Failure | 15 |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | 9 |
| Diabetes | 25 |
| Dementia | 7 |
| Cancer | 15 |
The top procedures that Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in SEATTLE, WA during 2020 were hospital care, inpatient care and catheterization.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.
| catheterization | 13 |
|---|---|
| doctor visit | 209 |
| hospital care | 105 |
| inpatient care | 105 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS.
| Male | 86 |
|---|---|
| Female | 106 |
| Non-Hispanic White | 159 |
|---|---|
| Black | 0 |
| Hispanic | 0 |
| Asian | 11 |
| Other | 0 |
| Native American | 0 |
| From 65 to 74 | 90 |
|---|---|
| From 75 to 84 | 68 |
| 85 and over | 19 |
| Less than 65 | 15 |
| Hypertension | 60 |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | 45 |
| Stroke | 0 |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | 25 |
| Depression | 25 |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | 28 |
| Asthma | 9 |
| Osteoperosis | 9 |
| Atrial Fibrilation | 12 |
| Heart Failure | 16 |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | 10 |
| Diabetes | 23 |
| Dementia | 9 |
| Cancer | 18 |
The top procedures that Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in SEATTLE, WA during 2021 were hospital care, inpatient care, catheterization and minimally invasive procedures.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.
| abdominal surgery | 11 |
|---|---|
| catheterization | 12 |
| doctor visit | 196 |
| gastrointestinal procedures | 11 |
| hospital care | 132 |
| inpatient care | 132 |
| minimally invasive procedures | 11 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS.
| Male | 115 |
|---|---|
| Female | 89 |
| Non-Hispanic White | 173 |
|---|---|
| Black | 0 |
| Hispanic | 0 |
| Asian | 0 |
| Other | 0 |
| Native American | 0 |
| From 65 to 74 | 90 |
|---|---|
| From 75 to 84 | 81 |
| 85 and over | 19 |
| Less than 65 | 14 |
| Hypertension | 62 |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | 46 |
| Stroke | 0 |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | 36 |
| Depression | 26 |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | 36 |
| Asthma | 6 |
| Osteoperosis | 11 |
| Atrial Fibrilation | 16 |
| Heart Failure | 15 |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | 12 |
| Diabetes | 29 |
| Dementia | 11 |
| Cancer | 16 |
The top procedures that Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in SEATTLE, WA during 2022 were hospital care and inpatient care.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.
| doctor visit | 158 |
|---|---|
| hospital care | 36 |
| inpatient care | 36 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS.
| Male | 88 |
|---|---|
| Female | 80 |
| Non-Hispanic White | 150 |
|---|---|
| Black | 0 |
| Hispanic | 0 |
| Asian | 0 |
| Other | 0 |
| Native American | 0 |
| From 65 to 74 | 64 |
|---|---|
| From 75 to 84 | 79 |
| 85 and over | 0 |
| Less than 65 | 0 |
| Hypertension | 71 |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | 63 |
| Stroke | 0 |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | 21 |
| Depression | 18 |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | 26 |
| Asthma | 13 |
| Osteoperosis | 15 |
| Atrial Fibrilation | 23 |
| Heart Failure | 15 |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | 14 |
| Diabetes | 26 |
| Dementia | 7 |
| Cancer | 21 |
The top procedures that Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in SEATTLE, WA during 2023 were hospital care and inpatient care.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.
| doctor visit | 161 |
|---|---|
| hospital care | 120 |
| inpatient care | 120 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS.
| Male | 98 |
|---|---|
| Female | 88 |
| Non-Hispanic White | 153 |
|---|---|
| Black | 0 |
| Hispanic | 0 |
| Asian | 0 |
| Other | 13 |
| Native American | 0 |
| From 65 to 74 | 79 |
|---|---|
| From 75 to 84 | 75 |
| 85 and over | 15 |
| Less than 65 | 17 |
| Hypertension | 71 |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | 64 |
| Stroke | 8 |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | 23 |
| Depression | 21 |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | 18 |
| Asthma | 7 |
| Osteoperosis | 10 |
| Atrial Fibrilation | 19 |
| Heart Failure | 15 |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | 11 |
| Diabetes | 25 |
| Dementia | 6 |
| Cancer | 26 |
The top procedures that Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in SEATTLE, WA during 2024 were hospital care, inpatient care and catheterization.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.
| catheterization | 13 |
|---|---|
| doctor visit | 147 |
| hospital care | 117 |
| inpatient care | 117 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS.
| Male | 86 |
|---|---|
| Female | 77 |
| Non-Hispanic White | 146 |
|---|---|
| Black | 0 |
| Hispanic | 0 |
| Asian | 0 |
| Other | 0 |
| Native American | 0 |
| From 65 to 74 | 71 |
|---|---|
| From 75 to 84 | 70 |
| 85 and over | 0 |
| Less than 65 | 0 |
| Hypertension | 66 |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | 66 |
| Stroke | 0 |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | 21 |
| Depression | 22 |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | 22 |
| Asthma | 0 |
| Osteoperosis | 15 |
| Atrial Fibrilation | 21 |
| Heart Failure | 20 |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | 12 |
| Diabetes | 20 |
| Dementia | 7 |
| Cancer | 20 |
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.
The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS treated as a general surgeon in SEATTLE, WA were hospital care, inpatient care, abdominal surgery and gastrointestinal procedures.
| abdominal surgery | 14 |
|---|---|
| catheterization | 13 |
| doctor visit | 188 |
| gastrointestinal procedures | 14 |
| hospital care | 90 |
| inpatient care | 90 |
| minimally invasive procedures | 11 |
| open surgery | 12 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS.
| Male | 102 |
|---|---|
| Female | 82 |
| Black / African American | 0 |
|---|---|
| Asian / Pacific Islander | 1 |
| Non-Hispanic White | 148 |
| Hispanic | 0 |
| Native American / Alaskan Native | 0 |
| Other | 1 |
| 85 and over | 13 |
|---|---|
| 75 to 84 | 63 |
| Less than 65 | 16 |
| 65 to 74 | 87 |
The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and chronic kidney disease.
| Hypertension | 55 |
|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | 46 |
| Stroke | 0 |
| Ischemic Heart Disease | 24 |
| Depression | 20 |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | 23 |
| Asthma | 7 |
| Osteoporosis | 8 |
| Heart Failure | 15 |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | 9 |
| Diabetes | 22 |
| Atrial Fibrillation | 14 |
| Cancer | 17 |
| Dementia | 6 |
Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS graduated from University of California, San Diego (UCSD), School of Medicine in 1987. He completed residency at Virginia Mason Medical Center. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and has a state license in Washington.
Medical School: University of California, San Diego (UCSD), School of Medicine (1987)
Residency: Virginia Mason Medical Center (1992)
Board Certification: American Board of Surgery
Licensed In: Washington
Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 69 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS from all over the web to help you find the right in SEATTLE, WA.
These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Thomas R. Biehl, MD, FACS. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
| Intuitive Surgical, Inc. |
$11,583
Da Vinci Surgical System $11,583 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HISTOSONICS, INC. |
$604
$604 |
|||
| Davol Inc. |
$323
Bard 3DMax Mesh $174 |
Progel $134 |
SURGICAL $16 |
|
| Sirtex Medical Inc |
$314
SIR-Spheres microspheres $314 |
|||
| Biocompatibles, Inc. |
$137
THERASPHERE - BIO $137 |
|||
| Other |
$442
AlloDerm $135 |
Zynrelef $127 |
SURGICEL Family of Absorbable Hemostats $105 |
AirSeal $75 |
| Education | $7,000 |
|---|---|
| Food and Beverage | $3,505 |
| Travel and Lodging | $2,898 |
Thomas Biehl, MD, FACS is a board-certified general surgeon with expertise in laparoscopic procedures (cholecystectomy, splenectomy, adrenalectomy, hernia repair, appendectomy, colon resection), liver resection, pancreatic resection, hernia surgery and adrenal surgery. Dr Biehl is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and clinical instructor of surgery at University of Washington. Dr Biehl is a member of many medical societies including Fellow of American College of Surgeons, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, North Pacific Surgical Society and Western Surgical Society.