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Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS

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Specializes in: General Surgery
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (1988)
Professional interests include: fistula, gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy), feeding tube insertion, and more.
3340 Providence Drive Suite 359
Anchorage, AK 99508

Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS is a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK specializing in general surgery. She graduated from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1988 and has 38 years of experience. Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS is affiliated with Providence, Providence Alaska Medical Center and Alaska Regional Hospital.

View Doctor's Full Profile (907) 644-1033

Office Locations

Providence Alaska Medical Center

3340 Providence Drive Suite 359
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 644-1033
open_in_new

Some issues Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS can help you with:

Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy)

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of the upper abdomen, underneath the liver. Its purpose is to store bile, which is used to digest fat. Occasionally, the gallbladder can develop mineral stones, called gallstones. If they are large enough, gallstones can block the ducts in the gallbladder and cause swelling and infection. Gallstones can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication, but sometimes this is not enough. In these cases, it is best to remove the gallbladder before it can cause more serious problems. The surgical removal of the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy.

Today, most gallbladder surgeries are done laparoscopically. Four tiny incisions are made in the abdomen, and small tools are inserted through these tiny incisions to perform the surgery. Because the incisions are much smaller, recovery time is much faster with this type of surgery. Patients are usually discharged from the hospital the same day. Sometimes, open surgery is used to remove a gallbladder. In this type of surgery, a cut about six inches long is made in the upper right abdomen. After the gallbladder is removed, it is sutured or stapled closed. With open surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for two to three days to recover before they are discharged.

Gallbladder removal, like any surgery, carries some risks, such as bleeding, infection, or the development of blood clots. Doctors will tell patients how to minimize their risk for complications. After surgery, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for several days. They should not soak in a bath until their sutures or staples have been removed. Patients should wash hands before touching the area around the incision. It will take a couple of days until patients feel like themselves again and a few weeks until their scar has healed and faded.

Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition where the sweat glands become overactive, leading to excessive sweating. It can occur in just one area, such as the armpits, feet, or hands; or it can be general sweating over the entire body. Hyperhidrosis can happen to people of all ages and genders. It is estimated that the condition affects as many as 3% of all people, but many are never diagnosed because they are too embarrassed to talk about their symptoms with their doctor.

When excessive sweating is the main complaint and is not related to any other condition, it is called primary hyperhidrosis. There is no known cause, but it does tend to run in families. Secondary hyperhidrosis is sweating that is caused by another medical condition, such as anxiety, cancer, hyperthyroidism, or menopause. Sometimes treating the underlying condition can improve this type of sweating.

There are tests doctors can use to diagnose hyperhidrosis. One involves simply soaking up the perspiration with paper and then weighing the paper to measure how much extra sweat is being produced. Another test, called the starch-iodine test, involves covering the body with powder. This powder turns blue in any areas where sweat is produced.

Treatment depends on the severity of the hyperhidrosis and the areas affected. Some options are:

  • Prescription antiperspirants, which contain aluminum chloride and work by plugging the sweat ducts. This signals the sweat glands to decrease sweat production. They work for moderate cases of hyperhidrosis and are relatively affordable.
  • Lontophoresis, a procedure that uses small amounts of electricity and a tray of tap water to decrease production of sweat glands in the hands or feet.
  • Botox, which can be injected into the nerves that control sweat glands in the underarms.
  • Sympathectomy, a surgery for severe cases that can be performed to cut the nerves that stimulate sweat production. Sympathectomy is most effective for hyperhidrosis of the hands. It may cause new symptoms of sweating elsewhere on the body.
  • Surgery to remove sweat glands, most often in the underarms.

Hyperhidrosis is a serious medical condition that causes both physical and emotional distress. Treatments are available, and support groups exist to help patients cope.

Thyroid Surgery

Thyroid surgery is a procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the lower neck that regulates the hormones that manage metabolism. Thyroid surgery, also known as thyroidectomy, treats thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), goiters (noncancerous thyroid inflammation), and thyroid cancer. It may also be used to remove thyroid nodules or cysts that have a risk of becoming cancerous.

Both hypothyroidism and goiters are caused by an autoimmune reaction where the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The thyroid reacts by releasing too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, impairing thyroid function and causing irregular metabolism. Goiters develop from the autoimmune reaction causing continued antibody damage to the thyroid over time. Thyroid goiters are large, swollen lumps that can be felt near the base of the neck. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. Hypothyroidism may also be caused by iodine deficiency, as iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormones.

The exact cause of thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts is unknown. While thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts can occur in individuals with thyroid disorders, they are not associated with a malfunctioning thyroid.

Physicians may prescribe thyroid surgery if blood tests reveal patients' thyroid stimulating hormones (TSA) are outside of the acceptable range, indicating a malfunctioning thyroid. Thyroid biopsies (tissue samples) and tests for thyroid-attacking antibodies are also criteria for surgery.

An ENT or general surgeon performs thyroid surgery. While a patient is placed under anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision at the center of the neck and removes the thyroid gland. Two alternative methods of thyroid surgery are transoral (incision through the mouth) and endoscopic, where a surgeon operates a video camera for live footage to help guide the removal process.

Thyroid surgery requires minimal aftercare. Most patients recover quickly and resume normal activities within a few days of surgery. However, thyroid surgery patients must take daily synthetic thyroid medication (levothyroxine) for life to replace their removed thyroid.

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS in 2023

Click on any procedure below to see further details on volume and pricing among Medicare patients.

Top 5%

By Volume:

parathyroid surgery

In 2023, Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS performed more parathyroid surgery procedures for Medicare patients than 95% of providers in related specialties within Alaska.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2012 were catheterization.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS for Medicare patients.

catheterization 20
doctor visit 18

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2013 were catheterization.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS for Medicare patients.

catheterization 14
doctor visit 51

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS.

Gender
Male 36
Female 57
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 67
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 39
From 75 to 84 0
85 and over 0
Less than 65 27

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS in 2013

Hypertension 72
High Cholesterol 45
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 41
Depression 23
Chronic Kidney Disease 52
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 35
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 17
Diabetes 32
Dementia 0
Cancer 18

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2014 were catheterization.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS for Medicare patients.

catheterization 19
doctor visit 57

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS.

Gender
Male 34
Female 65
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 72
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 34
From 75 to 84 0
85 and over 0
Less than 65 35

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS in 2014

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 44
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 36
Depression 24
Chronic Kidney Disease 52
Asthma 12
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 15
Heart Failure 33
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 15
Diabetes 40
Dementia 0
Cancer 13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2015 were catheterization.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS for Medicare patients.

catheterization 15
doctor visit 71

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS.

Gender
Male 72
Female 132
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 148
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 88
From 75 to 84 54
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS in 2015

Hypertension 69
High Cholesterol 55
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 36
Depression 20
Chronic Kidney Disease 45
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 12
Heart Failure 28
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 0
Diabetes 42
Dementia 0
Cancer 14

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2016 were catheterization.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS for Medicare patients.

catheterization 12
doctor visit 53

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS.

Gender
Male 39
Female 52
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 68
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 38
From 75 to 84 0
85 and over 0
Less than 65 27

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS in 2016

Hypertension 74
High Cholesterol 54
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 34
Depression 19
Chronic Kidney Disease 51
Asthma 22
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 14
Heart Failure 29
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 13
Diabetes 35
Dementia 0
Cancer 15

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2017 were catheterization.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS for Medicare patients.

catheterization 21
doctor visit 65

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS.

Gender
Male 37
Female 68
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 78
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 54
From 75 to 84 0
85 and over 0
Less than 65 27

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS in 2017

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 47
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 30
Depression 24
Chronic Kidney Disease 48
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 26
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 0
Diabetes 43
Dementia 0
Cancer 11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 53

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS.

Gender
Male 35
Female 60
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 72
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 50
From 75 to 84 0
85 and over 0
Less than 65 23

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS in 2018

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 45
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 35
Depression 21
Chronic Kidney Disease 43
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 0
Diabetes 40
Dementia 12
Cancer 24

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 76

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS.

Gender
Male 38
Female 56
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 76
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 49
From 75 to 84 23
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS in 2019

Hypertension 74
High Cholesterol 57
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 38
Depression 23
Chronic Kidney Disease 45
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 33
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 0
Diabetes 34
Dementia 12
Cancer 17

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 63

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS.

Gender
Male 31
Female 52
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 68
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 50
From 75 to 84 18
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS in 2020

Hypertension 66
High Cholesterol 48
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 36
Depression 22
Chronic Kidney Disease 46
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 16
Diabetes 34
Dementia 0
Cancer 17

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 61

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS.

Gender
Male 27
Female 55
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 67
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 41
From 75 to 84 25
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS in 2021

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 51
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 33
Depression 17
Chronic Kidney Disease 43
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 0
Diabetes 38
Dementia 0
Cancer 20

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK during 2022 were endocrine surgery and neck surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 70
endocrine surgery 13
neck surgery 13

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS.

Gender
Male 33
Female 62
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 73
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 42
From 75 to 84 29
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS in 2022

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 73
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 25
Depression 20
Chronic Kidney Disease 34
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 23
Heart Failure 22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 13
Diabetes 35
Dementia 0
Cancer 27

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS treated as a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK were catheterization, endocrine surgery and neck surgery.

catheterization 16
doctor visit 58
endocrine surgery 13
neck surgery 13

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS.

Gender
Male 34
Female 59
Ethnicity
Black / African American 0
Asian / Pacific Islander 0
Non-Hispanic White 71
Native American / Alaskan Native 0
Hispanic 0
Other 0
Age
75 to 84 13
85 and over 0
Less than 65 12
65 to 74 44

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, chronic kidney disease and diabetes.

Hypertension 66
High Cholesterol 47
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 31
Depression 19
Chronic Kidney Disease 41
Asthma 3
Osteoporosis 0
Heart Failure 24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 6
Diabetes 33
Atrial Fibrillation 5
Dementia 2
Cancer 16

Education & Training

Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS graduated from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1988. She completed residency at University of Colorado Denver Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the American Board of Surgery, Surgery (General Surgery) and has a state license in Alaska.

Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (1988)

Residency: University of Colorado Denver Affiliated Hospitals (1990)

Board Certification: American Board of Surgery, Surgery (General Surgery)

Licensed In: Alaska

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Providence
Providence Alaska Medical Center
Alaska Regional Hospital

Ratings & Reviews

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Michelle Pao Thomas, MD, MSC, FACS. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

Payments by Company
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. $17,126 Da Vinci Surgical System
$17,126
Ethicon US, LLC $125 STRATAFIX
$125
Types of Payments
Education $11,311
Travel and Lodging $2,904
Compensation for services other than consulting, including serving as faculty or as a speaker at a venue other than a continuing education program $2,000
Food and Beverage $1,036

Biography

Dr. Michelle Thomas' medical specialty is general surgery. Before performing her residency at a hospital affiliated with the University of Colorado Denver, Dr. Thomas attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Clinical interests for Dr. Thomas include feeding tube insertion, inguinal hernia, and umbilical hernia. Her hospital/clinic affiliations include Alaska Regional Hospital and Providence Alaska Medical Center.

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