Summary

Dr. Richard Thunder specializes in orthopedic surgery with advanced training in spine surgery. He earned his medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Stanford Hospitals and Clinics. With 27 years of experience treating bone, joint, and spine conditions, Dr. Thunder brings extensive expertise to his practice. He speaks both English and Spanish.

Dr. Thunder practices at multiple locations throughout La Jolla, Del Mar, and Mammoth Lakes, California, with affiliations at University of California San Diego Jacobs Medical Center, Scripps Green Hospital, Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, and Mammoth Hospital. He frequently treats patients with osteoarthritis and knee joint pain. His commonly performed procedures include extremity X-rays for diagnosing bone and joint problems, bursa injections for reducing inflammation, and arthrocentesis to remove fluid from joints. Patients rate Dr. Thunder 3.8 out of 5 stars on average.

Overview based on verified provider data

Quick Facts

  • accepting new patients
  • 3.8
  • 27 years of experience
  • speaks English, Spanish
  • Stanford Hospitals And Clinics
  • 20 written reviews
  • 2 specialties
  • 4 areas of expertise
  • 4 hospital affiliations
  • 6 office locations
  • Male

Patients’ Perspective

  • Gave an accurate diagnosis
  • Had a good bedside manner
  • Spent time with me

Office Locations

Dr. Richard Michael Thunder has 6 locations

Torrey Pines Orthopaedic Medical Group

9850 Genesee Ave Ste 210La Jolla, CA 92037
Mon8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tue8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wed8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thu8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Fri8:30 am - 4:30 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

Torrey Pines Orthopaedic Medical Group

12865 Pointe del Mar Way Ste 200Del Mar, CA 92014
Mon8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri8:00 am - 5:00 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed

Scripps Green Hospital

10666 N Torrey Pines RdLa Jolla, CA 92037

Mammoth Hospital

85 Sierra Park RdMammoth Lakes, CA 93546

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Dr. Richard Michael Thunder, MD
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Dr. Richard Michael Thunder, MDDr. Michael Klassen, MDDr. David B Lavine, MDDr. James R Bailey, MD
Orthopedic SurgeryOrthopedic SurgeryAnesthesiologyOrthopedic Surgery
Accepts New Patients Accepts New Patients Accepts New Patients
3.8 
4.9 
27 Years of Experience 37 Years of Experience 42 Years of Experience
No Virtual Visit Option Virtual Visit Available No Virtual Visit Option No Virtual Visit Option
Speaks English, Spanish Speaks English Speaks English, Spanish
La Jolla , CAMonterey , CALa Jolla , CASan Diego , CA
Med School: Stanford University School Of Medicine Med School: David Geffen School of Medicine - UCLA Med School: Midwestern University-Chicago College Of Osteopathic Medicine
Current Profile
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Insurance Plans Accepted by Dr. Richard Michael Thunder

  • Accepts Medicare
  • Accepts Medicaid

Medical Specialties

Dr. Richard Michael Thunder has the following 2 specialties

Specialty Expertise

Dr. Richard Michael Thunder has the following 4 areas of expertise

  • Hip Osteoarthritis
  • Knee Osteoarthritis
  • Orthopedic Spine Surgery
  • Osteoarthritis (Hand and Wrist)

Certifications, License, & Education

27 Years Experience

Dr. Richard Michael Thunder holds an active medical license in the state of California.

Medical License

Medical Doctor with an active medical license in the state of California that expired in 2026.

Education & Training

Residency

Completed their residency at Stanford Hospitals And Clinics.

Medical School

Graduated from Stanford University School Of Medicine and Stanford University School Of Medicine in 1999.

NPI Number

Dr. Thunder's NPI number is 1780602276.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dr. Richard Thunder accepting new patients?
Dr. Richard Thunder is accepting new patients on Vitals. View Dr. Richard Thunder's profile on Vitals to make an appointment.
Does Dr. Richard Thunder accept my insurance?
You can see the insurance plans that Dr. Richard Thunder accepts on their Vitals profile.
Which hospitals is Dr. Richard Thunder affiliated with?
Dr. Richard Thunder is affiliated with University Of California San Diego Jacobs Medical Center, Scripps Green Hospital, Mammoth Hospital, and Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.
Where is Dr. Richard Thunder's office located?
Dr. Richard Thunder's office is located at 9850 Genesee Ave Ste 210, La Jolla, CA, 92037.
Does Dr. Richard Thunder accept virtual/telehealth appointments?
Dr. Richard Thunder has not indicated that they accept virtual/teleheatlh appointments. Contact their office through their Vitals profile to check for availability.

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