Dr. James Bates, M.D.
Contact & Location
619-286-9480
San Diego, CA 92120
Dr. Bates performs more knee replacement procedures than 46% of orthopedic surgeons in California, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #262 of 491 ranked knee surgeons in California.
About Dr. Bates
Dr. James Bates is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Diego, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Bates performed 28 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#262 in California) and 16 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 44 procedures.
In California, Dr. Bates performs below the state average in knee (28 vs 47), below the state average in hip (16 vs 41).
Dr. Bates's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (28 cases) and hip replacements (16 cases).
San Diego is home to 31 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the San Diego area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Bates's Medicare record spans 11 years from 2014 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 23 to 56 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Bates's 28 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,612 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 20 | 22 |
| 2015 | 14 | 33 |
| 2016 | 14 | 38 |
| 2017 | 25 | 25 |
| 2018 | 22 | 22 |
| 2019 | 23 | 33 |
| 2020 | 0 | 23 |
| 2021 | 12 | 26 |
| 2022 | 15 | 20 |
| 2023 | 20 | 28 |
| 2024 | 16 | 28 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Bates Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bates's procedure volume has been consistent across 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 23 to 56 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
Hospital Affiliations & Quality
Quality ratings and complication rates are hospital-level metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon performance. Star ratings updated quarterly. Complication data covers a rolling 3-year period.
Patient Resources: Preparing for Knee Replacement
If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
An overview of current surgical approaches including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques, implant options, and expected outcomes.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
Knee Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full knee replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Bates
How does Dr. Bates's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Bates has performed 44 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 68 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Bates ranks #302 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bates perform?
Dr. Bates's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (28 cases) and hip replacement (16 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bates in San Diego?
Yes. There are 31 orthopedic surgeons in San Diego in the current Medicare dataset. Patients can compare procedure volumes and specializations to choose the surgeon who best fits their needs. Use the state page to view all California surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Bates represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Bates's total volume across all insurers at roughly 150 to 190 procedures against the 44 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Bates's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Bates's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 23 to 56 procedures per year between 2014 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Bates perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Bates's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (28 cases), hip replacement (16 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Bates affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Bates is affiliated with Sharp Coronado Hospital And Hlthcr Ctr, Uc San Diego Health Hillcrest - Hillcrest Med Ctr, Grossmont Hospital.
How does Dr. Bates compare to other orthopedic surgeons in San Diego?
Among the 31 orthopedic surgeons in San Diego, Dr. Bates ranks #12 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in San Diego has 253 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Bates practices?
Sharp Coronado Hospital And Hlthcr Ctr (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Uc San Diego Health Hillcrest - Hillcrest Med Ctr (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Grossmont Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in San Diego, California
Dr. Bates's 44 Medicare procedures are below the San Diego average of 117. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in San Diego.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Scott Ball | 253 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Francis Gonzales | 155 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ameer Elbuluk | 97 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Nguyen | 93 | Knee |
| Dr. Daljeet Sagoo | 88 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Fabi | 87 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Resources & Verification
Research reviews, verify credentials, and check official quality data through these trusted sources:
Medicare Care Compare and NPI Registry are official U.S. government sources. Google reviews reflect user-submitted feedback. OrthoProcedures.com does not verify the accuracy of third-party review content.