Dr. James Bates, M.D.
Dr. James Bates is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Diego, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Bates has performed 28 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#262 in California) and 20 hip replacements, for a combined total of 48 procedures.
In California, Dr. Bates performs below average in knee (28 vs 45 avg), below average in hip (20 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Bates's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (28 cases) and hip replacements (20 cases).
San Diego is home to 26 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 10 years from 2014 through 2023. 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 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims represent approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally (source: CMS data, AJRR). This range estimates the surgeon's total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count above is the definitive, audited figure.
How Dr. Bates Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Contact & Location
San Diego, CA 92120
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bates's procedure volume has been consistent across 10 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 48 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 65 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Bates ranks #273 out of 608 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 (20 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bates in San Diego?
Yes. There are 26 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 the most recent Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This captures approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally. Dr. Bates's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 48 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Bates's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Bates's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 10 years of Medicare data, ranging from 23 to 56 procedures per year between 2014 and 2023. 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 (20 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 26 orthopedic surgeons in San Diego, Dr. Bates ranks #11 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in San Diego has 227 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 48 Medicare procedures are below the San Diego average of 112. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in San Diego.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Scott Ball | 227 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Francis Gonzales | 161 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Fabi | 104 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Nguyen | 97 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daljeet Sagoo | 81 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Allsing | 69 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:
These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.