Dr. Robert Cates, DO
Dr. Robert Cates is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Austin, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2013, Dr. Cates has performed 40 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#36 in Minnesota) and 17 hip replacements, for a combined total of 57 procedures.
In Minnesota, Dr. Cates performs above average in knee (40 vs 32 avg), below average in hip (17 vs 27 avg).
Dr. Cates's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (40 cases) and hip replacements (17 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Cates holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Dr. Cates is the only orthopedic surgeon in Austin represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.
Medicare records for Dr. Cates extend back to 2021, covering 3 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 36 to 57 in the most recent data, a 58% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Cates's 40 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. Cates Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Contact & Location
Austin, MN 55912
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Cates's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 3 years, increasing 58% from 36 procedures in 2021 to 57 in the most recent data.
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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Cates
How does Dr. Cates's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Cates has performed 57 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Minnesota average of 47 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Cates ranks #50 out of 179 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Cates perform?
Dr. Cates's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (40 cases) and hip replacement (17 cases).
Where is Dr. Cates's practice located?
Dr. Cates practices in Austin, Minnesota. The office is located at 1000 1st Dr Nw, Austin, MN 55912. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Cates for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Cates 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. Cates's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 57 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Cates's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Cates's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 36 procedures in 2021 to 57 in the most recent data, a 58% increase over 3 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 57 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Cates perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Cates's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (40 cases), hip replacement (17 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Cates affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Cates is affiliated with Mayo Clinic Health System Albert Lea And Austin.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Cates practices?
Mayo Clinic Health System Albert Lea And Austin (5 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.
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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