Dr. Robert Cates, D.O.
Contact & Location
507-433-7351
Austin, MN 55912
Rochester, MN 55905
Dr. Cates performs more knee replacement procedures than 62% of orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #54 of 144 ranked knee surgeons in Minnesota.
About Dr. Cates
Practice. Dr. Robert Cates is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Austin, Minnesota. The latest annual CMS data records 30 knee replacements and 18 hip replacements, 48 procedures in all. That is #54 in Minnesota for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2013.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2021 to 2024, 4 years. Volume rose from 36 procedures a year to 48, up 33%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 30 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 14 | 22 |
| 2022 | 15 | 36 |
| 2023 | 17 | 40 |
| 2024 | 18 | 30 |
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. Cates Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Cates's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 33% from 36 procedures in 2021 to 48 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 48 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Minnesota average of 43 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Cates ranks #62 out of 187 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Cates perform?
Dr. Cates's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (30 cases) and hip replacement (18 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 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. Cates's total volume across all insurers at roughly 160 to 200 procedures against the 48 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. Cates's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Cates's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 36 procedures in 2021 to 48 in the most recent data, a 33% increase over 4 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 (30 cases), hip replacement (18 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 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.