Dr. Robert Cates, DO

Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Robert Cates is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Austin, Minnesota. In 2023, Dr. Cates performed 40 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#36 in Minnesota) and 17 hip replacements, for a combined total of 57 procedures.

Dr. Cates's combined volume of 57 procedures places them above the Minnesota statewide average of 47. Among 179 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota, Dr. Cates ranks #50 overall.

Dr. Cates's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (40 cases) and hip replacements (17 cases).

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.

Verified Medicare Cases (2023)

Knee Replacement
40 verified cases
#36 in Minnesota
Hip Replacement
17 verified cases
#64 in Minnesota
Estimated total: 150 – 170 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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.

Hospital Affiliations

H
Mayo Clinic Health System Albert Lea And Austin
Albert Lea, MN

Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-2023)

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Cates

How does Dr. Cates's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?

In 2023, Dr. Cates 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 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data for 2023, 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.

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Contact & Location

📞 Phone: 507-433-7351
1000 1st Dr Nw
Austin, MN 55912
NPI: 1548606114
Credentials: DO
✅ Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
📅 13 years of practice experience
🎓 Licensed DO
🏥 Licensed surgical specialist
🦴 Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
📞 Contact information available
Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately 33–37% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide (63% of Medicare fee-for-service). Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.