Dr. Douglas Gates, M.D.
Contact & Location
828-586-5531
Sylva, NC 28779
Dr. Gates performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 70% of orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #24 of 81 ranked shoulder surgeons in North Carolina.
About Dr. Gates
Dr. Douglas Gates is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Sylva, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Gates performed 28 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #24 in North Carolina.
In North Carolina, Dr. Gates performs near the state average in shoulder (28 vs 26).
Dr. Gates's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 28 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Sylva is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Sylva area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Gates extend back to 2014, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 28 in the most recent data, a 133% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Gates's 28 verified procedures is near the national average of 29.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 15 |
| 2016 | 13 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2018 | 23 |
| 2019 | 23 |
| 2020 | 22 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2023 | 14 |
| 2024 | 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 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Gates Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
See the Top 25 shoulder replacement surgeons in North Carolina
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Gates's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 133% from 12 procedures in 2014 to 28 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Gates
How does Dr. Gates's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Gates has performed 28 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The North Carolina average is 61 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Gates ranks #197 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Gates perform?
Dr. Gates's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 28 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Gates in Sylva?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Sylva 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 North Carolina surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Gates 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Gates's total volume across all insurers at roughly 80 to 100 procedures against the 28 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. Gates's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Gates's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2014 to 28 in the most recent data, a 133% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 28 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Gates affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Gates is affiliated with Harris Regional Hospital, Haywood Regional Medical Center, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority, Highlands Cashiers Hospital, Swain County Hospital.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Gates practices?
Harris Regional Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Haywood Regional Medical Center (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 Sylva, North Carolina
Dr. Gates's 28 Medicare procedures are at the Sylva average of 28. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Sylva.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Lawrence Supik | 27 | 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.