Dr. Michael Prater, D.O.
Contact & Location
704-867-2333
Gastonia, NC 28054
About Dr. Prater
Dr. Michael Prater is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Gastonia, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2012, Dr. Prater performed 60 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#50 in North Carolina) and 18 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 78 procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. Prater performs above the state average in knee (60 vs 44), below the state average in hip (18 vs 33).
Dr. Prater's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 77% of reported Medicare volume.
Gastonia is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Gastonia area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Prater extend back to 2018, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 55 to 78 in the most recent data, a 42% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Prater's 60 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
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 | 28 | 27 |
| 2019 | 39 | 37 |
| 2020 | 0 | 12 |
| 2021 | 15 | 22 |
| 2022 | 19 | 25 |
| 2023 | 22 | 40 |
| 2024 | 18 | 60 |
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. Prater Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Prater's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 42% from 55 procedures in 2018 to 78 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
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 Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Prater
How does Dr. Prater's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Prater has performed 78 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the North Carolina average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Prater ranks #68 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Prater perform?
Dr. Prater's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (60 cases) and hip replacement (18 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Prater in Gastonia?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Gastonia 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. Prater 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. Prater's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 78 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Prater's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Prater's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 55 procedures in 2018 to 78 in the most recent data, a 42% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 78 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Prater perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Prater's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (60 cases), hip replacement (18 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Prater affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Prater is affiliated with Caromont Regional Medical Center.
How does Dr. Prater compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Gastonia?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Gastonia, Dr. Prater ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Prater is among the highest-volume surgeons in Gastonia.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Prater practices?
Caromont Regional Medical Center (4 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 Gastonia, North Carolina
Dr. Prater's 78 Medicare procedures are below the Gastonia average of 81. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Gastonia.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Henry Thomason | 142 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jason Zlotnicki | 74 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ranjan Maitra | 28 | Hip, 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.