Dr. Thomas Bates, MD
Contact & Location
252-247-2101
Morehead City, NC 28557
About Dr. Bates
Dr. Thomas Bates is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Morehead City, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Bates completed 65 knee replacements (#43 in North Carolina), 40 hip replacements, and 13 shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, totaling 118 Medicare-verified procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. Bates performs above the state average in knee (65 vs 44), above the state average in hip (40 vs 33), below the state average in shoulder (13 vs 26).
Dr. Bates performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (65 cases), followed by hip replacements (40) and shoulder replacements (13).
Morehead City is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Morehead City area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Bates extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 71 to 118 in the most recent data, a 66% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Bates's 65 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 23 | 48 | 0 |
| 2014 | 26 | 62 | 0 |
| 2015 | 28 | 58 | 12 |
| 2016 | 27 | 77 | 0 |
| 2017 | 32 | 61 | 0 |
| 2018 | 24 | 72 | 0 |
| 2019 | 43 | 61 | 12 |
| 2020 | 35 | 54 | 0 |
| 2021 | 33 | 62 | 11 |
| 2022 | 37 | 59 | 0 |
| 2023 | 47 | 68 | 0 |
| 2024 | 40 | 65 | 13 |
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. Bates Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bates's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 66% from 71 procedures in 2013 to 118 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.
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.
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. Bates
How does Dr. Bates's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Bates has performed 118 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the North Carolina average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Bates ranks #44 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bates perform?
Dr. Bates performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (65 cases), hip replacement (40 cases), shoulder replacement (13 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bates in Morehead City?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Morehead City 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. Bates 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. Bates's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 118 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Bates's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Bates's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 71 procedures in 2013 to 118 in the most recent data, a 66% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 118 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Bates perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Bates's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (65 cases), hip replacement (40 cases), shoulder replacement (13 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Bates among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Bates affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Bates is affiliated with Carteret General Hospital.
How does Dr. Bates compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Morehead City?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Morehead City, Dr. Bates ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Bates has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Bates practices?
Carteret General Hospital (1 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 Morehead City, North Carolina
Dr. Bates's 118 Medicare procedures are above the Morehead City average of 69. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Morehead City.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Coles | 71 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Jeffrey Moore | 43 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Spellman | 42 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
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.