Dr. Thomas Bates, M.D.
Contact & Location
252-247-2101
Morehead City, NC 28557
Dr. Bates performs more knee replacement procedures than 81% of orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #43 of 228 ranked knee surgeons in North Carolina.
About Dr. Bates
Practice. Dr. Thomas Bates is an orthopedic surgeon practicing in Morehead City, North Carolina. The latest annual CMS data records 65 knee replacements, 40 hip replacements, and 13 shoulder replacements, 118 procedures in all. That is #43 in North Carolina for knee replacement.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 71 procedures a year to 118, up 66%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 65 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Morehead City has 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
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 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, 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. 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 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, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Bates's total volume across all insurers at roughly 390 to 490 procedures against the 118 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. 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.