Dr. Harold Cates, MD
Contact & Location
Knoxville, TN 37923
Dr. Harold Cates is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Knoxville, Tennessee. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Cates has performed 103 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#14 in Tennessee) and 42 hip replacements, for a combined total of 145 procedures.
In Tennessee, Dr. Cates performs well above average in knee (103 vs 46 avg), near average in hip (42 vs 36 avg).
Dr. Cates's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (103 cases) and hip replacements (42 cases).
Knoxville is home to 32 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Knoxville area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Cates's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 228 procedures in 2019 before settling at 145 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Cates's 103 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Cates Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Tennessee state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Cates's recorded volume peaked at 228 procedures in 2019 and stood at 145 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA 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.
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. Cates
How does Dr. Cates's procedure volume compare to other Tennessee surgeons?
Dr. Cates has performed 145 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Tennessee average of 65 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Cates ranks #19 out of 219 orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Cates perform?
Dr. Cates's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (103 cases) and hip replacement (42 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Cates with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Cates ranks #14 in Tennessee for knee replacement with 103 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 219 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Cates in Knoxville?
Yes. There are 32 orthopedic surgeons in Knoxville 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 Tennessee surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Cates 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. Cates's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 145 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Cates's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Cates's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 228 procedures in 2019 and was 145 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Cates perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Cates's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (103 cases), hip replacement (42 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Cates affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Cates is affiliated with Parkwest Medical Center, Fort Loudon Medical Center, Roane Medical Center, Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, Blount Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. Cates compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Knoxville?
Among the 32 orthopedic surgeons in Knoxville, Dr. Cates ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Knoxville has 386 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Cates practices?
Parkwest Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Fort Loudon Medical Center (5 out of 5 CMS stars); Roane Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Knoxville, Tennessee
Dr. Cates's 145 Medicare procedures are below the Knoxville average of 187. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Knoxville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Herman Botero | 386 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Conrad Ivie | 183 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Nadaud | 173 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Sherrell | 156 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Dilworth | 141 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Paul Yau | 122 | 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.