Dr. Christopher Phelps, M.D.
Contact & Location
210-545-7171
San Antonio, TX 78258
Dr. Phelps performs more knee replacement procedures than 99% of orthopedic surgeons in Texas, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #2 of 489 ranked knee surgeons in Texas.
About Dr. Phelps
Practice. Dr. Christopher Phelps is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Antonio, Texas. The latest annual CMS data records 237 knee replacements, 110 hip replacements, and 36 shoulder replacements, 383 procedures in all. That is #2 in Texas for knee replacement.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 68 procedures a year to 383, up 463%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 237 procedures is more than 5x the national average of 45. That is #31 nationally.
Local context. San Antonio has 41 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 | 31 | 37 | 0 |
| 2014 | 41 | 56 | 0 |
| 2015 | 51 | 54 | 0 |
| 2016 | 68 | 82 | 0 |
| 2017 | 58 | 109 | 12 |
| 2018 | 83 | 153 | 12 |
| 2019 | 111 | 207 | 11 |
| 2020 | 96 | 184 | 0 |
| 2021 | 106 | 178 | 0 |
| 2022 | 83 | 208 | 20 |
| 2023 | 111 | 215 | 24 |
| 2024 | 110 | 237 | 36 |
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. Phelps Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Phelps's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 463% from 68 procedures in 2013 to 383 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.
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. Phelps
How does Dr. Phelps's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Phelps has performed 383 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 6x the Texas average of 57 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Phelps ranks #2 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Phelps perform?
Dr. Phelps performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (237 cases), hip replacement (110 cases), shoulder replacement (36 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
How experienced is Dr. Phelps with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Phelps ranks #2 in Texas for knee replacement with 237 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 582 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Phelps in San Antonio?
Yes. There are 41 orthopedic surgeons in San Antonio 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 Texas surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Phelps 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. Phelps's total volume across all insurers at roughly 1,280 to 1,590 procedures against the 383 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. Phelps's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Phelps's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 68 procedures in 2013 to 383 in the most recent data, a 463% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 383 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Phelps perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Phelps's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (237 cases), hip replacement (110 cases), shoulder replacement (36 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Phelps among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Phelps affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Phelps is affiliated with South Texas Specialty Hospital, Methodist Hospital Stone Oak, Baptist Medical Center, Doctors Hospital At Renaissance, Connally Memorial Medical Center.
How does Dr. Phelps compare to other orthopedic surgeons in San Antonio?
Among the 41 orthopedic surgeons in San Antonio, Dr. Phelps ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Phelps has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Phelps practices?
South Texas Specialty Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Methodist Hospital Stone Oak (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Baptist 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 San Antonio, Texas
Dr. Phelps's 383 Medicare procedures are above the San Antonio average of 195. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in San Antonio.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bryan Kaiser | 235 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Ursone | 191 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Casey Taber | 172 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Girling | 155 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Morrey | 116 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Louis Stryker | 110 | 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.