Dr. Christopher Phelps, M.D.
Dr. Christopher Phelps is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Phelps has completed 215 knee replacements (#2 in Texas), 111 hip replacements, and 24 shoulder replacements, totaling 350 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Texas, Dr. Phelps performs well above average in knee (215 vs 41 avg), well above average in hip (111 vs 30 avg), near average in shoulder (24 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Phelps performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (215 cases), followed by hip replacements (111) and shoulder replacements (24).
San Antonio is home to 46 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the San Antonio area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Phelps extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 68 to 350 in the most recent data, a 415% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Phelps's 215 verified procedures is more than 4x the national average of 45, ranking #45 nationally.
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. Phelps Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Contact & Location
San Antonio, TX 78258
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Phelps's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 415% from 68 procedures in 2013 to 350 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 350 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 6x the Texas average of 56 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Phelps ranks #3 out of 573 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Phelps perform?
Dr. Phelps performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (215 cases), hip replacement (111 cases), shoulder replacement (24 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 215 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 573 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Phelps in San Antonio?
Yes. There are 46 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 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. Phelps's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 350 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Phelps's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Phelps's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 68 procedures in 2013 to 350 in the most recent data, a 415% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 350 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Phelps perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Phelps's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (215 cases), hip replacement (111 cases), shoulder replacement (24 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 Legent Orthopedic + Spine, Baptist Medical Center, Methodist Hospital Stone Oak.
How does Dr. Phelps compare to other orthopedic surgeons in San Antonio?
Among the 46 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?
Legent Orthopedic + Spine (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); Methodist Hospital Stone Oak (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 350 Medicare procedures are above the San Antonio average of 176. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in San Antonio.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bryan Kaiser | 221 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Ursone | 210 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Robert Girling | 141 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Casey Taber | 121 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Sergio Viroslav | 97 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Morrey | 93 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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