Dr. Christopher Phelps, M.D.
Contact & Location
San Antonio, TX 78258
Dr. Christopher Phelps is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Antonio, Texas. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Phelps has completed 237 knee replacements (#2 in Texas), 110 hip replacements, and 36 shoulder replacements, totaling 383 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Texas, Dr. Phelps performs well above average in knee (237 vs 42 avg), well above average in hip (110 vs 31 avg), above average in shoulder (36 vs 27 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 (237 cases), followed by hip replacements (110) and shoulder replacements (36).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Phelps holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery and Foot and Ankle Surgery and Hand Surgery and Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery and Orthopaedic Trauma and Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
San Antonio is home to 41 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 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 68 to 383 in the most recent data, a 463% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Phelps's 237 verified procedures is more than 5x the national average of 45, ranking #31 nationally.
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. 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 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 383 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 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 Legent Orthopedic + Spine, Baptist Medical Center, Methodist Hospital Stone Oak.
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?
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 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.