Dr. Nicholas Gerken, MD
Dr. Nicholas Gerken is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Gerken has performed 32 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#234 in Texas) and 17 hip replacements, for a combined total of 49 procedures.
In Texas, Dr. Gerken performs below average in knee (32 vs 41 avg), below average in hip (17 vs 30 avg).
Dr. Gerken's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (32 cases) and hip replacements (17 cases).
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. Gerken extend back to 2019, covering 4 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 49 in the most recent data, a 277% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Gerken's 32 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Gerken 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. Gerken's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 277% from 13 procedures in 2019 to 49 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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Gerken
How does Dr. Gerken's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Gerken has performed 49 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Texas average of 56 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Gerken ranks #229 out of 573 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Gerken perform?
Dr. Gerken's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (32 cases) and hip replacement (17 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Gerken 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. Gerken 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. Gerken's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 49 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Gerken's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Gerken's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2019 to 49 in the most recent data, a 277% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 49 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Gerken perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Gerken's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (32 cases), hip replacement (17 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Gerken affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Gerken is affiliated with Methodist Hospital Stone Oak, Medina Regional Hospital, Baptist Medical Center, Methodist Hospital.
How does Dr. Gerken compare to other orthopedic surgeons in San Antonio?
Among the 46 orthopedic surgeons in San Antonio, Dr. Gerken ranks #18 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in San Antonio has 350 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Gerken practices?
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. Gerken's 49 Medicare procedures are below the San Antonio average of 170. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in San Antonio.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Phelps | 350 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| 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 |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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