Dr. Ralph Curtis, MD
Dr. Ralph Curtis is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Curtis has performed 14 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements (#102 in Texas) and 11 knee replacements, for a combined total of 25 procedures.
In Texas, Dr. Curtis performs below average in shoulder (14 vs 26 avg), below average in knee (11 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Curtis's reported Medicare volume is split between shoulder replacements (14 cases) and knee replacements (11 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.
Dr. Curtis's Medicare data spans 10 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 46 procedures in 2015 before settling at 25 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Curtis's 14 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 28 among 2,092 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. Curtis Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Contact & Location
San Antonio, TX 78240
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Curtis's recorded volume peaked at 46 procedures in 2015 and stood at 25 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A 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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Curtis
How does Dr. Curtis's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Curtis has performed 25 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Texas average is 56 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Curtis ranks #397 out of 573 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Curtis perform?
Dr. Curtis's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (14 cases) and knee replacement (11 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Curtis 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. Curtis 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. Curtis's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 25 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Curtis's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Curtis's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 46 procedures in 2015 and was 25 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. Curtis perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Curtis's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (14 cases), knee replacement (11 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Curtis affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Curtis is affiliated with Methodist Hospital.
How does Dr. Curtis compare to other orthopedic surgeons in San Antonio?
Among the 46 orthopedic surgeons in San Antonio, Dr. Curtis ranks #29 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. Curtis practices?
Methodist Hospital (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. Curtis's 25 Medicare procedures are below the San Antonio average of 166. 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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