Dr. Stephen Gates, M.D.
Contact & Location
210-804-5400
San Antonio, TX 78229
Dr. Gates performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 60% of orthopedic surgeons in Texas, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #55 of 140 ranked shoulder surgeons in Texas.
About Dr. Gates
Practice. Dr. Stephen Gates is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Antonio, Texas. The latest annual CMS data records 23 shoulder replacements. That is #55 in Texas for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2015.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2022 to 2024, 3 years. Volume rose from 12 procedures a year to 23, up 92%.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 23 procedures is below the national average of 29. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
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 | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 23 |
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 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. Gates Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Gates's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 3 years, increasing 92% from 12 procedures in 2022 to 23 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Gates
How does Dr. Gates's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Gates has performed 23 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Texas average is 57 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Gates ranks #421 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Gates perform?
Dr. Gates's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 23 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Gates 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. Gates 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Gates's total volume across all insurers at roughly 60 to 80 procedures against the 23 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. Gates's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Gates's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2022 to 23 in the most recent data, a 92% increase over 3 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 23 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Gates affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Gates is affiliated with Baptist Medical Center, Christus Santa Rosa Medical Center.
How does Dr. Gates compare to other orthopedic surgeons in San Antonio?
Among the 41 orthopedic surgeons in San Antonio, Dr. Gates ranks #32 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in San Antonio has 383 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Gates practices?
Baptist Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Christus Santa Rosa 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. Gates's 23 Medicare procedures are below the San Antonio average of 182. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in San Antonio.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Phelps | 383 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| 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 |
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.