Shoulder
Dr. Stephen Gates, M.D.
Dr. Stephen Gates is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Gates has performed 13 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #106 in Texas.
In Texas, Dr. Gates performs below average in shoulder (13 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Gates's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 13 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
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. Gates first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2022. With 2 years of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Gates's 13 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. Gates Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Contact & Location
San Antonio, TX 78229
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Gates has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2022. Additional years of data will provide a clearer picture of volume trends.
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 13 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. Gates ranks #532 out of 573 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 13 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 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. Gates 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. Gates's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 13 procedures shown here.
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 46 orthopedic surgeons in San Antonio, Dr. Gates ranks #41 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. 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 13 Medicare procedures are below the San Antonio average of 165. 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
OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:
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