Dr. Stephen Kates, MD
Contact & Location
Richmond, VA 23298
Dr. Stephen Kates is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Richmond, Virginia. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Kates has performed 15 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #163 in Virginia.
In Virginia, Dr. Kates performs below average in knee (15 vs 58 avg).
Dr. Kates's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 15 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.
Richmond is home to 25 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Richmond area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Kates's Medicare data spans 9 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 54 procedures in 2015 before settling at 15 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Kates's 15 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Kates Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Virginia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kates's recorded volume peaked at 54 procedures in 2015 and stood at 15 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 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Kates
How does Dr. Kates's procedure volume compare to other Virginia surgeons?
Dr. Kates has performed 15 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Virginia average is 82 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Kates ranks #205 out of 229 orthopedic surgeons in Virginia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kates perform?
Dr. Kates's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 15 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kates in Richmond?
Yes. There are 25 orthopedic surgeons in Richmond 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 Virginia surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Kates 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. Kates's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 15 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Kates's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Kates's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 54 procedures in 2015 and was 15 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.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kates affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kates is affiliated with Medical College Of Virginia Hospitals.
How does Dr. Kates compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Richmond?
Among the 25 orthopedic surgeons in Richmond, Dr. Kates ranks #24 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Richmond has 343 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kates practices?
Medical College Of Virginia Hospitals (4 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 Richmond, Virginia
Dr. Kates's 15 Medicare procedures are below the Richmond average of 166. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Richmond.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Wind | 343 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Colin Mudrick | 194 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Dobzyniak | 178 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. William Nordt | 167 | Knee |
| Dr. Jason Hull | 148 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gregory Tanner | 115 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
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.