Dr. Stephen Kates, M.D.
Contact & Location
804-828-7069
Richmond, VA 23298
Dr. Kates performs more knee replacement procedures than 10% of orthopedic surgeons in Virginia, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #163 of 183 ranked knee surgeons in Virginia.
About Dr. Kates
Practice. Dr. Stephen Kates is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Richmond, Virginia. The latest annual CMS data records 15 knee replacements. That is #163 in Virginia for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 9 years. Volume peaked at 54 in 2015 and stands at 15 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 15 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Richmond has 25 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 | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 13 | 29 |
| 2014 | 27 | 26 |
| 2015 | 24 | 30 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 12 | 11 |
| 2018 | 12 | 17 |
| 2019 | 0 | 11 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 11 |
| 2023 | 0 | 11 |
| 2024 | 0 | 15 |
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 23% to 28% for knee 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. 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 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 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Kates's total volume across all insurers at roughly 50 to 70 procedures against the 15 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. 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.