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Dr. Joe Cates, MD

Dr. Joe Cates, MD

Vascular Surgery*
35+ years of experience

Dr. Joe Cates, MD is a vascular surgeon in Overland Park, KS and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Cates has extensive experience in Peripheral Vascular Procedures, Peripheral Vascular Disease, and Aortic Aneurysm or Dissection. He graduated from University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine in 1987. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Research Medical Center and Menorah Medical Center. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

5 Star Rating
Based on 64 reviews 5 Star Rating (64 reviews)
Telehealth AvailableAccepting New Patients
5100 W 110th St Ste 300
Overland Park, KS 66211

At a Glance

  • Areas of Expertise • Dr. Cates specializes in the areas of General Surgery & Vascular Surgery. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well • Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Offers Telehealth • This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top Hospital • America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Vascular Surgery Award™ See hospitals

More Vascular Surgery Specialists at Research Medical Center

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Dr. Cates' Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Cates

5.0
64 ratings, 48 with a written review
5 star
98%
98%
4 star
0%
0%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
2%
2%
1 star
0%
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1,000%!
He is the greatest and most knowledgeable surgeon I have had the pleasure to be a patient. I recommend him to everyone who requests a referral. He is a tremendous surgeon as well as all the other finer points he possesses.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Teri Becker – Jan 11, 2025
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Excellent care all around. Explained everything well, confident, talented, caring. One of finest surgeons I know. His staff was also top notch. What more needs to be said? Hundreds of reviews before mine and he maintains his 5 star rating. That’s all you need to see.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Max Glaser – Nov 20, 2021
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I can't say enough good things about Dr. Cate's. I have had three major surgeries now with him in the last 5 years. He has also done surgery on my husband. His manner is calming, kind and professional and you can tell he take his job very serious. But best of all his work is outstanding. I believe he is the best in Kansas City and I know I'm not alone in that thought. His nurse Vanessa is great too, along with the other staff. If you need vascular surgery, Dr. Cate's is hands down the best!
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Office environment
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Brenda Hall – Jun 09, 2020
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Regular checkup
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Douglas A Fleming – Jun 06, 2020
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Always a good experience! All of my visits to Dr. Cate's office have been on time as scheduled. Excellent doctor, excellent staff. I highly recommend this doctor and office.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Harley Tennison – May 26, 2020
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One of the BEST Vascular Surgeons in the USA. I have been a patient of Dr. Cates for over ten years and have the utmost confidence in him. I rate Dr. Cates A++++++++!!!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
B. Clay – May 08, 2020
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Dr Cates performed a rather extensive surgery removing a tumer and associated resection of the large and small bowels. Additionally, he demonstrated genuine concern for me during my recovery.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Jim Woodward – May 04, 2020
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Dr. Cates was very highly recommended to me by other patients and physicians. I have no doubt that he is an excellent surgeon. On top of that, he has a wonderful bedside manner—very kind and insightful. I appreciate his honesty and options he gave me to think about. So grateful that I was referred to him.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Sandra Ponzer – May 04, 2020
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Dr. Cates appears to be a bright competent person in his field. We have had plenty of dr. appointments and the appointment with him was efficient and pleasant.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Janet Organ – Apr 24, 2020
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Dr. Cates is one of the most responsive and communicative doctors we have ever worked with. His expertise has given us a feeling of security that is rare in the medical world today.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Ronna and Ray Magargee – Mar 21, 2020
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Simply the best Dr. and staff in Kansas City.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
James Parker – Mar 01, 2020
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Cordial, pleasant demeanor. Professional in every way. Stayed to explain test results and answer all questions. Laid out potential options.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
James Lesky – Feb 23, 2020
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Follow up from surgery went great. Got in and Dr. Cates saw me quickly. Very nice man and the best surgeon.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Lewis David Lambert – Feb 09, 2020
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Dr. Cates took wonderful care of me during a very stressful time in my life. He was very kind, came highly recommended and really put my family and I at ease. He is a wonderful Dr.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Natalie Rivas – Jan 11, 2020
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Dr. Cates responded to my initial call weekend hours within 10 minutes, took my information over the phone, agreed with my concerns re: needing urgent carotid surgery for a high grade carotid stenosis and quickly made arrangements for an Office visit, imaging and subsequent surgery. Kind, efficient, excellent surgical expertise, and good post op management. I can recommend him without reservation.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jan 04, 2020
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Vanessa, Randi and Lori were phenomenal! The gals at the front desk had a great energy. They were very funny!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Cynthia Keller in MO – Dec 30, 2019
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Dr Cates expksined the results of my scan with knowledge and care. He gave options for my condition. He took the wait and see option and did not just recommend surgery to fix the issue. I appreciated this but also gave me suggestions to watch for complications.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Dec 29, 2019
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I would highly recommend Dr. Joe Cates to anyone and found him to be, along with his team, highly skilled,knowledgeable,organized,professional,thorough and kind. Kansas City is very fortunate to have Dr. Cates . My surgery went very well and without a glitch.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Audrie – Dec 05, 2019
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Dr. Cates is the very best there is. His entire staff is very caring and kind. I always treated very well and feel welcome and comfortable. I have no complaints at all during any time I come into this office.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
R Gress – Nov 11, 2019
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Dr. Cates was very professional. He was very kind and friendly. He answered all my questions and explained what the surgery would be like and what to expect.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Vannessa Conger – Sep 22, 2019
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About Me

Watch Dr. Cates' Video

care philosophy

I am a member of Midwest Physicians, an integrated, multi-specialty group that strives to provide high quality, compassionate healthcare in a caring, affordable, timely and accessible manner. Our doctors collaborate with patients, their physician...read more

biography

This physician is accepting telehealth visits.Dr. Joe Cates is a board-certified and fellowship trained vascular and general surgeon with Kansas City Vascular & General Surgery Group. He is affiliated with the HCA Midwest Health hospitals in the...read more

  • Vascular Surgery

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • University Of Kansas Medical Center

    Fellowship Hospital

  • University Of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School Of Medicine

    Residency Hospital

  • University Of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School Of Medicine

    Internship Hospital

  • University Of Missouri–kansas City School Of Medicine

    Medical School, 1987
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Surgery®
- 
General Surgery
- 
Vascular Surgery
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Healthgrades receives board action history for physicians and physician assistants. The information displayed here is sourced from independent information providers, such as state board websites, and may not be the most up-to-date information. Healthgrades makes no representations with respect to the accuracy of any information provided here and assumes no responsibility or liability for such information.

Learn more about medical license public record check

  • The Squire - Dr. Cates listed as one of the Top Surgeons in Kansas City

  • Alpha Omega Alpha

  • University of Missouri at Kansas City Award for Surgical Excellence

  • UCLA Golden Heart Award, Department of Cardio Thoracic Surgery

  • Administrative Chief Resident, Division of General Surgery

  • Golden Scalpel Award

  • Ingram’s Magazine - Dr. Cates featured in the Top Doctors issue

  • Victor Wilson Memorial Scholarship, St. Louis Friends of UMCK Scholarship, University of Missouri Scholar

  • Kansas City Super Doc, 2010

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Research Medical Center

    2316 E Meyer Blvd
    Kansas City, MO 64132
    Recipient of 28
    hospital awards

    America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Vascular Surgery Award™ (2025, 2024)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    84%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home
    72%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    4% lower than the national average

    View all patient feedback

  • Menorah Medical Center

    5721 W 119th St
    Overland Park, KS 66209
    Recipient of 25
    hospital awards

    America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Surgical Excellence Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    88%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    4% higher than the national average

    80%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

    5% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback

  • Lee's Summit Medical Center

    2100 SE Blue Pkwy
    Lees Summit, MO 64063
    Recipient of 10
    hospital awards

    Patient Safety Excellence Award™ (2025, 2024, 2023)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    Surgical Care Excellence Award™ (2024, 2023)

    Top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    85%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    2% lower than the national average

    76%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

    2% lower than the national average

    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality