Dr. Abiram Bala, MD
Dr. Abiram Bala is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Van Nuys, California. A Medicare provider since 2016, Dr. Bala has performed 21 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#337 in California) and 18 hip replacements, for a combined total of 39 procedures.
In California, Dr. Bala performs below average in knee (21 vs 45 avg), below average in hip (18 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Bala's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (21 cases) and hip replacements (18 cases).
Van Nuys is home to 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Van Nuys area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Bala extend back to 2021, covering 3 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 28 to 39 in the most recent data, a 39% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Bala's 21 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 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. Bala Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Contact & Location
Van Nuys, CA 91405
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bala's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 3 years, increasing 39% from 28 procedures in 2021 to 39 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 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
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.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Bala
How does Dr. Bala's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Bala has performed 39 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 65 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Bala ranks #314 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bala perform?
Dr. Bala's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (21 cases) and hip replacement (18 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bala in Van Nuys?
Yes. There are 10 orthopedic surgeons in Van Nuys 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 California surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Bala 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. Bala's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 39 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Bala's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Bala's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 28 procedures in 2021 to 39 in the most recent data, a 39% increase over 3 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 53 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Bala perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Bala's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (21 cases), hip replacement (18 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Bala affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Bala is affiliated with Kaiser Foundation Hospital - Los Angeles.
How does Dr. Bala compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Van Nuys?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Van Nuys, Dr. Bala ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Bala is among the highest-volume surgeons in Van Nuys.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Bala practices?
Kaiser Foundation Hospital - Los Angeles (4 out of 5 CMS stars). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Van Nuys, California
Dr. Bala's 39 Medicare procedures are below the Van Nuys average of 60. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Van Nuys.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jaime Hernandez | 226 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Bahk | 66 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Christopher Hamilton | 35 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Todd Shapiro | 26 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Steve Kwak | 18 | Knee |
| Dr. Connor Delman | 13 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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