Dr. Derek Ward, M.D.
Contact & Location
415-353-2508
San Francisco, CA 94158
San Rafael, CA 94903
Dr. Ward performs more knee replacement procedures than 94% of orthopedic surgeons in California, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #25 of 491 ranked knee surgeons in California.
About Dr. Ward
Practice. Dr. Derek Ward is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Francisco, California. The latest annual CMS data records 140 knee replacements and 50 hip replacements, 190 procedures in all. That is #25 in California for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2010.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2015 to 2024, 10 years. Volume rose from 24 procedures a year to 190, up 692%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 140 procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45.
Local context. San Francisco has 23 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 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 12 | 12 |
| 2016 | 33 | 31 |
| 2017 | 12 | 15 |
| 2018 | 21 | 30 |
| 2019 | 29 | 43 |
| 2020 | 20 | 24 |
| 2021 | 39 | 52 |
| 2022 | 28 | 47 |
| 2023 | 59 | 74 |
| 2024 | 50 | 140 |
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, 25% to 33% for hip 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. Ward Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ward's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 692% from 24 procedures in 2015 to 190 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.
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.
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 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. Ward
How does Dr. Ward's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Ward has performed 190 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ward ranks #45 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ward perform?
Dr. Ward's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (140 cases) and hip replacement (50 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ward in San Francisco?
Yes. There are 23 orthopedic surgeons in San Francisco 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. Ward 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Ward's total volume across all insurers at roughly 650 to 810 procedures against the 190 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. Ward's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Ward's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 24 procedures in 2015 to 190 in the most recent data, a 692% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 190 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Ward perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Ward's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (140 cases), hip replacement (50 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Ward affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Ward is affiliated with Ucsf Medical Center, Marinhealth Medical Center, Novato Community Hospital, Sonoma Valley Hospital, Ucsf Health Hyde Hospital.
How does Dr. Ward compare to other orthopedic surgeons in San Francisco?
Among the 23 orthopedic surgeons in San Francisco, Dr. Ward ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Ward is among the highest-volume surgeons in San Francisco.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Ward practices?
Ucsf Medical Center (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Marinhealth Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Novato Community Hospital (5 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 Francisco, California
Dr. Ward's 190 Medicare procedures are above the San Francisco average of 137. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in San Francisco.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jeffrey Barry | 201 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Peter Callander | 177 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Erik Hansen | 133 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Cox | 95 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Belzer | 88 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Heather Roberts | 74 | Hip, Knee |
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.