Dr. Derek Ward, M.D.
Contact & Location
San Francisco, CA 94143
Dr. Derek Ward is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Francisco, California. A Medicare provider since 2010, Dr. Ward has performed 140 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#25 in California) and 50 hip replacements, for a combined total of 190 procedures.
In California, Dr. Ward performs well above average in knee (140 vs 47 avg), above average in hip (50 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Ward's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (140 cases) and hip replacements (50 cases).
San Francisco is home to 23 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the San Francisco area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Ward extend back to 2015, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 24 to 190 in the most recent data, a 692% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Ward's 140 verified procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45.
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. 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 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. Ward's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 190 procedures shown here.
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.
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.