Dr. John Belzer, M.D.
Contact & Location
San Francisco, CA 94118
Dr. John Belzer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Francisco, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Belzer has performed 49 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#143 in California) and 39 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 88 procedures.
In California, Dr. Belzer performs near average in knee (49 vs 47 avg), above average in shoulder (39 vs 31 avg).
Dr. Belzer's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (49 cases) and shoulder replacements (39 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. Belzer extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 40 to 88 in the most recent data, a 120% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Belzer's 49 verified procedures is near 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. Belzer Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Belzer's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 120% from 40 procedures in 2013 to 88 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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 Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Belzer
How does Dr. Belzer's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Belzer has performed 88 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Belzer ranks #137 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Belzer perform?
Dr. Belzer's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (49 cases) and shoulder replacement (39 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Belzer 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. Belzer 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. Belzer's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 88 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Belzer's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Belzer's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 40 procedures in 2013 to 88 in the most recent data, a 120% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 88 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Belzer perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Belzer's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (49 cases), shoulder replacement (39 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Belzer affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Belzer is affiliated with California Pacific Medical Center - Mission Bernal, Novato Community Hospital, California Pacific Medical Center- Van Ness Campus, California Pacific Medical Ctr-Davies Campus Hosp, Marinhealth Medical Center.
How does Dr. Belzer compare to other orthopedic surgeons in San Francisco?
Among the 23 orthopedic surgeons in San Francisco, Dr. Belzer ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in San Francisco has 201 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Belzer practices?
California Pacific Medical Center - Mission Bernal (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); California Pacific Medical Center- Van Ness Campus (3 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 San Francisco, California
Dr. Belzer's 88 Medicare procedures are below 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. Derek Ward | 190 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Peter Callander | 177 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Erik Hansen | 133 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Cox | 95 | Hip, Knee |
| 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.