Dr. Karl Balch, M.D.
Contact & Location
661-328-5565
Bakersfield, CA 93309
About Dr. Balch
Dr. Karl Balch is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bakersfield, California. A Medicare provider since 2010, Dr. Balch performed 82 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#76 in California) and 28 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 110 procedures.
In California, Dr. Balch performs above the state average in knee (82 vs 47), below the state average in hip (28 vs 41).
Dr. Balch's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 75% of reported Medicare volume.
Bakersfield is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Bakersfield area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Balch extend back to 2018, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 47 to 110 in the most recent data, a 134% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Balch's 82 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 28 | 19 |
| 2019 | 37 | 43 |
| 2020 | 19 | 32 |
| 2021 | 20 | 27 |
| 2022 | 23 | 47 |
| 2023 | 48 | 76 |
| 2024 | 28 | 82 |
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. Balch Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Balch's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 134% from 47 procedures in 2018 to 110 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Balch
How does Dr. Balch's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Balch has performed 110 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Balch ranks #99 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Balch perform?
Dr. Balch's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (82 cases) and hip replacement (28 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Balch in Bakersfield?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Bakersfield 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. Balch 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. Balch's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 110 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Balch's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Balch's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 47 procedures in 2018 to 110 in the most recent data, a 134% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 124 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Balch perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Balch's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (82 cases), hip replacement (28 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Balch affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Balch is affiliated with Adventist Health Bakersfield, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. Balch compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Bakersfield?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Bakersfield, Dr. Balch ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Balch is among the highest-volume surgeons in Bakersfield.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Balch practices?
Adventist Health Bakersfield (1 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Bakersfield Memorial Hospital (2 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 Bakersfield, California
Dr. Balch's 110 Medicare procedures are above the Bakersfield average of 102. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Bakersfield.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Fadi Saied | 265 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Timothy Galan | 85 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Alfred Coppola | 64 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Karan Srivastava | 57 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Hamilton | 32 | Knee, Shoulder |
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.