Dr. Scott Ball, M.D.
Dr. Scott Ball is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Diego, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Ball has performed 130 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#25 in California) and 97 hip replacements, for a combined total of 227 procedures.
In California, Dr. Ball performs well above average in knee (130 vs 45 avg), well above average in hip (97 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Ball's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (130 cases) and hip replacements (97 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Ball holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
San Diego is home to 26 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the San Diego area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Ball extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 104 to 227 in the most recent data, a 118% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Ball's 130 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
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. Ball Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Contact & Location
San Diego, CA 92103
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ball's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 118% from 104 procedures in 2013 to 227 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. Ball
How does Dr. Ball's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Ball has performed 227 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the California average of 65 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ball ranks #21 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ball perform?
Dr. Ball's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (130 cases) and hip replacement (97 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ball in San Diego?
Yes. There are 26 orthopedic surgeons in San Diego 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. Ball 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. Ball's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 227 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Ball's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Ball's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 104 procedures in 2013 to 227 in the most recent data, a 118% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 227 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Ball perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Ball's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (130 cases), hip replacement (97 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Ball affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Ball is affiliated with Uc San Diego Health Hillcrest - Hillcrest Med Ctr.
How does Dr. Ball compare to other orthopedic surgeons in San Diego?
Among the 26 orthopedic surgeons in San Diego, Dr. Ball ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Ball has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Ball practices?
Uc San Diego Health Hillcrest - Hillcrest Med Ctr (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 Diego, California
Dr. Ball's 227 Medicare procedures are above the San Diego average of 115. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in San Diego.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Francis Gonzales | 161 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Fabi | 104 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Nguyen | 97 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daljeet Sagoo | 81 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Allsing | 69 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Jankiewicz | 64 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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