Dr. Scott Ball, M.D.
Contact & Location
858-657-8200
San Diego, CA 92103
Dr. Ball performs more knee replacement procedures than 95% of orthopedic surgeons in California, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #24 of 491 ranked knee surgeons in California.
About Dr. Ball
Practice. Dr. Scott Ball is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Diego, California. The latest annual CMS data records 141 knee replacements and 112 hip replacements, 253 procedures in all. That is #24 in California for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 104 procedures a year to 253, up 143%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 141 procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45.
Local context. San Diego has 31 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 | 59 | 45 |
| 2014 | 61 | 45 |
| 2015 | 43 | 66 |
| 2016 | 70 | 61 |
| 2017 | 74 | 69 |
| 2018 | 82 | 73 |
| 2019 | 105 | 83 |
| 2020 | 88 | 78 |
| 2021 | 100 | 83 |
| 2022 | 88 | 124 |
| 2023 | 97 | 130 |
| 2024 | 112 | 141 |
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. Ball Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ball's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 143% from 104 procedures in 2013 to 253 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 253 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ball ranks #17 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ball perform?
Dr. Ball's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (141 cases) and hip replacement (112 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ball in San Diego?
Yes. There are 31 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 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. Ball's total volume across all insurers at roughly 840 to 1,060 procedures against the 253 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. Ball's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Ball's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 104 procedures in 2013 to 253 in the most recent data, a 143% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 253 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Ball perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Ball's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (141 cases), hip replacement (112 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 31 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 253 Medicare procedures are above the San Diego average of 121. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in San Diego.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Francis Gonzales | 155 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ameer Elbuluk | 97 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Nguyen | 93 | Knee |
| Dr. Daljeet Sagoo | 88 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Fabi | 87 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Jankiewicz | 71 | 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.