Dr. Joseph Ruzbarsky
Contact & Location
970-476-1100
Vail, CO 81657
About Dr. Ruzbarsky
Dr. Joseph Ruzbarsky is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Vail, Colorado. A Medicare provider since 2014, Dr. Ruzbarsky performed 46 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#27 in Colorado) and 15 shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 61 procedures.
In Colorado, Dr. Ruzbarsky performs above the state average in hip (46 vs 38), below the state average in shoulder (15 vs 33).
Dr. Ruzbarsky's practice is heavily focused on hip replacement surgery, which accounts for 75% of reported Medicare volume.
Vail is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Vail area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Ruzbarsky extend back to 2021, covering 4 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 19 to 61 in the most recent data, a 221% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Ruzbarsky's 46 verified procedures is above the national average of 36.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 19 | 0 |
| 2022 | 35 | 0 |
| 2023 | 40 | 19 |
| 2024 | 46 | 15 |
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. Ruzbarsky Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Colorado state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ruzbarsky's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 221% from 19 procedures in 2021 to 61 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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Ruzbarsky
How does Dr. Ruzbarsky's procedure volume compare to other Colorado surgeons?
Dr. Ruzbarsky has performed 61 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Colorado average of 64 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ruzbarsky ranks #67 out of 169 orthopedic surgeons in Colorado.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ruzbarsky perform?
Dr. Ruzbarsky's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (46 cases) and shoulder replacement (15 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ruzbarsky in Vail?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Vail 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 Colorado surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Ruzbarsky 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. Ruzbarsky's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 61 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Ruzbarsky's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Ruzbarsky's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 19 procedures in 2021 to 61 in the most recent data, a 221% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 61 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Ruzbarsky perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Ruzbarsky's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (46 cases), shoulder replacement (15 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Ruzbarsky affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Ruzbarsky is affiliated with Aspen Valley Hospital District, Valley View Hospital Association, Montrose Regional Health, Community Hospital.
How does Dr. Ruzbarsky compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Vail?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Vail, Dr. Ruzbarsky ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Ruzbarsky is among the highest-volume surgeons in Vail.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Ruzbarsky practices?
Aspen Valley Hospital District (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Valley View Hospital Association (5 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Montrose Regional Health (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Vail, Colorado
Dr. Ruzbarsky's 61 Medicare procedures are above the Vail average of 46. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Vail.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Matthew Provencher | 84 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Leslie Vidal | 22 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Jonathan Godin | 17 | 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.