Dr. Christopher Balint, D.O.
Contact & Location
574-247-9441
South Bend, IN 46635
Mishawaka, IN 46544
Elkhart, IN 46516
Elkhart, IN 46514
Dr. Balint performs more knee replacement procedures than 37% of orthopedic surgeons in Indiana, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #117 of 188 ranked knee surgeons in Indiana.
About Dr. Balint
Practice. Dr. Christopher Balint is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in South Bend, Indiana. The latest annual CMS data records 28 knee replacements and 20 shoulder replacements, 48 procedures in all. That is #117 in Indiana for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume has held between 27 and 55 procedures a year.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 28 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. South Bend has 14 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Balint also holds hospital privileges in IN and MI, a practice that extends beyond Indiana.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 13 | 16 | 26 |
| 2014 | 0 | 15 | 24 |
| 2015 | 0 | 27 | 15 |
| 2016 | 0 | 19 | 18 |
| 2017 | 0 | 19 | 11 |
| 2018 | 0 | 20 | 14 |
| 2019 | 0 | 29 | 22 |
| 2020 | 0 | 27 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 29 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 37 | 13 |
| 2023 | 0 | 27 | 14 |
| 2024 | 0 | 28 | 20 |
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, 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Balint Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Indiana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Balint's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 27 to 55 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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. Balint
How does Dr. Balint's procedure volume compare to other Indiana surgeons?
Dr. Balint has performed 48 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Indiana average of 60 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Balint ranks #121 out of 224 orthopedic surgeons in Indiana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Balint perform?
Dr. Balint's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (28 cases) and shoulder replacement (20 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Balint in South Bend?
Yes. There are 14 orthopedic surgeons in South Bend 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 Indiana surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Balint 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, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Balint's total volume across all insurers at roughly 150 to 190 procedures against the 48 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. Balint's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Balint's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 27 to 55 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Balint perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Balint's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (28 cases), shoulder replacement (20 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Balint affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Balint is affiliated with Unity Physicians Hospital, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center - Plymouth, Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals St Joseph Hospi, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center. Dr. Balint maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Balint compare to other orthopedic surgeons in South Bend?
Among the 14 orthopedic surgeons in South Bend, Dr. Balint ranks #8 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in South Bend has 269 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Balint practices?
Unity Physicians Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center - Plymouth (3 out of 5 CMS stars); Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals St Joseph Hospi (4 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 South Bend, Indiana
Dr. Balint's 48 Medicare procedures are below the South Bend average of 108. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in South Bend.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jeffrey Yergler | 269 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Adam Cien | 140 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Henry Kim | 86 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Ratigan | 84 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Gregg Ebersole | 76 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Statz | 54 | 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.