Dr. Christopher Balint, D.O.
Dr. Christopher Balint is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in South Bend, Indiana. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Balint has performed 27 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#125 in Indiana) and 14 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 41 procedures.
In Indiana, Dr. Balint performs below average in knee (27 vs 44 avg), below average in shoulder (14 vs 23 avg).
Dr. Balint's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (27 cases) and shoulder replacements (14 cases).
South Bend is home to 12 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the South Bend area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Balint's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 55 procedures in 2013 before settling at 41 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Balint's 27 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Balint Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Indiana state average.
Contact & Location
South Bend, IN 46635
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Balint's recorded volume peaked at 55 procedures in 2013 and stood at 41 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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 41 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Indiana average is 60 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Balint ranks #128 out of 222 orthopedic surgeons in Indiana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Balint perform?
Dr. Balint's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (27 cases) and shoulder replacement (14 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Balint in South Bend?
Yes. There are 12 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 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. Balint's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 41 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Balint's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Balint's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 55 procedures in 2013 and was 41 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Balint perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Balint's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (27 cases), shoulder replacement (14 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.
How does Dr. Balint compare to other orthopedic surgeons in South Bend?
Among the 12 orthopedic surgeons in South Bend, Dr. Balint ranks #8 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in South Bend has 292 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). 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 41 Medicare procedures are below the South Bend average of 110. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in South Bend.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jeffrey Yergler | 292 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Adam Cien | 124 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gregg Ebersole | 93 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Henry Kim | 78 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Sieradzki | 75 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Ratigan | 69 | Knee, Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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