Dr. William Balcom, MD
Dr. William Balcom is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Worcester, Massachusetts. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Balcom has performed 41 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#77 in Massachusetts) and 28 hip replacements, for a combined total of 69 procedures.
In Massachusetts, Dr. Balcom performs near average in knee (41 vs 51 avg), below average in hip (28 vs 44 avg).
Dr. Balcom's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (41 cases) and hip replacements (28 cases).
Worcester is home to 15 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Worcester area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Balcom extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 57 to 69 in the most recent data, a 21% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Balcom's 41 verified procedures is near 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. Balcom Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Massachusetts state average.
Contact & Location
Worcester, MA 01608
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Balcom's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 21% from 57 procedures in 2013 to 69 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.
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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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. Balcom
How does Dr. Balcom's procedure volume compare to other Massachusetts surgeons?
Dr. Balcom has performed 69 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Massachusetts average of 74 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Balcom ranks #85 out of 202 orthopedic surgeons in Massachusetts.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Balcom perform?
Dr. Balcom's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (41 cases) and hip replacement (28 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Balcom in Worcester?
Yes. There are 15 orthopedic surgeons in Worcester 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 Massachusetts surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Balcom 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. Balcom's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 69 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Balcom's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Balcom's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 57 procedures in 2013 to 69 in the most recent data, a 21% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 86 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Balcom perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Balcom's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (41 cases), hip replacement (28 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Balcom affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Balcom is affiliated with St Vincent Hospital.
How does Dr. Balcom compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Worcester?
Among the 15 orthopedic surgeons in Worcester, Dr. Balcom ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Worcester has 163 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Balcom practices?
St Vincent Hospital (2 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 Worcester, Massachusetts
Dr. Balcom's 69 Medicare procedures are below the Worcester average of 94. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Worcester.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Andrew Braziel | 163 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Vinton | 121 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Philip Aurigemma | 85 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Lange | 78 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nicholas Schraut | 74 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Mandell | 71 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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