Dr. Colleen Balkam, M.D.
Contact & Location
301-475-5555
Leonardtown, MD 20650
About Dr. Balkam
Dr. Colleen Balkam is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Leonardtown, Maryland. A Medicare provider since 2017, Dr. Balkam performed 16 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#117 in Maryland) and 12 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 28 procedures.
In Maryland, Dr. Balkam performs below the state average in knee (16 vs 49), below the state average in hip (12 vs 42).
Dr. Balkam's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (16 cases) and hip replacements (12 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Balkam holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Leonardtown is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Leonardtown area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Balkam's Medicare data spans 3 years, beginning in 2022. Volume peaked at 93 procedures in 2023 before settling at 28 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Balkam's 16 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee 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 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 16 | 30 |
| 2023 | 49 | 44 |
| 2024 | 12 | 16 |
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. Balkam Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Maryland state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Balkam's recorded volume peaked at 93 procedures in 2023 and stood at 28 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.
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.
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. Balkam
How does Dr. Balkam's procedure volume compare to other Maryland surgeons?
Dr. Balkam has performed 28 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Maryland average is 71 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Balkam ranks #116 out of 166 orthopedic surgeons in Maryland.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Balkam perform?
Dr. Balkam's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (16 cases) and hip replacement (12 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Balkam in Leonardtown?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Leonardtown 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 Maryland surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Balkam 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. Balkam's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 28 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Balkam's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Balkam's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 93 procedures in 2023 and was 28 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. Balkam perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Balkam's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (16 cases), hip replacement (12 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Balkam affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Balkam is affiliated with Medstar Saint Mary'S Hospital.
How does Dr. Balkam compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Leonardtown?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Leonardtown, Dr. Balkam ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Balkam is among the highest-volume surgeons in Leonardtown.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Balkam practices?
Medstar Saint Mary'S Hospital (4 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 Leonardtown, Maryland
Dr. Balkam's 28 Medicare procedures are below the Leonardtown average of 42. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Leonardtown.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Peter Johnston | 75 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Daniel Bauk | 68 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Emmanuel Atiemo | 25 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Patricia Turner | 14 | 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.