Dr. Joseph Burkhardt, D.O.
Contact & Location
269-979-6360
Battle Creek, MI 49015
Dr. Burkhardt performs more knee replacement procedures than 76% of orthopedic surgeons in Michigan, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #47 of 202 ranked knee surgeons in Michigan.
About Dr. Burkhardt
Practice. Dr. Joseph Burkhardt is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Battle Creek, Michigan. The latest annual CMS data records 45 knee replacements, 29 hip replacements, and 15 shoulder replacements, 89 procedures in all. That is #47 in Michigan for knee replacement.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 161 in 2013 and stands at 89 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 45 procedures is near the national average of 45.
Local context. Battle Creek has 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 56 | 105 | 0 |
| 2014 | 35 | 110 | 0 |
| 2015 | 33 | 108 | 0 |
| 2016 | 45 | 89 | 0 |
| 2017 | 41 | 81 | 0 |
| 2018 | 39 | 72 | 0 |
| 2019 | 49 | 90 | 0 |
| 2020 | 30 | 45 | 0 |
| 2021 | 35 | 51 | 0 |
| 2022 | 25 | 45 | 0 |
| 2023 | 31 | 63 | 13 |
| 2024 | 29 | 45 | 15 |
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, 25% to 33% for hip 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. Burkhardt Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Michigan state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Burkhardt's recorded volume peaked at 161 procedures in 2013 and stood at 89 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Burkhardt
How does Dr. Burkhardt's procedure volume compare to other Michigan surgeons?
Dr. Burkhardt has performed 89 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Michigan average of 49 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Burkhardt ranks #29 out of 256 orthopedic surgeons in Michigan.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Burkhardt perform?
Dr. Burkhardt performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (45 cases), hip replacement (29 cases), shoulder replacement (15 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Burkhardt in Battle Creek?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Battle Creek 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 Michigan surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Burkhardt 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Burkhardt's total volume across all insurers at roughly 290 to 360 procedures against the 89 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. Burkhardt's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Burkhardt's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 161 procedures in 2013 and was 89 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. Burkhardt perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Burkhardt's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (45 cases), hip replacement (29 cases), shoulder replacement (15 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Burkhardt among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Burkhardt affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Burkhardt is affiliated with Bronson Battle Creek Hospital, Oaklawn Hospital, Bronson Methodist Hospital, Insight Hospital And Medical Center Coldwater, Beacon Kalamazoo.
How does Dr. Burkhardt compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Battle Creek?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Battle Creek, Dr. Burkhardt ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Burkhardt has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Burkhardt practices?
Bronson Battle Creek Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Oaklawn Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Bronson Methodist 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 Battle Creek, Michigan
Dr. Burkhardt's 89 Medicare procedures are above the Battle Creek average of 49. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Battle Creek.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. William Comai | 46 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Phillip Dabrowski | 34 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Russell | 25 | 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.