Dr. Joseph Ward, M.D.
Contact & Location
231-779-0320
Cadillac, MI 49601
Cadillac, MI 49601
Manistee, MI 49660
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Dr. Ward performs more knee replacement procedures than 28% of orthopedic surgeons in Michigan, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #144 of 202 ranked knee surgeons in Michigan.
About Dr. Ward
Practice. Dr. Joseph Ward is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Cadillac, Michigan. The latest annual CMS data records 19 knee replacements and 17 hip replacements, 36 procedures in all. That is #144 in Michigan for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2010.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2015 to 2024, 10 years. Volume peaked at 155 in 2016 and stands at 36 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 19 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Cadillac has 2 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 32 | 57 |
| 2016 | 68 | 87 |
| 2017 | 13 | 0 |
| 2018 | 12 | 20 |
| 2019 | 12 | 25 |
| 2020 | 19 | 22 |
| 2021 | 29 | 43 |
| 2022 | 31 | 42 |
| 2023 | 19 | 24 |
| 2024 | 17 | 19 |
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. 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. Ward Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Michigan state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ward's recorded volume peaked at 155 procedures in 2016 and stood at 36 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Ward
How does Dr. Ward's procedure volume compare to other Michigan surgeons?
Dr. Ward has performed 36 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Michigan average is 49 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Ward ranks #142 out of 256 orthopedic surgeons in Michigan.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ward perform?
Dr. Ward's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (19 cases) and hip replacement (17 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ward in Cadillac?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Cadillac 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. Ward 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, which puts Dr. Ward's total volume across all insurers at roughly 120 to 150 procedures against the 36 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. Ward's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Ward's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 155 procedures in 2016 and was 36 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. Ward perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Ward's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (19 cases), hip replacement (17 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Ward affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Ward is affiliated with Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital, Munson Medical Center, Corewell Health Big Rapids Hospital.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Ward practices?
Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Munson Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Corewell Health Big Rapids Hospital (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 Cadillac, Michigan
Dr. Ward's 36 Medicare procedures are below the Cadillac average of 51. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Cadillac.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Paul Bizzigotti | 65 | 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.