Dr. Joseph Ward, MD
Dr. Joseph Ward is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Cadillac, Michigan. A Medicare provider since 2010, Dr. Ward has performed 24 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#117 in Michigan) and 19 hip replacements, for a combined total of 43 procedures.
In Michigan, Dr. Ward performs below average in knee (24 vs 33 avg), below average in hip (19 vs 29 avg).
Dr. Ward's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (24 cases) and hip replacements (19 cases).
Cadillac is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Cadillac area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Ward's Medicare data spans 9 years, beginning in 2015. Volume peaked at 155 procedures in 2016 before settling at 43 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Ward's 24 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. Ward Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Michigan state average.
Contact & Location
Cadillac, MI 49601
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ward's recorded volume peaked at 155 procedures in 2016 and stood at 43 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 43 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Michigan average of 48 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ward ranks #115 out of 272 orthopedic surgeons in Michigan.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ward perform?
Dr. Ward's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (24 cases) and hip replacement (19 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 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. Ward's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 43 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Ward's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Ward's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 155 procedures in 2016 and was 43 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 (24 cases), hip replacement (19 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.
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). 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 43 Medicare procedures are below the Cadillac average of 52. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Cadillac.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Paul Bizzigotti | 60 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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