Dr. Aaron Balgaard, M.D.
Contact & Location
320-762-1144
Alexandria, MN 56308
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Dr. Balgaard performs more knee replacement procedures than 22% of orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #112 of 144 ranked knee surgeons in Minnesota.
About Dr. Balgaard
Dr. Aaron Balgaard is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Alexandria, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2013, Dr. Balgaard performed 15 Medicare-verified knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #112 in Minnesota.
In Minnesota, Dr. Balgaard performs below the state average in knee (15 vs 30).
Dr. Balgaard's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 15 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Alexandria is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Alexandria area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Balgaard's Medicare record spans 3 years from 2022 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 13 to 20 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Balgaard's 15 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,612 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2024 | 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. 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. Balgaard Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Balgaard's procedure volume has been consistent across 3 years of Medicare data, ranging from 13 to 20 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Balgaard
How does Dr. Balgaard's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Balgaard has performed 15 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Minnesota average is 43 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Balgaard ranks #156 out of 187 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Balgaard perform?
Dr. Balgaard's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 15 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Balgaard in Alexandria?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Alexandria 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 Minnesota surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Balgaard 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, which puts Dr. Balgaard's total volume across all insurers at roughly 50 to 70 procedures against the 15 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. Balgaard's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Balgaard's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 3 years of Medicare data, ranging from 13 to 20 procedures per year between 2022 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Balgaard affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Balgaard is affiliated with Alomere Health, Sanford Wheaton Medical Center, St Francis Medical Center, Centracare-Sauk Centre Hospital, Centracare- Rice Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. Balgaard compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Alexandria?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Alexandria, Dr. Balgaard ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Alexandria has 74 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Balgaard practices?
Alomere Health (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 Alexandria, Minnesota
Dr. Balgaard's 15 Medicare procedures are below the Alexandria average of 42. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Alexandria.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Dennis Weigel | 74 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Eric Nelson | 61 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. James Nelson | 46 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Emily Monroe | 16 | 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.