Knee
Dr. Aaron Balgaard, M.D.
Dr. Aaron Balgaard is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Alexandria, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2013, Dr. Balgaard has performed 20 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #93 in Minnesota.
In Minnesota, Dr. Balgaard performs below average in knee (20 vs 32 avg).
Dr. Balgaard's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 20 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 4 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 first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2022. With 2 years of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Balgaard's 20 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. Balgaard Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Contact & Location
Alexandria, MN 56308
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Balgaard has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2022. Additional years of data will provide a clearer picture of volume trends.
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 20 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Minnesota average is 47 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Balgaard ranks #135 out of 179 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 20 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 4 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 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. Balgaard's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 20 procedures shown here.
Which hospitals is Dr. Balgaard affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Balgaard is affiliated with Alomere Health, Sanford Wheaton Medical Center.
How does Dr. Balgaard compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Alexandria?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Alexandria, Dr. Balgaard ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Alexandria has 87 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 20 Medicare procedures are below the Alexandria average of 54. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Alexandria.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Dennis Weigel | 87 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Eric Nelson | 76 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. James Nelson | 34 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:
These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.