Dr. Gregory Ballard, M.D.
Contact & Location
816-795-6630
Independence, MO 64057
Dr. Ballard performs more knee replacement procedures than 75% of orthopedic surgeons in Missouri, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #40 of 166 ranked knee surgeons in Missouri.
About Dr. Ballard
Practice. Dr. Gregory Ballard is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Independence, Missouri. The latest annual CMS data records 57 knee replacements and 25 hip replacements, 82 procedures in all. That is #40 in Missouri for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2007.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 50 procedures a year to 82, up 64%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 57 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Independence has 3 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 | 11 | 39 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 47 | 0 |
| 2015 | 18 | 50 | 0 |
| 2016 | 11 | 57 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 55 | 0 |
| 2018 | 13 | 54 | 0 |
| 2019 | 18 | 48 | 11 |
| 2020 | 20 | 47 | 0 |
| 2021 | 12 | 46 | 0 |
| 2022 | 14 | 45 | 0 |
| 2023 | 17 | 51 | 0 |
| 2024 | 25 | 57 | 0 |
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. Ballard Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Missouri state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ballard's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 64% from 50 procedures in 2013 to 82 in the most recent data.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Ballard
How does Dr. Ballard's procedure volume compare to other Missouri surgeons?
Dr. Ballard has performed 82 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Missouri average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ballard ranks #41 out of 204 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ballard perform?
Dr. Ballard's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (57 cases) and hip replacement (25 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ballard in Independence?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Independence 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 Missouri surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Ballard 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. Ballard's total volume across all insurers at roughly 280 to 350 procedures against the 82 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. Ballard's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Ballard's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 50 procedures in 2013 to 82 in the most recent data, a 64% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 82 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Ballard perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Ballard's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (57 cases), hip replacement (25 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Ballard affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Ballard is affiliated with Centerpoint Medical Center, Bothwell Regional Health Center.
How does Dr. Ballard compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Independence?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Independence, Dr. Ballard ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Ballard has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Ballard practices?
Centerpoint Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Bothwell Regional Health Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Independence, Missouri
Dr. Ballard's 82 Medicare procedures are above the Independence average of 39. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Independence.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Paul Cowan | 19 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Robert Greiner | 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.