Dr. Gregory Ballard, M.D.
Dr. Gregory Ballard is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Independence, Missouri. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Ballard has performed 51 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#39 in Missouri) and 17 hip replacements, for a combined total of 68 procedures.
In Missouri, Dr. Ballard performs near average in knee (51 vs 43 avg), below average in hip (17 vs 30 avg).
Dr. Ballard's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 75% of reported Medicare volume.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Ballard holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Independence is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Independence area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Ballard extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 50 to 68 in the most recent data, a 36% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Ballard's 51 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. Ballard Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Missouri state average.
Contact & Location
Independence, MO 64057
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ballard's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 36% from 50 procedures in 2013 to 68 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 68 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Missouri average of 56 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ballard ranks #56 out of 199 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ballard perform?
Dr. Ballard's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (51 cases) and hip replacement (17 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 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. Ballard's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 68 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Ballard's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Ballard's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 50 procedures in 2013 to 68 in the most recent data, a 36% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 77 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Ballard perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Ballard's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (51 cases), hip replacement (17 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 68 Medicare procedures are above the Independence average of 35. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Independence.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Greiner | 19 | Knee |
| Dr. Paul Cowan | 19 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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