Dr. Donald Ward, MD
Dr. Donald Ward is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Ward has completed 82 knee replacements (#15 in Mississippi), 18 shoulder replacements, and 16 hip replacements, totaling 116 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Mississippi, Dr. Ward performs above average in knee (82 vs 63 avg), below average in shoulder (18 vs 24 avg), below average in hip (16 vs 37 avg).
Dr. Ward performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (82 cases), followed by shoulder replacements (18) and hip replacements (16).
Hattiesburg is home to 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Hattiesburg area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Ward extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 59 to 116 in the most recent data, a 97% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Ward's 82 verified procedures is above 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. Ward Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Mississippi state average.
Contact & Location
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ward's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 97% from 59 procedures in 2013 to 116 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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 Mississippi surgeons?
Dr. Ward has performed 116 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Mississippi average of 70 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ward ranks #17 out of 80 orthopedic surgeons in Mississippi.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ward perform?
Dr. Ward performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (82 cases), shoulder replacement (18 cases), hip replacement (16 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
How experienced is Dr. Ward with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Ward ranks #15 in Mississippi for knee replacement with 82 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 80 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ward in Hattiesburg?
Yes. There are 10 orthopedic surgeons in Hattiesburg 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 Mississippi 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 116 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Ward's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Ward's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 59 procedures in 2013 to 116 in the most recent data, a 97% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 116 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Ward perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Ward's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (82 cases), shoulder replacement (18 cases), hip replacement (16 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Ward among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Ward affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Ward is affiliated with Forrest General Hospital, Merit Health Wesley, South Central Reg Med Ctr, Wayne General Hospital.
How does Dr. Ward compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Hattiesburg?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Hattiesburg, Dr. Ward ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Ward is among the highest-volume surgeons in Hattiesburg.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Ward practices?
Forrest General Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Merit Health Wesley (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); South Central Reg Med Ctr (1 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 Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Dr. Ward's 116 Medicare procedures are above the Hattiesburg average of 76. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Hattiesburg.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. James Sikes | 171 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Frederick Gregg | 73 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Raymond Whitehead | 53 | Knee |
| Dr. Brian Humpherys | 49 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Cox | 42 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Lawrence Line | 27 | Shoulder |
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