Dr. Benjamin Ward, M.D.
Contact & Location
406-752-6784
Kalispell, MT 59901
Dr. Ward performs more joint replacement procedures than 12% of orthopedic surgeons in Montana, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #34 of 39 orthopedic surgeons in Montana.
About Dr. Ward
Practice. Dr. Benjamin Ward is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Kalispell, Montana. The latest annual CMS data records 16 shoulder replacements. That is #11 in Montana for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2007.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2021 to 2024, 4 years. Volume has held between 16 and 23 procedures a year.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 16 procedures is below the national average of 29. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Kalispell has 7 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 | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2022 | 17 |
| 2023 | 23 |
| 2024 | 16 |
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 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Ward Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Montana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ward's procedure volume has been consistent across 4 years of Medicare data, ranging from 16 to 23 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Ward
How does Dr. Ward's procedure volume compare to other Montana surgeons?
Dr. Ward has performed 16 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Montana average is 81 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Ward ranks #34 out of 39 orthopedic surgeons in Montana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ward perform?
Dr. Ward's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 16 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Ward with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Ward ranks #11 in Montana for shoulder replacement with 16 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 39 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ward in Kalispell?
Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in Kalispell 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 Montana surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Ward 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Ward's total volume across all insurers at roughly 40 to 60 procedures against the 16 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. Ward's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Ward's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 4 years of Medicare data, ranging from 16 to 23 procedures per year between 2021 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Ward affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Ward is affiliated with Logan Health - Whitefish, Logan Health Medical Center.
How does Dr. Ward compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Kalispell?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Kalispell, Dr. Ward ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Kalispell has 164 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Ward practices?
Logan Health - Whitefish (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Logan Health Medical Center (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 Kalispell, Montana
Dr. Ward's 16 Medicare procedures are below the Kalispell average of 62. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Kalispell.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Joseph Bergman | 164 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Timothy Joyce | 161 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kim Stimpson | 43 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Stanley Makman | 18 | Knee |
| Dr. Karen Perser | 18 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Matthew Bailey | 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.