Dr. William Ballard, M.D.
Contact & Location
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Dr. William Ballard is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Chattanooga, Tennessee. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Ballard has performed 193 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#3 in Tennessee) and 118 hip replacements, for a combined total of 311 procedures.
In Tennessee, Dr. Ballard performs well above average in knee (193 vs 46 avg), well above average in hip (118 vs 36 avg).
Dr. Ballard's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (193 cases) and hip replacements (118 cases).
Chattanooga is home to 18 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Chattanooga area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Ballard also maintains hospital privileges in TN and GA, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Tennessee.
Dr. Ballard's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 456 procedures in 2018 before settling at 311 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Ballard's 193 verified procedures is more than 4x the national average of 45, ranking #66 nationally.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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 Tennessee state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ballard's recorded volume peaked at 456 procedures in 2018 and stood at 311 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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. Ballard
How does Dr. Ballard's procedure volume compare to other Tennessee surgeons?
Dr. Ballard has performed 311 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 4x the Tennessee average of 65 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ballard ranks #2 out of 219 orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ballard perform?
Dr. Ballard's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (193 cases) and hip replacement (118 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Ballard with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Ballard ranks #3 in Tennessee for knee replacement with 193 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 219 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ballard in Chattanooga?
Yes. There are 18 orthopedic surgeons in Chattanooga 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 Tennessee 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 311 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Ballard's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Ballard's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 456 procedures in 2018 and was 311 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Ballard perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Ballard's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (193 cases), hip replacement (118 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 Memorial Healthcare System, Inc, Hamilton Medical Center, Rhea Medical Center. Dr. Ballard maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Ballard compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Chattanooga?
Among the 18 orthopedic surgeons in Chattanooga, 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?
Memorial Healthcare System, Inc (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Hamilton Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Rhea Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Dr. Ballard's 311 Medicare procedures are above the Chattanooga average of 157. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Chattanooga.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. John Nash | 200 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Higgins | 171 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kristopher Sanders | 135 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jason Rogers | 105 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Freeman | 96 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Bernard | 84 | Hip, 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.