Dr. Russell Ward, MD
Contact & Location
Temple, TX 76508
Dr. Russell Ward is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Temple, Texas. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Ward has performed 11 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #139 in Texas.
In Texas, Dr. Ward performs below average in shoulder (11 vs 27 avg).
Dr. Ward's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 11 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Temple is home to 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Temple area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Ward's Medicare data spans 8 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 38 procedures in 2013 before settling at 11 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Ward's 11 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Ward Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ward's recorded volume peaked at 38 procedures in 2013 and stood at 11 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Evidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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 Texas surgeons?
Dr. Ward has performed 11 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Texas average is 57 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Ward ranks #582 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ward perform?
Dr. Ward's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 11 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ward in Temple?
Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Temple 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 Texas 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 11 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Ward's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Ward's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 38 procedures in 2013 and was 11 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.
Which hospitals is Dr. Ward affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Ward is affiliated with Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple, Scott & White Hospital-Round Rock.
How does Dr. Ward compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Temple?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Temple, Dr. Ward ranks #8 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Temple has 136 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Ward practices?
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Scott & White Hospital-Round Rock (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 Temple, Texas
Dr. Ward's 11 Medicare procedures are below the Temple average of 55. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Temple.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kirby Hitt | 136 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Clint Barnett | 68 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Bryce Allen | 58 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Donavan Murphy | 48 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Kevin Caperton | 40 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Gregory Sprowls | 27 | Shoulder |
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.