Knee
Dr. Luke Balsamo, MD
Dr. Luke Balsamo is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Portsmouth, Virginia. Dr. Balsamo has performed 13 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #175 in Virginia.
In Virginia, Dr. Balsamo performs below average in knee (13 vs 58 avg).
Dr. Balsamo's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 13 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.
Portsmouth is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Portsmouth area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Balsamo first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2022. With 2 years of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Balsamo's 13 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Balsamo Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Virginia state average.
Contact & Location
Portsmouth, VA 23708
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Balsamo has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2022. Additional years of data will provide a clearer picture of volume trends.
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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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.
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. Balsamo
How does Dr. Balsamo's procedure volume compare to other Virginia surgeons?
Dr. Balsamo has performed 13 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Virginia average is 83 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Balsamo ranks #215 out of 223 orthopedic surgeons in Virginia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Balsamo perform?
Dr. Balsamo's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 13 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Balsamo in Portsmouth?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Portsmouth 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 Virginia surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Balsamo 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. Balsamo's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 13 procedures shown here.
Which hospitals is Dr. Balsamo affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Balsamo is affiliated with Sentara Leigh Hospital, Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital.
How does Dr. Balsamo compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Portsmouth?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Portsmouth, Dr. Balsamo ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Balsamo is among the highest-volume surgeons in Portsmouth.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Balsamo practices?
Sentara Leigh Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Sentara Princess Anne Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (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 Portsmouth, Virginia
Dr. Balsamo's 13 Medicare procedures are below the Portsmouth average of 19. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Portsmouth.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Benjamin Westcott | 30 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kevin Pinkos | 13 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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