Dr. Luke Balsamo, MD
Contact & Location
Portsmouth, VA 23708
Dr. Luke Balsamo is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Portsmouth, Virginia. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Balsamo has performed 19 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#153 in Virginia) and 14 hip replacements, for a combined total of 33 procedures.
In Virginia, Dr. Balsamo performs below average in knee (19 vs 58 avg), below average in hip (14 vs 47 avg).
Dr. Balsamo's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (19 cases) and hip replacements (14 cases).
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.
Medicare records for Dr. Balsamo extend back to 2022, covering 3 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 16 to 33 in the most recent data, a 106% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Balsamo's 19 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 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. Balsamo Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Virginia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Balsamo's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 3 years, increasing 106% from 16 procedures in 2022 to 33 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.
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 33 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Virginia average is 82 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Balsamo ranks #161 out of 229 orthopedic surgeons in Virginia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Balsamo perform?
Dr. Balsamo's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (19 cases) and hip replacement (14 cases).
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 33 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Balsamo's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Balsamo's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 16 procedures in 2022 to 33 in the most recent data, a 106% increase over 3 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 33 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Balsamo perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Balsamo's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (19 cases), hip replacement (14 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
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 33 Medicare procedures are below the Portsmouth average of 34. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Portsmouth.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kevin Pinkos | 35 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Benjamin Westcott | 33 | 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.