Dr. George Bal, M.D.
Contact & Location
Morgantown, WV 26506
Dr. George Bal is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Morgantown, West Virginia. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Bal has performed 35 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #3 in West Virginia.
In West Virginia, Dr. Bal performs above average in shoulder (35 vs 22 avg).
Dr. Bal's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 35 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.
Morgantown is home to 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Morgantown area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Bal also maintains hospital privileges in WV and PA, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond West Virginia.
Dr. Bal's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 77 procedures in 2017 before settling at 35 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Bal's 35 verified procedures is above the national average of 29.
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. Bal Compares
Procedure volume compared to the West Virginia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bal's recorded volume peaked at 77 procedures in 2017 and stood at 35 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:
A step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
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. Bal
How does Dr. Bal's procedure volume compare to other West Virginia surgeons?
Dr. Bal has performed 35 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The West Virginia average is 52 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Bal ranks #26 out of 45 orthopedic surgeons in West Virginia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bal perform?
Dr. Bal's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 35 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Bal with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Bal ranks #3 in West Virginia for shoulder replacement with 35 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 45 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bal in Morgantown?
Yes. There are 10 orthopedic surgeons in Morgantown 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 West Virginia surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Bal 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. Bal's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 35 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Bal's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Bal's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 77 procedures in 2017 and was 35 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. Bal affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Bal is affiliated with West Virginia University Hospitals, Inc, Uniontown Hospital. Dr. Bal maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Bal compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Morgantown?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Morgantown, Dr. Bal ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Morgantown has 138 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Bal practices?
West Virginia University Hospitals, Inc (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Uniontown Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Morgantown, West Virginia
Dr. Bal's 35 Medicare procedures are below the Morgantown average of 84. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Morgantown.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jacob Conjeski | 138 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Hamlin | 121 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Adam Klein | 97 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Benjamin Frye | 82 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nick Zervos | 65 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Timothy Murphy | 49 | 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.