Karl Balch, M.D.
NPI 1902127525 · Orthopaedic Surgery Physician · Bakersfield, CA
Enrolled with Medicare as Practitioner - Orthopedic Surgery · source: CMS PECOS Public Provider Enrollment (2026.04.01)
Karl Balch, M.D. is a Orthopaedic Surgery Physician provider in Bakersfield, CA (NPI 1902127525).
Provider details
- NPI number
- 1902127525
- Entity type
- Individual
- Primary specialty
- Orthopaedic Surgery PhysicianAllopathic & Osteopathic Physicians
- Credential
- M.D.
- Sex
- Male
- Sole proprietor
- No
- License
- NONE (OH)
Specialties & taxonomies
Allopathic & Osteopathic Physicians
Allopathic & Osteopathic Physicians
Student, Health Care
Profile Score
A profile completeness & documented-activity index — NOT a quality, outcomes, or patient-satisfaction rating.
- Registry tenure25% of score
16 yrs in NPPES registry
- Profile completeness25% of score
100% of core fields populated
- Practice footprint15% of score
1 documented practice location
- Medicare service volume (vs. specialty peers)25% of score
1,823 Medicare services, 2024 (ranked within specialty)
- Open Payments transparency10% of score
Has Open Payments disclosures (2024)
Medicare volume is ranked against active providers in the same specialty. Signals a provider has no public data for (e.g. Medicare claims) are left out of the score entirely — never counted as zero — so providers without that data are not penalized. See the full formula and weights in our .
What this provider does (Medicare)
Based on Medicare fee-for-service claims, 2024; not all care is captured.
| Service (HCPCS) | Medicare services | Typical Medicare-allowed (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Established Patient Office Or Other Outpatient Visit With Low Level OD Decision Making, If Using Time, 20 Minutes Or More99213 | 492 | $92 |
| Established Patient Office Or Other Outpatient Visit With Moderate Level of Decision Making, If Using Time, 30 Minutes Or More99214 | 297 | $131 |
| Aspiration And/Or Injection of Fluid From Large Joint20610 | 236 | $76 |
| X-Ray of Knee, 3 Views73562 | 174 | $43 |
| X-Ray of Knee, 4 Or More Views73564 | 170 | $49 |
| X-Ray of Hip, 2-3 Views73502 | 132 | $50 |
What this provider prescribes (Medicare Part D)
Top drugs by Medicare Part D claim volume, 2024 · 13 distinct drugs on file.
| Drug | Part D claims (2024) | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| Ondansetron Hcl | 259 | 206 |
| Oxycodone Hcl/Acetaminophenbrand: Oxycodone-Acetaminophen | 178 | 133 |
| Meloxicam | 166 | 90 |
| Hydrocodone/Acetaminophenbrand: Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen | 62 | 48 |
| Diclofenac Sodium | 60 | 39 |
| Ibuprofen | 44 | 20 |
| Gabapentin | 36 | 24 |
Transparency — industry payments
Based on CMS Open Payments, 2024; not all care is captured.
$87 across 4 records (Open Payments 2024)
Open Payments discloses payments and transfers of value (meals, travel, consulting, research, royalties) from drug and device makers to providers. This is a transparency signal, not a verdict — such payments are legal and common, and their presence is neither an endorsement nor a criticism. Source: CMS Open Payments, program year 2024.
Practice location
Mailing address
Registry dates
- Enumerated
- 2010-06-17
- Last updated
- 2025-04-16
- Certified
- 2025-04-16
Frequently asked questions
- What is Karl Balch's NPI number?
- Karl Balch's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1902127525, a unique 10-digit ID issued by CMS for use in standard healthcare transactions.
- What is Karl Balch's specialty?
- Karl Balch is listed in the NPPES registry with a primary specialty of Orthopaedic Surgery Physician (Allopathic & Osteopathic Physicians).
- Where is Karl Balch located?
- Karl Balch's practice location on file with NPPES is 5201 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93309-0421.
- What is Karl Balch's phone number?
- The practice phone number listed in the NPPES registry for Karl Balch is (661) 328-5565.
- Does Karl Balch accept Medicare?
- Karl Balch is approved to bill Medicare according to CMS PECOS enrollment data (2026.04.01). Confirm current participation with the provider before scheduling.
- Is Karl Balch's NPI active?
- Yes — Karl Balch's NPI (1902127525) is active in the NPPES registry as of the last update on 2025-04-16.
Source: CMS NPPES Data Dissemination (June 2026). NPI Central is not affiliated with CMS. Data is provided as-is from the public registry.