Dr. John Balbas, MD

Dr Balbas is a very professional, caring, and experienced doctor. He has worked on both my knees and both shoulders and have absolutely no complaints. Both knees need replaced and I'm very confident in him and his staff getting me taken care of. I highly recommend him!

I had a total knee replacement with Dr. Balbas. To say it was horrible is an understatement. The incision opened by week 3 or 4 followed closely with intense pain. I normally have a good tolerance for pain but this recovery was unlike anything I have ever experienced. Not only did Dr. Balbas ignore my pain but also seemed unphased by the continued deterioration of the incision and deterioration of strength and health. Under his care I went from no assustive devices to cane, walker then ultimately a wheelchair. I dutifully went each week for follow up and he seemed to not be concerned but would continue to dispense pain medication week after week. Although I continued physical therapy 3x a week on site and exercises at home the deterioration continued. It felt to me that Dr. Balbas had a conveyer system of patients and I was impeding the flow. I finally thought I had broken through his resistance to acknowledge my decline when he scheduled me for revision surgery. Unfortunately this was not a fix. My heath continued to decline the intensity of pain was almost beyond bearable. I attempted to see other orthopedic specialists for a second opinion but I found no one willing to see me since it had been less than a year since replacement. My sutuation, after approximately 6 months hit a new low, Dr. Balbas was out of town for and I was told to go to their Urgent Care. After hours of waiting finally saw Dr Elise ——, I was in agony & in tears. After after a quick visual she excused herself. I thought finally someone was going to address my dire situation. But no, she returned to advise me she had spoken to Dr. Balbas by phone and was instructed to advise me to return to his office when he returned in a few days. I attempted to communicate how intense the pain was - unbearable. She promptly informed me that, although Dr. Balbas had told me I could double up on meds if needed, that I was abusing the medication and that she could do nothing for me and proceeded to treat me as if I had a drug problem versus lack of any real pain management & gross neglect of care. Final result: bone infection resulting in removal of implant, placement of anti-biotic spacer, no joint in place and non weight bearing. My care was coordinated with a new surgeon in addition to adding an infectious disease physician. So began IV antibiotic treatment twice a day for over 2 months. During this time I required home health care for blood testing to monitor levels closely & adjustment of IV dosages in an attempt to avoid kidney damage. After over 2 months of treatment and numerous joint fluid aspersions and analysis it was finally determined the infection was cleared and my fourth surgery was scheduled, this time with a anti-allergenic knee replacement. The replacement was a fix for the infection but I have continued pain, joint instability and an almost non existent knee cap due to multiple surgeries. My knee is in worse condition than when I presented for initial surgery. It has been approximately 3 years and several exams and consultations with orthopedic specialists- it is advise to continue with my current situation as additional surgeries could result in a worse case scenario. TAKE AWAY: Use caution with Dr. Balbas. Remember that statistically 20% of joint replacement patients are not satisfied with their results. You may be like me, in much worse condition than when I went in originally. Beware of conveyor belt medical care I feel Dr. Balbas offers his patients.

The ease of beginning with a new doctor. Dr. Balbas was gracious and explained everything clearly. Actually answered some of my questions before I even asked them. I’m happy I changed doctors for my knee replacement surgery.

Dr Balbas repaired my badly injured right shoulder a few years back. Had an accident very recently and injured my left shoulder. Immediately thought of Dr Balbas and I’m awaiting a diagnosis. The whole group at Tulsa Bone and Joint are top rate. Really, the most dependable orthopedic group in North Eastern Oklahoma.

I’m 23 years old and i play at a high level of collegiate soccer. Dr Balbas has helped me with a complicated right knee grade 3 cartilage surgery that had put me away from playing, and according to other doctors i had a very slim chance of ever getting back on the field. He and his staff have gone above and beyond my expectations. I’m back to playing again after working hard in physical therapy and I’m grateful for coming across Tulsa Bone & Joint Associates and lucky to have had the chance to work with them in relation to my recovery. I would recommend Dr Balbas and Tulsa Bone & Joint to anyone with a complicated situation and would encourage anyone to reach out to this staff.

Dr. Balbas treated my knee for torn meniscus. Surgery and subsequent injections so far have gone exactly as described, and my “bad” knee is now better than my “good” knee. His explanations are clear and thorough, and he doesn’t seem to mind answering questions.

Is very professional, courtesy, and done a remarkable job on my left shoulder surgery.

Great exam of shoulder and discussed choices on how to improve range of motion. Very friendly and did not rush.

Dr Balbas was very thorough and listened to my concerns. His straight forward manner was appreciated. I highly recommend him and will have him do my surgery to replace my shoulders.

Dr Balbas has from the get go spoke to me in words I could understand, politely with every question I posed, Dr settled my nerves, explained all to me, but never rushed or talked above my little knowledge, as Dr Balbas and Practitioner Mark along with your staff made this an easier game plan than I fretted over...Thank You Dr Balbas for all you do, even fitting me in with your busy schedule when I had not a an appointment.. Many thanks, Anthony DeMarco

Both Dr, Balbas and his PA are very professional and pleasant to talk to.I was able to get immediate pain relief, and walked out pain free!

Dec 28, 2021 Dr. Balbas repaired my torn Left Rotator Cuff. He was courteous and professional each time I saw him. The procedure was without complications and he subsequently sent me to Physical Therapy. PT went fantastic and I adhered to Dr. Balbas' and my PT teams instructions implicitly. Dr. Balbas is 5 Star in my book.

Great experience. Dr. Balbas is personable and friendly and helpful. He took all the time I needed to be comfortable with him.

Excellent .. listened.. compassionate .. knowledgeable, did test.. took time .. did everything right. He cared and the staff very kind. So happy he is my doctor! ??

Great so far. Investigative visit. No treatment. At this point if I disagreed with him it would be like disagreeing with myself as I drew same conclusions from xrays and recommendations for treatment. Felt like he’s good doctor to know and facility is good place to go.

I have not had my knee replacement yet, but I feel confident that, based on the appointments I’ve had, it will be fine.

He seems not to care or listen

No complaints??

Dr. Balbas and staff are simply The BEST to get and keep you up and running again. He has been my surgeon for both my total knee replacements and I cannot recommend him highly enough! Staff is terrific and attentive.

Dr. Balbas' PA-C, Mark. A. Cuthbertson, was very compassionate and had a great bedside manner. Dr. Balbas spoke with me for 15 seconds which amounted to "My name is Dr. Balbas, this is what you have, we are going to give you a shot and schedule you a 5 week appointment." Didn't shake my hand, didn't tough me and walked out.