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Meritas Health

Locations

Meritas Health Gashland

9411 N Oak Trafficway
Ste 100
Kansas City, MO 64155

View hours
Monday
7:30am - 5:00pm
Tuesday
7:30am - 5:00pm
Wednesday
7:30am - 5:00pm
Thursday
7:30am - 5:00pm
Friday
7:30am - 5:00pm
Meritas Health Gashland

About Me

Biography

Dr. Ballard and his wife are avid Wildcat fans and enjoy Kansas State University athletics. When away from the office, Dr. Ballard enjoys traveling, cooking and studying history and geography.

Care Philosophy

Dr. Ballard appreciates being able to sit down and talk with his patients and so he can get to know them and their families. For Dr. Ballard, he feels he is accountable for their care and seeks to do the best he can for them. However, he also asks them to be accountable in return for their care, too. Whether its prevention or handling an acute problem, that trust between the patient and him is paramount.

Area of Interest

Dr. Ballard is dedicated to providing preventive care for the whole family and specializes in all aspects of family medicine, including diabetes, high blood pressure, allergies and chronic medical conditions.

Teaching and Professional Positions

I appreciate being able to sit down and talk with patients and get to know them and their families. I feel I am accountable for their care in doing the best I can for them, but I also ask them to be accountable in return for their care too. Whether its prevention or handling an acute problem, that trust between the patient and me is paramount.

Professional Memberships

Dr. Ballard is a member of the following organizations:

  • American Academy of Family Physicians
  • American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians
  • American Osteopathic Association
  • Kansas Association of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Oklahoma State School of Osteopathic Medicine Alumni Association

Honors, Awards etc.

  • AOA Presidential Leadership National Award Nominee for Oklahoma State University
  • Oklahoma State University Alumni Scholarship
  • Oklahoma State University Touch Award for Community Service
  • Journal of the American Osteopathic Association Essay Contest Winner "What it means to be a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine"
  • Recognized with an 800 Award for 2025 by Reputation.com

Education

Residency:
Via Christi Regional Hospital (2012)

Medical School:
Oklahoma State University-College Of Osteopathic Medicine (2009)

Board Certifications

American Board of Family Medicine

Provider Ratings

4.4 out of 5

(110 ratings)

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

110 Reviews

06/04/2025

Saw Dr Ballard yesterday at Meritas Gashland through their urgent care. Walked in before 5:30 & his nurse took me in promptly. The roof of mouth is extremely sore. It appears as if it's been burnt by something but that isn't the case. He just kind of spitballed it & ended up saying he'd call in a script for a mouth rinse. If it still was bothering me to follow up my primary doctor or my dentist. Went to CVS to p/u the script. Unfortunately the pharmacist (no fault of his) wasn't able to fill because Dr Ballard hadn't written it completely. No indication of the amount I was to use. I figured this would be remedied by early morning but now at 2:15pm the office is still telling us that they're waiting on a response from the dr. What's the point of an urgent care visit if l'm almost at 24hrs past my visit & I still can't get any relief? IMO that isn't proper care or concern of a patient's pain or recovery.

06/03/2025

Saw Dr Ballard yesterday at Meritas Gashland through their urgent care. Walked in before 5:30 & his nurse took me in promptly. The roof of my mouth is extremely sore. It appears as if it’s been burnt by something but that isn’t the case. He just kind of spitballed it & ended up saying he’d call in a script for a mouth rinse. If it still was bothering me to follow up my primary doctor or my dentist. Went to CVS to p/u the script. Unfortunately the pharmacist (no fault of his) wasn’t able to fill because Dr Ballard hadn’t written it completely. No indication of the amount I was to use. I figured this would be remedied by early morning but now at 2:15pm the office is still telling us that they’re waiting on a response from the dr. What’s the point of an urgent care visit if I’m almost at 24hrs past my visit & I still can’t get any relief? IMO that isn’t proper care or concern of a patient’s pain or recovery.

05/06/2025

Dr. Ballard is one of the most caring, attentive, competent, observant, and well-rounded physicians I have ever come across. He is simply incredible!

05/06/2025

Great

04/30/2025

Dr. Ballard really takes the time to listen to your concerns & encourages questions. He really cares about his patients. I have been seeing him for a few years now & feel comfortable scheduling a visit with him whenever I have a health concern. The nurses are also very helpful.

04/17/2025

On time with little to no waiting. Dr. Ballard is always concerned about the health of his patients.

03/19/2025

Great experience

03/13/2025

Dr. Ballard and the nursing staff are always nice and approachable. They listen to your concerns and never make you feel rushed. Great team!!

03/05/2025

Dr is nice and always greets me and asks how I'm doing. Nothing is pushed on me and questions are answered where I can understand them. He (they) have taken good care of me for years.

02/27/2025

It was a very good experience. Dr. Ballard was excellent.

02/18/2025

Great Doc.been with him for 15 years..

02/17/2025

Easy to communicate with. I feel he really has my best interest in my health care.

01/28/2025

Dr. Ballard and the nurses that I came in contact with were very professional, considerate, kind, and efficient.

01/28/2025

I'm been going to Dr. Ballard for probably a decade now. I have changed insurance and living locations. Each time, I ensure that I can maintain him as my primary provider. Dr. Ballard is pragmatic, caring and wise. I have built trust in him and am thankful for him. I am not sure if he is able to take new patients, so if he is, please request him.

01/24/2025

Dr. Ballard wasn't rushed, spent time with clear explanations, and was very friendly.

01/21/2025

Stephen Ballard is a Doctor that clearly communicates wit the patient. He answers questions completely.

12/19/2024

Very informative answered all my questions

12/06/2024

My husband and I have been seeing Dr. Ballard for years. He is a thorough and wonderful doctor. I trust him completely with my family's care. He listens and works to resolve health issues, rather than brushing symptoms off. He is a compassionate doctor who truly cares about the wellbeing of his patients.

12/03/2024

Great Dr. !

11/20/2024

Perfessionable, personable, and got me in and out in time to get to work after my physical. Had my labs back and read my lunch that day!

11/18/2024

On time and lab work was quick too

10/24/2024

Dr. Ballard was very friendly and compassionate. He took my health seriously. His office followed up with me the next morning to discuss my test results.

10/17/2024

Dr. Ballard always listens to my concerns and is very thorough. I also trust his judgement on referrals, should I need to see a specialist. He has a great personality, too! He gets 5 stars from me!

10/17/2024

I very, very much appreciate Dr. Ballard as my primary care doctor. He cares and is competent. I trust him and am thankful for him.

10/16/2024

Dr. Ballard was relentless. He would not let me go until I have provided a urine sample. Due to the reason for my visit, he was extremely concerned with my well being. The results of the tests made me go to the ER that evening. I am forever grateful for his caring nature. When you are a high risk patient, certain alarm bells go on. He didn't want to take that risk. Thank you so much for caring.

10/02/2024

Dr. Ballard takes a preventative approach to his patients healthcare. He interprets your lab results and provides advice on how to keep yourself healthy. If you see a variety of doctors for your healthcare then you need somebody like Dr. Ballard to help you oversee the entire effort to ensure that your overall care is safe and effective.

09/26/2024

I had a great visit with Dr Ballard. He took time to listen to my issues and we crafted a plan to deal with them. I felt Dr Ballard showed true concern for my health and wellbeing.

09/26/2024

Ver approachable and caring. Took his time with me and explained everything in a manner I could understand. Makes sure he answers all questions and concerns.

09/25/2024

Worked in a very timely, careful, and detailed manner. Dr was very good at giving all options and explanations for each.

09/18/2024

Dr Ballard is always thorough, listens to concerns and orders tests that are needed to confirm a diagnosis. His bedside manner is what I love the most. In a busy world, he makes the time to be personable and visit with you. That’s something you don’t find in this day and age.

09/10/2024

Dr. Ballard listens to me, evaluates what is happening, and takes the right actions for me and my situation every time I see him. My family all appreciates how he works with us and I am glad he is the one who is helping us through medical issues and regular wellness visits.

08/28/2024

Great job answering my questions, and referring me to what was needed!

08/16/2024

He take the time to listen to your needs and is very professional and through .

08/14/2024

The best

08/13/2024

Meritas Plus Ballard Equals Success! The most honest doctor ever!

08/12/2024

Good doctor and even better person.

08/08/2024

Dr. Ballard is Professional and also Friendly and makes sure I am doing the right things to stay healthy.

07/09/2024

Dr. Ballard is extremely likable. I have been seeing him for a year now and will continue to do so moving forward. He does a great job of listening and provides great assessments!

07/05/2024

Dr. Ballard is amazing. I never feel apprehensive to discuss anything with him. His caring and open personality is amazing. My favorite doctor ever!!

06/20/2024

Doctor Ballard has been the physician for 4 members of our family for many years. We love his excellent care and health advice. Office visits and staff are a well oiled machine, Everything runs smoothly.

06/06/2024

Dr. Ballard is down to earth and talks to you in easy to understand language and takes the time to get to know you. Highly recommend.

04/22/2024

Dr. Ballard takes time to explain why he wants you to take a medicine or have a test, which I appreciate.

04/16/2024

I’ve been seeing Dr.Ballard for years and he is one of the best PCP’s I’ve had. He listens and truly cares what kind of care you receive. I will not see another Doctor. If need be I’ll wait for an appointment for him!

04/03/2024

Dr Steven R. Ballard, is a very caring person and doctor. He takes time to lesson before he responds. I highly recommend him.

03/21/2024

I will start by saying, this was not a regular office visit, we went to this office because they could get us in for an urgent issue. The staff was polite and helpful. However, from the moment Dr. Ballard entered the room, everything changed. He has the worst bedside manner I have ever experienced. My son was in pain and asked Dr. Ballard to be gentle and he did the exact opposite. He dismissed us within 5 minutes and sent us on our way. He also ordered unnecessary tests. The ONLY positive thing I can say is, Dr. Ballard was able to give me a medical term for what my son was experiencing so when I went to the next doctor, I was able to tell them the correct terminology. I absolutely will not ever go to an office that he is associated with.

03/12/2024

It was okay…the appointment seemed rushed and I felt a little judged on some of my questions about medications. Overall it was a decent experience.

03/07/2024

I am not a regular patient of Dr. Ballard's, but I have to say that this may have been one of the best appointments I've ever had. I instantly felt welcomed by his medical staff. Dr. Ballard was personable and made made me feel comfortable. He addressed what I was there for and took it a step further by checking my most recent labs to make sure there wasn't something else contributing to the issue I was having. He ended my appointment by telling me he would be glad to see me again if I need anything while my provider is on maternity leave.

02/27/2024

I was treated with kindness and compassion. I appreciate Dr Ballard taking his time to address my concerns.

02/22/2024

Dr. Ballard listens intently to your needs and has a great personality. You can tell he wants to help his patients to his greatest ability.

02/15/2024

He was very intent even listen to everything I was concerned with

02/14/2024

Dr. Ballard provides excellent care. He addresses medical history and develops a plan to help improve health in the future. I appreciate his honest and caring approach.

02/06/2024

Dr Ballard has been absolutely great in treating our entire family. We have seen Dr Ballard for many years and have recommended him to several family members. He is usually able to squeeze us in same day when needed and we appreciate the prompt care he proves for us.

01/31/2024

Dr. Ballard is awesome. Explains everything completely and asks if I have any questions. Great physician

01/31/2024

I went to Dr. Ballard for two different sick visits and he was great both times! He listens to me and is very kind and understanding.

01/27/2024

Dr Ballard He is nice and very professional doctor

01/24/2024

Dr Ballard is very personable and took his time listening to what I needed.

01/24/2024

Dr. Ballard got right to the point, laid out the options. Following that direction has decreased the pain I was in.. I'm very thankful.⁰

12/21/2023

Dr. Ballard is terrific. Can't recommend him highly enough.

12/19/2023

Very pleased as always with our appointment with Dr. Ballard.

11/30/2023

He does a good job of patient interaction and is a caring Dr.

11/22/2023

There are good doctors and then there are GREAT doctors!! What separates the good from the great are doctors like Steven Ballard! His bedside manners are unmatched and his unique ability to connect with his patients on a deep, personal level is remarkable. Dr. Ballard has without question set the bar extremely high when it comes to medical Carre and I'm so thankful to have him caring for my overall health. Thank you Dr. Ballard!!!!

11/09/2023

Dr. Ballard was my PCP for 4 years. All my health issues were poorly addressed by him. He will not listen to me but wants me about my preferences and make me understand lab results. He was so mean all the time. I he selective in being "GOOD" as others referred to him.

10/24/2023

Dr Ballard listens and responds with respect and compassion for your situation with appropriate referrals and medical advice. He's so very friendly and easy to talk to. I felt very comfortable discussing my complicated medical history and trust his opinions and advice. Highly recommend!

10/07/2023

I appreciate and highly value both Dr. Ballard's professionalism and personal care I have received these past few years.

09/04/2023

Dr. Ballard was very thorough and friendly. He put me at ease and helped get me back on my feet by treating my horrible cough and breathing issues.

09/02/2023

I have had Dr. Steven Ballard as my pcp since Dr. Kirkpatrick retired. He is always quick and professional with me, and explaining medical issues in a way I understand. He listens to me about my health, my needs, and what medications my body tolerates or doesn't tolerate. His nursing staff are always kind, and quick to respond to my portal messages or managing to get me squeezed in for an appointment when necessary.

08/30/2023

Dr. Ballard is a fantastic doctor. He treats you as a equal. He cares about your life and wants to help make you feel better. Thanks Dr. Ballard.

08/09/2023

If Dr Krumm ever retires I know I will switch to Dr Ballard.

08/08/2023

Dr Ballard is always nice and really easy to talk to, always answers my questions and makes me feel comfortable!

08/07/2023

My son had an appointment with Dr Ballard and he cannot speak highly enough about Dr Ballard. He said he checked in and was seen right away. He had all his questions answered and his visit went well.

07/03/2023

Dr. Ballard was very thorough and personable.

06/28/2023

Dr. Ballard always takes the time to explain my diagnosis and what my options are and how they will benefit me. I always have sense of relief after our appointment.

06/13/2023

Dr. Ballard is awesome. He listens and is very thorough. Always a good experience.

05/24/2023

The staff was incredibly helpful the doctor was very helpful in explaining what I was dealing with in terms that I could understand. He wasted no time in addressing the issues I had and getting the specific testing done that was needed in a very time and manner. Excellent doctor and experience.

05/10/2023

I have visited Dr. S. Ballard, D. O. For several years. I am very impressed with his diagnosis and manner. I intend to stay a patient as long as he is practicing.

05/02/2023

Dr. Ballard is so good. He is attentive and thorough. He even called when he found out I was in the hospital with kidney stones.

05/01/2023

Dr Ballard is by far best Dr I've had...very down to earth

05/01/2023

Dr. Ballard was thorough and took the time to actually converse and get to know me. Very personable Dr.

04/05/2023

Felt very rushed

03/07/2023

If you are looking for pills, this is your guy. Seems to have no interest in healing the body, only prescribing drugs. Would not recommend if health is your goal.

02/01/2023

Dr. Ballard is a great doctor who llistens patiently and immediately acts to find solutions. He is thorough and concerned about his patients.

01/13/2023

Dr. Ballard and his staff provided exceptional service for me this week!

01/12/2023

Dr Ballard is ALWAYS a great doc… and my last visit with him was excellent… as usual…

12/22/2022

worst experience with a doctor, I was with my three children at Dr. Steven's. my oldest son, who is 17, has covid, he panicked so much and spoke from the corridor, he said that we are contagious and that we should leave, my son, who is 10, and my eight-year-old daughter were with me. he scared my children who were crying, he reacted very unprofessionally, if he is so scared he shouldn't be a doctor, he didn't say a single word of comfort or a single piece of advice, he just told us to leave the hospital

12/14/2022

The doctor did not show any concern I told him my legs were weak they sent me right back to work the next day before the blood work even came back

12/01/2022

Dr. Ballard is an exceptional clinician with a great bedside manner. Highly recommend!

11/25/2022

Love Dr. Ballard

11/19/2022

Dr. Ballard is a kind, funny friendly and compassionate person. He listens and explains things well. He is extremely knowledgeable and researches that which he doesn’t immediately know. He has accepted views of our son’s for our care. He leaves no stone unturned! He looks for answers to our health issues until he finds answers. We are happy we found him! We feel important to him.

09/24/2022

Dr. Ballard didn’t listen. Number one rule, always listen to your patient. Ordered unnecessary antibiotic, labs, and referral. All because he didn’t listen to anything I said with my history. I would have been better off at the ER.

08/23/2022

I have had a great experience with Dr Ballard. He genuinely cares.

04/06/2022

If you're looking for a doctor that is always in a hurry and rushing to finish up your visit then this is the doctor for you. Terrible bedside manners and couldn't care less about you and your health. Terrible doctor!

02/11/2022

I have found Dr. Ballard to be a very caring and knowledgeable doctor. He will definitely set you straight if you don’t follow his advice but it’s because he cares about the health of his patients. He takes the time needed and leaves no stone unturned to find out what is going on with your health. I’m so glad I have finally found a doctor I can trust. I would totally recommend him to anyone.

01/23/2022

Poor bedside manner. Was unkind, appeared rushed and lacked empathy.

08/26/2021

Dr. Ballard is a very friendly, attentive professional who asks lots of questions and listens carefully to your responses. He sincerely cares about my health.

01/08/2021

I had my yearly wellness exam with Dr Ballard. He was in a rush the whole 3 minutes he was in the room with me. Refused to answer my questions because he was in to big a hurry. The above review sums him up perfectly. Don't waste your time with him!

12/11/2020

We have been seeing Dr. Ballard for several years now and have always been treated with excellent care and compassion. He has always given specific and individual care to me, my husband, my son and my daughter as they've grown up. My kids feel comfortable talking to him and we've never even considered pediatricians for them because of how great Dr. Ballard has been. I find it surprising that there is a review indicating he was short with someone; we've never noticed any such thing and it simply isn't in line with his personality at all. Anyone would be lucky to have him as their physician.

09/08/2020

My family has seen Dr. Ballard since our lifelong family doctor retired. He has been caring, personable, and attentive for the past several years.

07/09/2020

I have been seeing Dr Ballard for several years now. He is very thorough and caring. He takes time to listen to your questions and requests. His staff has always been very good as well. I have recommended Dr Ballard to my family and friends as well as others.

02/16/2020

Excellent doctor. He is very thorough and extremely intelligent. Wish I had known him sooner. I’ve worked with physician for over 30 years. He is one of the best family practice physicians I have known!

01/15/2020

My experience with Dr. Ballard was not impressive. Saw him as a new patient for yearly wellness exam. He seemed rushed to get in and out the door, wouldn't look me in the eye, instead stared at his chart, the floor or laptop. He was so short and did not seem to be interested talking about my health concerns, which to me is very concerning as a new patient. He also loves to request you come back in 4 weeks for a follow up so he can spend 5 minutes with you, do nothing and bill you again. No thank you! I have moved on from this doctor and Meritas Health in general and could not be happier with the level of service I receive from my new doctor and their associated medical group.

04/17/2019

I had a difficult time finding a doctor I was comfortable with after Dr. Kanne retired. My daughter recommended Dr. Ballard. He has been so compassionate and attentive. Thank you, Dr. Ballard!

02/27/2019

Dr. Ballard is a great doctor. Not.only does he listen to you, he is thourough in his work. He explains in detail his findings and the care to get you feeling better.

09/21/2018

Dr Ballard was great! He listens and addresses your concerns. He put in a couple of specialist referrals for me and I could not be happier with those doctors as well. I highly recommend him.

04/27/2018

Dr. Ballard is extremely friendly, professional, and courteous. I would see him once a year for my annual physical and he also helped me get on the right path for my shoulder surgery. He's always happy to help and does so with a smile on his face. Without a doubt in my mind, I trust his judgment and would recommend him to all my family and friends. Great Doctor - even better person.

04/18/2018

Dr. Ballard is a wonderful physician with a good sense of humor and warm bedside manner. He is knowledgeable and aggressive with treatment when necessary, listening closely to patients to ask the right questions. I continue to recommend many friends to Dr. Ballard.

03/02/2018

Horrible service. Do not go to this doctor such a horrible attitude. I felt completely disrespected upon verbalizing my symptoms.

08/09/2017

Dr. Ballard is very thorough and always takes the time to listen to me. He always looks at treatment options with a critical eye and chooses the best treatments available for the given situation. I'm taking my family to him for their health care needs.

07/27/2017

Easy to make an appointment. Not long wait in waiting room or exam room. Nurse always pleasant. Dr. listened to what I had to say and recommended a good treatment plan.

06/21/2017

Very Rude.

10/28/2016

As part of the process of relocating to Kansas City , I needed to find a doctor who would evaluate my current medical subscriptions and assist me in my future care. Over the years, my former physician and I worked together to determine what medications worked best to provide me with the quality of life I need and desire. Dr. Ballard informed me he did not believe in this treatment and refused to continue with this known working course of action. This is my body, my life, and I am responsible for it. I was given the impression Dr. Ballard wanted full control regardless of my needs.
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