Dr. Kris Alden, M.D., Ph.D.
Contact & Location
970-742-0115
Basalt, CO 81621
Dr. Alden performs more knee replacement procedures than 35% of orthopedic surgeons in Colorado, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #76 of 118 ranked knee surgeons in Colorado.
About Dr. Alden
Practice. Dr. Kris Alden is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Basalt, Colorado. The latest annual CMS data records 30 knee replacements and 11 hip replacements, 41 procedures in all. That is #76 in Colorado for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2007.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 126 in 2017 and stands at 41 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 30 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Basalt has 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 31 | 41 |
| 2014 | 34 | 36 |
| 2015 | 34 | 42 |
| 2016 | 32 | 49 |
| 2017 | 45 | 81 |
| 2018 | 44 | 58 |
| 2019 | 43 | 79 |
| 2020 | 25 | 51 |
| 2021 | 38 | 54 |
| 2022 | 49 | 64 |
| 2023 | 11 | 0 |
| 2024 | 11 | 30 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Alden Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Colorado state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Alden's recorded volume peaked at 126 procedures in 2017 and stood at 41 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 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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 Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Alden
How does Dr. Alden's procedure volume compare to other Colorado surgeons?
Dr. Alden has performed 41 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Colorado average is 64 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Alden ranks #99 out of 169 orthopedic surgeons in Colorado.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Alden perform?
Dr. Alden's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (30 cases) and hip replacement (11 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Alden in Basalt?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Basalt 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 Colorado surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Alden represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Alden's total volume across all insurers at roughly 140 to 170 procedures against the 41 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Alden's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Alden's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 126 procedures in 2017 and was 41 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.
Does Dr. Alden perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Alden's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (30 cases), hip replacement (11 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Alden affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Alden is affiliated with Aspen Valley Hospital District, Montrose Regional Health, Valley View Hospital Association, Community Hospital, Gunnison Valley Hospital.
How does Dr. Alden compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Basalt?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Basalt, Dr. Alden ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Alden is among the highest-volume surgeons in Basalt.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Alden practices?
Aspen Valley Hospital District (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Montrose Regional Health (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Valley View Hospital Association (5 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 Basalt, Colorado
Dr. Alden's 41 Medicare procedures are below the Basalt average of 42. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Basalt.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Ferdinand Liotta | 44 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Tomas Pevny | 40 | 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.