Dr. Kris Alden, M.D., PHD.
Contact & Location
Basalt, CO 81621
Dr. Kris Alden is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Basalt, Colorado. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Alden has performed 30 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#76 in Colorado) and 11 hip replacements, for a combined total of 41 procedures.
In Colorado, Dr. Alden performs below average in knee (30 vs 48 avg), below average in hip (11 vs 38 avg).
Dr. Alden's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (30 cases) and hip replacements (11 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Alden holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Basalt is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Basalt area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Alden's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 126 procedures in 2017 before settling at 41 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Alden's 30 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. 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 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. Alden's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 41 procedures shown here.
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, Intermountain Health St. Mary'S Regional 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.