Dr. Ronald Kristensen, M.D.
Contact & Location
208-323-2600
Boise, ID 83702
Dr. Kristensen performs more knee replacement procedures than 98% of orthopedic surgeons in Idaho, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #1 of 52 ranked knee surgeons in Idaho.
About Dr. Kristensen
Practice. Dr. Ronald Kristensen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Boise, Idaho. The latest annual CMS data records 110 knee replacements and 39 hip replacements, 149 procedures in all. That is #1 in Idaho for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 90 procedures a year to 149, up 66%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 110 procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
Local context. Boise has 18 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 | 18 | 72 |
| 2014 | 20 | 76 |
| 2015 | 28 | 75 |
| 2016 | 33 | 95 |
| 2017 | 30 | 72 |
| 2018 | 33 | 78 |
| 2019 | 23 | 96 |
| 2020 | 30 | 76 |
| 2021 | 27 | 70 |
| 2022 | 47 | 103 |
| 2023 | 26 | 110 |
| 2024 | 39 | 110 |
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. Kristensen Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Idaho state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kristensen's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 66% from 90 procedures in 2013 to 149 in the most recent data.
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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
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.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Kristensen
How does Dr. Kristensen's procedure volume compare to other Idaho surgeons?
Dr. Kristensen has performed 149 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Idaho average of 57 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Kristensen ranks #4 out of 70 orthopedic surgeons in Idaho.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kristensen perform?
Dr. Kristensen's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (110 cases) and hip replacement (39 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Kristensen with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Kristensen ranks #1 in Idaho for knee replacement with 110 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 70 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kristensen in Boise?
Yes. There are 18 orthopedic surgeons in Boise 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 Idaho surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Kristensen 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. Kristensen's total volume across all insurers at roughly 510 to 630 procedures against the 149 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. Kristensen's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Kristensen's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 90 procedures in 2013 to 149 in the most recent data, a 66% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 150 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Kristensen perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Kristensen's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (110 cases), hip replacement (39 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kristensen affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kristensen is affiliated with St Luke'S Regional Medical Center, St Luke'S Elmore Medical Center, St Luke'S Nampa Medical Center.
How does Dr. Kristensen compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Boise?
Among the 18 orthopedic surgeons in Boise, Dr. Kristensen ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Kristensen is among the highest-volume surgeons in Boise.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kristensen practices?
St Luke'S Regional Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); St Luke'S Nampa Medical Center (4 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 Boise, Idaho
Dr. Kristensen's 149 Medicare procedures are above the Boise average of 111. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Boise.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jenny Jin | 177 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Colin Poole | 160 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffry Menzner | 103 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Daines | 86 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jonathan Vaux | 59 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Chopp | 46 | Shoulder |
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.