Dr. Christopher Shultz, M.D.
Contact & Location
Albuquerque, NM 87106
Dr. Christopher Shultz is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A Medicare provider since 2015, Dr. Shultz has performed 16 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #6 in New Mexico.
In New Mexico, Dr. Shultz performs near average in shoulder (16 vs 17 avg).
Dr. Shultz's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 16 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Albuquerque is home to 24 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Albuquerque area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Shultz extend back to 2022, covering 3 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 16 in the most recent data, a 23% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Shultz's 16 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 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. Shultz Compares
Procedure volume compared to the New Mexico state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Shultz's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 3 years, increasing 23% from 13 procedures in 2022 to 16 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Shultz
How does Dr. Shultz's procedure volume compare to other New Mexico surgeons?
Dr. Shultz has performed 16 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The New Mexico average is 56 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Shultz ranks #40 out of 45 orthopedic surgeons in New Mexico.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Shultz perform?
Dr. Shultz's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 16 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Shultz with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Shultz ranks #6 in New Mexico for shoulder replacement with 16 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 45 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Shultz in Albuquerque?
Yes. There are 24 orthopedic surgeons in Albuquerque 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 New Mexico surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Shultz 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. Shultz's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 16 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Shultz's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Shultz's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2022 to 16 in the most recent data, a 23% increase over 3 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 17 procedures in 2023.
Which hospitals is Dr. Shultz affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Shultz is affiliated with Unm Hospital.
How does Dr. Shultz compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Albuquerque?
Among the 24 orthopedic surgeons in Albuquerque, Dr. Shultz ranks #20 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Albuquerque has 155 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Shultz practices?
Unm Hospital (2 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 Albuquerque, New Mexico
Dr. Shultz's 16 Medicare procedures are below the Albuquerque average of 99. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Albuquerque.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Hanosh | 155 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Krishna Tripuraneni | 153 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Patrick Mulkey | 99 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joshua Carothers | 98 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Krumme | 89 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Arnold Kiburz | 80 | Knee, 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.