Dr. Aric Christal, M.D.
Contact & Location
Edmonds, WA 98026
Dr. Aric Christal is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Edmonds, Washington. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Christal has performed 49 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#43 in Washington) and 27 hip replacements, for a combined total of 76 procedures.
In Washington, Dr. Christal performs near average in knee (49 vs 41 avg), below average in hip (27 vs 38 avg).
Dr. Christal's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (49 cases) and hip replacements (27 cases).
Edmonds is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Edmonds area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Christal extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 47 to 76 in the most recent data, a 62% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Christal's 49 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. Christal Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Washington state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Christal's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 62% from 47 procedures in 2013 to 76 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Christal
How does Dr. Christal's procedure volume compare to other Washington surgeons?
Dr. Christal has performed 76 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Washington average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Christal ranks #57 out of 198 orthopedic surgeons in Washington.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Christal perform?
Dr. Christal's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (49 cases) and hip replacement (27 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Christal in Edmonds?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Edmonds 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 Washington surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Christal 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. Christal's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 76 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Christal's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Christal's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 47 procedures in 2013 to 76 in the most recent data, a 62% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 102 procedures in 2018.
Does Dr. Christal perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Christal's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (49 cases), hip replacement (27 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Christal affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Christal is affiliated with Swedish Edmonds Hospital.
How does Dr. Christal compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Edmonds?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Edmonds, Dr. Christal ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Christal has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Christal practices?
Swedish Edmonds 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 Edmonds, Washington
Dr. Christal's 76 Medicare procedures are above the Edmonds average of 45. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Edmonds.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Sean Amann | 68 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Cameron | 26 | Shoulder |
| Dr. David Kuechle | 11 | 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.