Dr. Christopher Sheu, MD
Contact & Location
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Dr. Christopher Sheu is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Mount Vernon, Washington. A Medicare provider since 2009, Dr. Sheu has performed 24 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements (#26 in Washington) and 19 hip replacements, for a combined total of 43 procedures.
In Washington, Dr. Sheu performs near average in shoulder (24 vs 28 avg), below average in hip (19 vs 38 avg).
Dr. Sheu's reported Medicare volume is split between shoulder replacements (24 cases) and hip replacements (19 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Sheu holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Mount Vernon is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Mount Vernon area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Sheu extend back to 2019, covering 6 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 43 in the most recent data, a 231% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Sheu's 24 verified procedures is near the national average of 29.
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. Sheu Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Washington state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Sheu's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 231% from 13 procedures in 2019 to 43 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 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.
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. Sheu
How does Dr. Sheu's procedure volume compare to other Washington surgeons?
Dr. Sheu has performed 43 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Washington average is 59 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Sheu ranks #107 out of 198 orthopedic surgeons in Washington.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Sheu perform?
Dr. Sheu's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (24 cases) and hip replacement (19 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Sheu in Mount Vernon?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Mount Vernon 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. Sheu 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. Sheu's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 43 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Sheu's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Sheu's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2019 to 43 in the most recent data, a 231% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 47 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Sheu perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Sheu's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (24 cases), hip replacement (19 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Sheu affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Sheu is affiliated with Skagit Valley Hospital, Island Hospital, Whidbeyhealth Medical Center.
How does Dr. Sheu compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Mount Vernon?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Mount Vernon, Dr. Sheu ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Mount Vernon has 115 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Sheu practices?
Skagit Valley Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Island Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Whidbeyhealth Medical Center (1 out of 5 CMS stars). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Mount Vernon, Washington
Dr. Sheu's 43 Medicare procedures are below the Mount Vernon average of 64. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Mount Vernon.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Stacia Smith | 115 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Picco | 70 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Alexander Willis | 67 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Eric Secrist | 65 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Camille Connelly | 26 | 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.