Dr. Merritt Auld, MD
Contact & Location
Seattle, WA 98122
Dr. Merritt Auld is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Auld has performed 11 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #145 in Washington.
In Washington, Dr. Auld performs below average in knee (11 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Auld's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 11 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.
Seattle is home to 37 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Seattle area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Auld's Medicare data spans 5 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 20 procedures in 2013 before settling at 11 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Auld's 11 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. Auld Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Washington state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Auld's recorded volume peaked at 20 procedures in 2013 and stood at 11 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.
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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Auld
How does Dr. Auld's procedure volume compare to other Washington surgeons?
Dr. Auld has performed 11 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. Auld ranks #195 out of 198 orthopedic surgeons in Washington.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Auld perform?
Dr. Auld's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 11 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Auld in Seattle?
Yes. There are 37 orthopedic surgeons in Seattle 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. Auld 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. Auld's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 11 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Auld's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Auld's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 20 procedures in 2013 and was 11 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.
Which hospitals is Dr. Auld affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Auld is affiliated with Swedish Medical Center.
How does Dr. Auld compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Seattle?
Among the 37 orthopedic surgeons in Seattle, Dr. Auld ranks #37 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Seattle has 142 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Auld practices?
Swedish Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Seattle, Washington
Dr. Auld's 11 Medicare procedures are below the Seattle average of 105. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Seattle.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jonathan Clabeaux | 142 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Navin Fernando | 140 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Frederick Lee | 125 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Sean Toomey | 109 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Laura Matsen | 106 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Calvin Schlepp | 101 | Hip, 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.