Dr. Michael McDonald, MD
Dr. Michael McDonald is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Spokane, Washington. Dr. McDonald has completed 36 knee replacements (#68 in Washington), 36 hip replacements, and 23 shoulder replacements, totaling 95 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Washington, Dr. McDonald performs near average in knee (36 vs 42 avg), near average in hip (36 vs 38 avg), near average in shoulder (23 vs 28 avg).
Dr. McDonald performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (36 cases), followed by hip replacements (36) and shoulder replacements (23).
Spokane is home to 17 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Spokane area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. McDonald also maintains hospital privileges in WA and ID, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Washington.
Medicare records for Dr. McDonald extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 38 to 95 in the most recent data, a 150% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,526 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. McDonald's 36 verified procedures is near the national average of 36.
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. McDonald Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Washington state average.
Contact & Location
Spokane, WA 99204
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. McDonald's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 150% from 38 procedures in 2013 to 95 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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. McDonald
How does Dr. McDonald's procedure volume compare to other Washington surgeons?
Dr. McDonald has performed 95 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Washington average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. McDonald ranks #39 out of 202 orthopedic surgeons in Washington.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. McDonald perform?
Dr. McDonald performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (36 cases), hip replacement (36 cases), shoulder replacement (23 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. McDonald in Spokane?
Yes. There are 17 orthopedic surgeons in Spokane 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. McDonald 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. McDonald's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 95 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. McDonald's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. McDonald's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 38 procedures in 2013 to 95 in the most recent data, a 150% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 95 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. McDonald perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. McDonald's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (36 cases), hip replacement (36 cases), shoulder replacement (23 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. McDonald among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. McDonald affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. McDonald is affiliated with Multicare Valley Hospital, Northwest Specialty Hospital. Dr. McDonald maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. McDonald compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Spokane?
Among the 17 orthopedic surgeons in Spokane, Dr. McDonald ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Spokane has 144 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. McDonald practices?
Multicare Valley Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Northwest Specialty Hospital (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 Spokane, Washington
Dr. McDonald's 95 Medicare procedures are below the Spokane average of 101. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Spokane.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Alexander Reichard | 144 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joshua Drumm | 115 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brett Mulawka | 110 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Donald Ellingsen | 86 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Timothy Lovell | 78 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Chad Harbour | 76 | Hip, Knee |
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