Procedure Volume Patient Data Patient Conditions Reviews General Payments Back to Top

Home > AZ Providers > Neurosurgeons

Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD

Accepting New Patients

(Kris Smith, MD)

(61 Ratings)

Specializes in: Neurosurgery

University of Nevada School of Medicine (1989)

Professional interests include: epilepsy, essential tremor , skull base surgery, and more.

2910 North 3rd Avenue Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85013

1-855-779-3299

Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD is a neurosurgeon in Phoenix, AZ specializing in neurosurgery. He graduated from University of Nevada School of Medicine in 1989 and has 37 years of experience. Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD is affiliated with Dignity Health, Barrow Neurological Institute, Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center, Honor Health, Barrow Brain and Spine, Dignity Health Arizona and Barrow Neurological Institute St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center.

Office Locations

2910 North 3rd Avenue Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85013

open_in_new

3090 North 3rd Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85013

open_in_new

Some issues Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD can help you with:

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a procedure performed to help treat neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. Electrode leads are surgically implanted in the brain and connected to a device, called a neurostimulator (deep brain stimulator), that is placed underneath the skin (subcutaneously). The deep brain stimulator can send electrical signals through the electrodes to the brain to restore normal rhythms, or it can block electrical signals in specific areas of the brain to restore functioning. Although not a cure, DBS can treat symptoms of movement disorders such as pain and tremor when medication fails to work.

DBS surgery may be completed in one operating session, but it is more commonly performed in two parts. In the first stage of the procedure, the surgeon will map targets in the brain using CT or MRI imaging to determine where to place the electrodes. Then, by drilling holes into the skull, the surgeon will place the electrodes into specific areas in the brain. The holes will be closed, and patients will require 1-2 days to recover in the hospital. After about two weeks, patients will undergo another surgery to have the deep brain stimulator implanted. The stimulator is usually placed under the skin around the collarbone, chest, or abdomen, and it will be connected to the DBS electrodes through a subcutaneous wire. No component of the DBS system will be visible from outside. Following stimulator implantation, patients may need to recover in the hospital for 1-2 days.

Within 2-4 weeks of the operation, doctors will program the stimulator using a wireless device. Patients will work with their doctor to determine the most effective settings for the stimulator during follow-up visits. Patients will be given a handheld device so that they can turn the stimulator on or off and adjust its settings themselves. The stimulator may have a rechargeable battery, in which case patients will be given a charging unit. Stimulator batteries generally need to be replaced in 3-5 years.

Hydrocephalus

Normally, the brain is bathed in a liquid called cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid cushions and nurtures the brain cells as it flows around and through the brain. Sometimes, cerebrospinal fluid does not get reabsorbed into the body properly, or a blockage in the brain can stop it from flowing. This causes a buildup of pressure called hydrocephalus. This condition affects a wide range of people, but it is much more prevalent among infants and older adults. Left untreated, hydrocephalus can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as headaches and blurred vision, and eventually may cause brain damage.

Hydrocephalus is most often treated with an implanted device called a shunt. A shunt is a long, thin tube that is used to drain excess fluid. One end is placed within the brain. The tube runs under the skin, along the neck behind the ear, and to another part of the body where the fluid can be reabsorbed. Most often this is the abdomen, but the chest or other areas can also be used. Shunts have a valve that allows doctors to monitor and control the pressure within the brain. Insertion of a shunt is a surgical procedure that takes one to two hours. Incisions are made in the head and the abdomen, and the shunt is threaded into place before the openings are stitched closed.

In cases where hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage, a procedure called endoscopic third ventriculostomy, or ETV, may be performed. During this procedure, a surgeon makes a dime-sized hole in the skull and uses a thin tube with a camera on the end (called an endoscope) to see inside the brain. The surgeon punctures a hole in the floor of the third ventricle, a fluid-filled space within the brain. The hole provides an opening for cerebrospinal fluid to flow around the blockage, normalizing pressure. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour and patients can often go home the following day. ETV can provide a permanent and safe alternative to a shunt, but it is only useful for patients whose hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage.

In The News

“At age 17, tired of living with multiple daily seizures and desperate to be able to drive, Basham opted for a supremely risky 9-hour surgery in which Dr. Kris A. Smith and his team at the Barrow...”—"Newport News woman has 'miracle recovery' from brain surgery", The Virginian-Pilot, June 2012

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Phoenix, AZ during 2012 were radiation therapy, image guided procedures, removal of lesion (e.g. growth) and cranial surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD for Medicare patients.

cranial surgery	11
doctor visit	154
excision	11
image guided procedures	18
radiation therapy	18
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Phoenix, AZ during 2013 were radiation therapy, image guided procedures, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion and removal of lesion (e.g. growth).

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD for Medicare patients.

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion	20
cranial surgery	14
doctor visit	212
excision	14
image guided procedures	30
radiation therapy	30
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	14

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD.

**Gender**
Male	90
Female	93

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	157
Black	0
Hispanic	12
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	91
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	48

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD in 2013

Hypertension	57
High Cholesterol	45
Stroke	15
Ischemic Heart Disease	22
Depression	30
Chronic Kidney Disease	15
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	7
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	20
Dementia	14
Cancer	19

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Phoenix, AZ during 2014 were radiation therapy, image guided procedures, removal of lesion (e.g. growth) and cranial surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD for Medicare patients.

cranial surgery	12
doctor visit	218
excision	12
image guided procedures	28
radiation therapy	28
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	12

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD.

**Gender**
Male	96
Female	93

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	159
Black	0
Hispanic	16
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	79
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	53

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD in 2014

Hypertension	52
High Cholesterol	47
Stroke	9
Ischemic Heart Disease	24
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	23
Asthma	6
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	6
Heart Failure	7
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	22
Dementia	13
Cancer	16

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Phoenix, AZ during 2015 were radiation therapy, image guided procedures and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD for Medicare patients.

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion	15
doctor visit	218
image guided procedures	15
radiation therapy	15

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD.

**Gender**
Male	184
Female	166

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	302
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	152
From 75 to 84	92
85 and over	28
Less than 65	78

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD in 2015

Hypertension	66
High Cholesterol	50
Stroke	12
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	14
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	26
Dementia	19
Cancer	18

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Phoenix, AZ during 2016 were radiation therapy, image guided procedures, removal of lesion (e.g. growth) and cranial surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD for Medicare patients.

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion	11
cranial surgery	12
doctor visit	224
excision	12
image guided procedures	22
radiation therapy	22
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	12

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD.

**Gender**
Male	95
Female	98

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	164
Black	0
Hispanic	12
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	81
From 75 to 84	60
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD in 2016

Hypertension	61
High Cholesterol	51
Stroke	10
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	29
Chronic Kidney Disease	23
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	23
Dementia	19
Cancer	13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Phoenix, AZ during 2017 were radiation therapy, image guided procedures, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion and removal of lesion (e.g. growth).

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD for Medicare patients.

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion	18
cranial surgery	14
doctor visit	203
excision	14
image guided procedures	18
radiation therapy	18
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	14

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD.

**Gender**
Male	79
Female	99

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	156
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	73
From 75 to 84	60
85 and over	13
Less than 65	32

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD in 2017

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	50
Stroke	12
Ischemic Heart Disease	31
Depression	33
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	16
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	22
Dementia	19
Cancer	15

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Phoenix, AZ during 2018 were cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion, radiation therapy and image guided procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD for Medicare patients.

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion	21
doctor visit	211
image guided procedures	14
radiation therapy	14

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD.

**Gender**
Male	90
Female	104

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	163
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	87
From 75 to 84	50
85 and over	16
Less than 65	41

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD in 2018

Hypertension	61
High Cholesterol	52
Stroke	14
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	37
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	6
Heart Failure	14
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	25
Dementia	14
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Phoenix, AZ during 2019 were cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion, removal of lesion (e.g. growth), cranial surgery and excision.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD for Medicare patients.

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion	24
cranial surgery	14
doctor visit	235
excision	14
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	14

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD.

**Gender**
Male	86
Female	113

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	163
Black	0
Hispanic	16
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	85
From 75 to 84	53
85 and over	15
Less than 65	46

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD in 2019

Hypertension	61
High Cholesterol	53
Stroke	14
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	36
Chronic Kidney Disease	33
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	20
Dementia	22
Cancer	15

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Phoenix, AZ during 2020 were cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion, radiation therapy and image guided procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD for Medicare patients.

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion	29
doctor visit	175
image guided procedures	18
radiation therapy	18

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD.

**Gender**
Male	71
Female	97

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	141
Black	0
Hispanic	12
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	70
From 75 to 84	48
85 and over	15
Less than 65	35

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD in 2020

Hypertension	64
High Cholesterol	52
Stroke	13
Ischemic Heart Disease	35
Depression	38
Chronic Kidney Disease	32
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	7
Diabetes	23
Dementia	23
Cancer	17

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Phoenix, AZ during 2021 were cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD for Medicare patients.

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion	20
doctor visit	118

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD.

**Gender**
Male	51
Female	55

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	87
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	42
From 75 to 84	37
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD in 2021

Hypertension	66
High Cholesterol	43
Stroke	15
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	34
Chronic Kidney Disease	25
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	20
Dementia	26
Cancer	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Phoenix, AZ during 2022 were removal of lesion (e.g. growth), cranial surgery, excision and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD for Medicare patients.

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion	11
cranial surgery	13
doctor visit	107
excision	13
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	13

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD.

**Gender**
Male	48
Female	61

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	82
Black	0
Hispanic	11
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	44
From 75 to 84	33
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD in 2022

Hypertension	67
High Cholesterol	65
Stroke	30
Ischemic Heart Disease	19
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	17
Asthma	13
Osteoperosis	18
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	25
Dementia	0
Cancer	17

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in Phoenix, AZ were radiation therapy, image guided procedures, removal of lesion (e.g. growth) and cranial surgery.

cranial surgery	12
doctor visit	188
excision	12
image guided procedures	20
radiation therapy	20
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	12

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD.

**Gender**
Male	80
Female	89

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	143
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	7
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	39
85 and over	7
Less than 65	30
65 to 74	73

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, depression and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension	56
High Cholesterol	46
Stroke	13
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	28
Chronic Kidney Disease	22
Asthma	8
Osteoporosis	9
Heart Failure	9
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	20
Atrial Fibrillation	6
Dementia	15
Cancer	13

Education & Training

Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD graduated from University of Nevada School of Medicine in 1989. He completed residency at Barrow Neurological Institute. He is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery - Neurological Surgery and has a state license in Arizona.

Medical School: University of Nevada School of Medicine (1989)

Residency: Barrow Neurological Institute (1996)

Board Certification: American Board of Neurological Surgery - Neurological Surgery

Licensed In: Arizona

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Dignity Health

Barrow Neurological Institute

Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center

Honor Health

Barrow Brain and Spine

Dignity Health Arizona

Barrow Neurological Institute St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Great West, United Healthcare, Aetna, Medicare, Cigna, AARP (Medigap), First Health, Mercy Care, Mercy Maricopa, UMR, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Copper Point Mutual Workers Comp, Indian Health Plan, Medicare Part B, MultiPlan, TRICARE, Humana, Blue California and Mercy Care at the Phoenix and Chandler Locations.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD accepts the following insurance providers:

Great West

United Healthcare

Aetna

Medicare

Cigna

AARP (Medigap)

First Health

Mercy Care

Mercy Maricopa

UMR

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

Copper Point Mutual Workers Comp

Indian Health Plan

Medicare Part B

MultiPlan

TRICARE

Humana

Blue California

Mercy Care at the Phoenix and Chandler Locations

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.98 out of 5 stars based on 61 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Phoenix, AZ.

4.98

Overall Rating

(61 Ratings)

Leave a Review

General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Monteris Medical Corporation	$11,298 NeuroBlate $11,298
GT Medical Technologies, Inc	$6,254 GammaTile $6,172	$82
Medtronic USA, Inc.	$3,302 ACTIVA $562	Deep Brain Neurostimulation $528	MindFrame Capture LP $115	StealthStation $54	O-ARM-ST $50	Other $1,993
Osteomed LLC	$3,015 Neuro-Other $2,558	Neuro-Neur $366	Neuro-Profile0 $91
Visualase, Inc.	$505 Neuro Procedure Kit $348	Visualase Thermal Therapy System $158
Other	$2,977 VNS Therapy $542	ELEKTA LEKSELL GAMMA KNIFE $294	Image Guided Surgery Products $253	Fycompa $238	RNS System $206	Other $1,445

**Types of Payments**
Consulting Fee	$17,493
Food and Beverage	$6,008
Compensation for serving as faculty or as a speaker for a non-accredited and noncertified continuing education program	$2,500
Travel and Lodging	$1,338
Education	$13

Research Payments

Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD has received 67 research payments totaling $116,411.

Ownership and Interest Payments

This table describes ownership payments received by Dr. Kris A. Smith, MD.

Phasor Health, LLC

2022

$9,553.43

Physician Covered Recipient

Sweat equity/profits interest

Biography

Dr. Kris Smith is a Phoenix, AZ physician who specializes in neurosurgery. His areas of expertise include the following: skull base surgery, gamma knife radiosurgery, and intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri). Patient reviews placed him at an average of 5.0 stars (out of 5). Dr. Smith seems to honor AARP, Blue California, Coventry, and more. Before performing his residency at Barrow Neurological Institute, Dr. Smith attended the University of Nevada School of Medicine. He is conversant in German. His hospital/clinic affiliations include Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center and Barrow Neurological Institute. Dignity Health reports that Dr. Smith is accepting new patients at his office in Phoenix, AZ.