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Dr. James Pritchett, MD

Dr. James Pritchett, MD

Orthopedic Surgery*
45+ years of experience

Dr. James Pritchett, MD is an orthopedic surgeon in Seattle, WA and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of Washington School of Medicine in 1979. He is affiliated with Swedish First Hill Campus. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

3.9 Star Rating
Based on 70 reviews 3.9 Star Rating (70 reviews)

Practice

901 Boren Ave Ste 900 Seattle, WA 98104
Telehealth available

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At a Glance

  • Area of Expertise
    Dr. Pritchett specializes in the area of Orthopedic Surgery. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Offers Telehealth
    This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Recent Reviews
    Reviews made in the last 30 days. See reviews
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Dr. Pritchett's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Pritchett

3.9
70 ratings, 32 with a written review
5 star
69%
69%
4 star
3%
3%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
4%
4%
1 star
24%
24%

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Very thorough
Three separate surgeries...all outstanding results.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 23, 2025
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A National Treasure for Orthopedic Surgery
Dr. Pritchett has dedicated a large part of his life to advancing techniques, materials and skills to improve the lives of active people that are faced with the need for joint surgery. I was blessed to be one of his patients recently for hip resurfacing and I have no doubt I'll soon be back to my active lifestyle doing all the things I've enjoyed all my life. I feel a lucky that I came across him in my research and am very appreciative to have been one of his patients. The more I learn about him the more I am amazed with what he is doing for hip (and I see also shoulder) needs. He's a world class trailblazer and I hope for our sake that he is inspiring the next generation of joint surgeons. I know he makes sacrifices to perform a more technically difficult hip resurfacing surgery because he wants what's best for his active patients long term lifestyle. He along with his office assistant Susan really make the surgery process as good as it can be and they are to be commended.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Edward Smith – Feb 22, 2025
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Heartless & cold
Terrible bedside manner. Rude and dismissive of your feelings. If you bring up concerns or fears he will say he doesn't care. I had to state multiple times BUT I DO CARE. He is cold hearted and pays no mind to the obvious discomfort of his patients. I regret choosing him for my surgeon and wouldn't recommend him to any of my loved ones. He also explained I would have a small incision and instead i woke up with a huge one, at least 12 in. This was for the superior approach THR. The simple same day discharge turned into a few days spent at the hospital. I have major regrets. I didn't feel heard at any point. I have been thru many other surgeries and serious medical conditions and never felt this way before. They had to wheel me back crying, absolutely terrified and wishing I could could cancel. Took everything in my being to stay the course and go thru with the procedure. I should have listened to my gut. It's too late for me now, but it's not too late for you to make a better choice.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
Helpful
Rather B Anonymous – Oct 27, 2024
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I had both knees (2010 /2013) and a right reverse shoulder replacement (2023) Extremely happy with the results!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Gae Taylor – Sep 07, 2024
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hip resurfacing
Dr. Pritchett doesn’t seem to be a man of many words and is very modest, nevertheless, he answered all my questions, and I enjoyed conversing with him. He has an outstanding support team who has been top notch to help with the process and super easy to communicate with. My hip outcome has been excellent. Maybe I’m one of the unlucky statistical anomalies and my hip will soon fail. At least so far, the hip joint feels like my good natural hip and I have been able to resume all the activities I want to do. Dr. Pritchett and his team has blessed my life and regardless of the outcome in the future I am very grateful for their care.
What went well
  • Staff friendliness
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Aug 18, 2024
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Consider very carefully
Dr. Pritchett performed a hip resurfacing operation on my in November of 2022. I people warned me that Dr. Pritchett is a cold and sour person who acts as if he can't be bothered to interact with patients, and that is definitely true. However, I wasn't too worried since I just wanted the operation and figured I didn't need bedside manner.However, unfortunately I have suffered a bunch of unexpected post surgical issues, with severe tendonitis rendering my hip less usable than before the surgery. Dr. Pritchett was and has been completely worthless post surgery. He has on multiple occasions demonstrated that he has absolutely no clue as to how to help me heal. He offered truly absurd 'solutions' including severing a tendon in my hip to relieve the painI know you hope and expect your surgery to go well, and it likely will, but just in case it doesn't, it is important to consider you choice of doctor. Definitely think twice before you select Dr. Pritchett. I would never see him.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Staff friendliness
What could be improved
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
9 others found this helpful
Helpful
Steve S. – Jan 01, 2024
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Successful Hip Resurfacing
Dr. Pritchett did an excellent job with my hip resurfacing surgery. First of all, I appreciated all of the information available on his website which helped me make my decision. His assistant Susan was helpful and responsive. In our initial consultation Dr. Pritchett not only answered my questions but helped guide me on how to make such a difficult medical decision. On surgery day he was all business and 100% focused on my hip so he did not say much. However, the Swedish Hospital staff, my anesthesiologist and the rest of his team all took excellent care of me and made me feel comfortable despite my fears. The surgery went by the book and the recovery, although challenging at times, also proceeded in line with expectations. Overall Dr. Pritchett is an excellent surgeon and I will be seeing him soon to resurface my other hip.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
T Gehrke – Nov 17, 2023
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Right Hip Resurfacing & Left Knee Replacement
Long story short I found Dr. James Pritchett on a patients hip resurfacing experience website. Dr. Pritchett was the only surgeon near me that at the time had performed 1,500 resurfacing procedures. On 12/3/2012 the procedure was performed. Then on 12/9/2013 my left knee was replaced by him. Now 11 & 10 years later both joint replacements are working great. I ride bike 12 to 30 miles for cardio and have ridden the Crater Lake Rim Ride four years ago. I take care of a 46 acre farm with a home, barn and many outbuildings and assist with yearly hay harvest. Dr. Pritchett is highly recommended.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Steve Bridges – Jul 04, 2023
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In December of 2007, Dr. Pritchett resurfaced my right hip. I have not had issue with it. The surgery was performed anteriorly through the glute. In December of 2020, I had him perform surgery to resurface my l left hip. It was done posteriorly through the hip area. Since the surgery, I have had problems. I have nerve damage and severe scar tissue. I have seen other 2 doctors about the issues. They stated the surgery was performed properly. After each visit, I received an email from Pritchett's office asking if I had issues with my left leg. I responded negatively. I did not receive any return responses. Three days ago, I had an appointment with a sports medicine doctor. He had x-rays taken of the front view of my hips. It was noted that my left leg is 1.1 cm shorter that my right leg. He also injected cortisone in the left because he found fluid in the muscle that was causing irritation. I have an appointment with a surgeon not aligned with Pro Ortho to possibly replace the hip.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 28, 2023
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I had a hip resurfacing in 2018. Up there with one of the worst experiences I’ve ever gone through-am still going through. The muscle they cut was damaged. At my follow up he completely dismissed me and said it was fine. In the chart notes he says I had concerns about muscle but it’s fine. I still cannot lift my leg to get dressed and many other things. I’m in chronic pain now. Also, learned women should not have hip resurfacing. Most surgeons will not even do it on women. He is arrogant with no compassion. I would’ve been better off having no surgery.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
7 others found this helpful
Helpful
Dec 24, 2022
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Able to run again!
I was living with a knee that I couldn’t run on at all for many years. Now I am back out there playing frisbee ultimate five days a week and can push it pretty hard! My knee hasn’t felt this good for over a decade.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Sep 09, 2022
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This man changed my life
For over two years I had chronic hip pain. Went to chrioprator, cortisone and stem cell injections. I had paid $1700 for shoe inserts and acupuncture. By the time I saw Dr. Pritchett I had spent 25k out of pocket to relieve my pain. Nothing worked. I had my procedure done on April 27th 2022. My life is already improved I am doing things I haven't able to for 2 yrs. Best decision I have ever made. Other orthopedic doctors said I was too young for this procedure had I not found Dr. Pritchett I would still be in pain.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Mojam29 – Jul 26, 2022
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Hip Surgery
Dr. Pritchett and his staff have a great standard process for hip resurfacing. I was well informed and understood what was needed from me in support of the entire surgical process. From there their talents and methods along with the surgery team at the Swedish Orthopedic Institute made for an excellent experience. Coming from out of state to obtain what I believe is the most technically advanced hip by a top surgeon the care and process exceeded my expectations. Thank you Dr Pritchett and team!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Ralph Werley – Apr 21, 2022
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10 yrs. ago he bungled a total hip replacement on my right hip. I have had 3 additional total hip surgeries to repair his work. I have been suffering with this for the last 10 yrs.
What went well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
6 others found this helpful
Helpful
Dec 30, 2021
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This man is the epitome of arrogance and is completely self absorbed. His ability to relate to a prospective patient is missing in action.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Long wait times
10 others found this helpful
Helpful
Aug 15, 2021
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Excellent, professional, very competent
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Hannibal Grubis – Aug 14, 2021
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Dr. Pritchett has treated me for shoulder/rotator cuff and knee/medial meniscus problems and is a superb provider. He has also treated family members for knee problems and likewise is a go to specialist.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Seattle Patient – Jul 14, 2021
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I saw Dr. Pritchett in October of 2017 for an evaluation of my right hip. He ordered two X-Rays and just based on them declared that I had hip dysplasia in both hips and referred me to two other physicians that specialize in hip dysplasia. Very concerned with this diagnosis, I saw two other hip specialists for a second opinion (including one referred by Dr. Pritchett) and, after thorough exams, additional X-Rays and an MRI with contrast of the right hip, both disagreed with Dr. Pritchett's diagnosis. Aside from diagnosing me incorrectly, he was pretty superficial in his assessment, did not even check my range of motion, strength in that hip, although his evaluation notes mention some numbers that he came up with. Very poor experience.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
What could be improved
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Sep 10, 2020
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I am a female runner and at age 50 I found out that I have severe arthritis in my hips due to bilateral dysplasia. The surgeons near my home pushed total replacements on me and condemned me for my desire to continue running and for wanting hip resurfacing as a female. I was blessed to find Dr Pritchett through an online search and from the first contact with him I could tell that he really cares about doing what is best for his clients and has the experience and expertise to solve problems and get desired results. I had my right hip resurfacing done in January 2020 and my left done in August 2020. His assistant Susan has been very helpful in scheduling and she has always been quick to reply to my emails. My recovery is going well & as I write this I am 4 days out from the left side surgery, exploring Seattle on crutches. Dr Pritchett is an amazing person and an extremely skilled surgeon. I so grateful to him for giving me my active life back.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Anita Black, Akron Ohio – Aug 09, 2020
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I damaged my knee several years ago. About two years ago, it became apparent I would need a knee replacement. I started researching orthopedic surgeons, and was impressed with Dr. James Pritchett's professional published writings and, upon meeting him, was pleasantly surprised by his complete candor when answering my many questions (I brought a list). Each answer was very comprehensive & explicit, which led to more questions, that he thoroughly and gracefully answered. I am very pleased with my surgery and glad I chose Dr. Pritchett. I would not hesitate in the least to recommend him to anyone in search of stellar orthopedic care.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Barbara D. – Jun 04, 2020
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How was your experience with Dr. Pritchett?

About Me

care philosophy

My surgical practice teaches me that technical skill is the mastery of the complex. It takes years and a lot of listening and experience to understand the nuances of joint resurfacing and replacement surgery. Surgical technique is not a commodity...read more

biography

Dr. James W. Pritchett, MD is a board-certified, award-winning orthopedic physician and surgeon specializing in hip, knee and shoulder resurfacing, joint replacement and arthroscopic surgery. In addition, he also does work with Orthopedics International. ...read more
  • Orthopedic Surgery

  • Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Phoenix Orth Surg

    Residency Hospital
  • Ariz Children's Hospital

    Residency Hospital, 1983
  • Phoenix Surg Res

    Residency Hospital, 1981
  • Phoenix Indian/va Med Ctrs

    Internship Hospital, 1980
  • University Of Washington School Of Medicine

    Medical School, 1979
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery®
Orthopedic Surgery
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Locations

Practice

Office901 Boren Ave Ste 900 Seattle, WA 98104
1
  • Call
  • Fax
  • Hours
    • Mon: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Tue: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Wed: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Thu: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Sat: closed
    • Sun: closed
  • Directions
Swedish Orthopedic Institute Pharmacy601 Broadway Seattle, WA 98122
2

Practice

Washington Otology Neurotology Group P.S.901 Boren Ave Seattle, WA 98104
3

Practice

Office12911 120th Ave NE Ste H210 Kirkland, WA 98034
4
  • Call
  • Fax
  • Hours
    • Mon: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Tue: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Wed: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Thu: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Sat: closed
    • Sun: closed
  • Directions

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Swedish First Hill Campus

    747 Broadway
    Seattle, WA 98122
    Recipient of 7
    hospital awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    84%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home
    76%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well
    View all patient feedback
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