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Home > UT Providers > Neurosurgeons

Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD

Accepting New Patients

(2 Ratings)

Specializes in: Neurosurgery

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine

82 S 1100 E SUITE 103
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84102

(385) 234-4787

Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD is a neurosurgeon in SALT LAKE CITY, UT specializing in neurosurgery. He graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD is affiliated with Optum, CommonSpirit Health - Mountain Region, Lone Peak Hospital, MountainStar Healthcare, OptumCare Utah and CATHOLIC HEALTH INITIATIVES COLORADO.

Office Locations

82 S 1100 E SUITE 103
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84102

open_in_new

3584 W 9000 S Suite 209
West Jordan, UT 84088

open_in_new

In The News (see more mentions in the news)

“Dr. Joel MacDonald, neurosurgeon at University Health Care, found a white mass at the base of his skull, which was blocking the flow of spinal fluid.”—"Herriman man says his brain tumor felt like a 'brain freeze' from too much ice cream", Desert News, August 2015

“Grandchildren: Rebecca C. Holbrook (Matthew), Christopher Clark (Jamie), Mary Kathryn C. Pond (Steve), Caroline C. Taggart (Mark); and Dale M. Barton, Lindsay Lewis, Palm Springs, California.The...”—"Obituary: BARTON, MARY", Desert News, January 2013

“Neurosurgeon Joel MacDonald, who has worked with the inventor of the Ferromagnetic Wand almost from the beginning, recently used it on the first human, in this case a patient needing spinal surgery.”—"Surgeons use Utah-developed bloodless scalpel for first time", Desert News, December 2011

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2023

Click on any procedure below to see further details on volume and pricing among Medicare patients.

Top 5%

By Affordability:

spinal cord stimulator implantation

spinal cord stimulator replacement

spine surgery procedures

In 2023, Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD had a list price for spinal cord stimulator implantation, spinal cord stimulator replacement, and spine surgery procedures that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 95% of providers in related specialties within Utah. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in SALT LAKE CITY, UT during 2013 were implant surgery, catheterization, tunneled intrathecal catheter repositioning and tunneled epidural catheter repositioning.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD for Medicare patients.

catheterization	11
doctor visit	98
implant surgery	19
tunneled epidural catheter repositioning	11
tunneled intrathecal catheter repositioning	11

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD.

**Gender**
Male	58
Female	64

**Age**
From 65 to 74	37
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	44

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2013

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD treated during 2013 were hypertension, high cholesterol, depression and diabetes.

Hypertension	66
High Cholesterol	47
Stroke	9
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	42
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	26
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in SALT LAKE CITY, UT during 2014 were implant surgery, catheterization, tunneled intrathecal catheter repositioning and tunneled epidural catheter repositioning.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD for Medicare patients.

catheterization	14
doctor visit	62
implant surgery	20
tunneled epidural catheter repositioning	14
tunneled intrathecal catheter repositioning	14

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD.

**Gender**
Male	51
Female	61

**Age**
From 65 to 74	38
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	48

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2014

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD treated during 2014 were hypertension, depression, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Hypertension	55
High Cholesterol	43
Stroke	13
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	51
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	29
Dementia	13
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in SALT LAKE CITY, UT during 2015 were implant surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	78
implant surgery	12

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD.

**Gender**
Male	126
Female	92

**Age**
From 65 to 74	90
From 75 to 84	44
85 and over	22
Less than 65	62

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2015

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD treated during 2015 were hypertension, high cholesterol, depression and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension	64
High Cholesterol	44
Stroke	15
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	38
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	13
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	17
Heart Failure	19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	29
Dementia	14
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	89

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD.

**Gender**
Male	66
Female	53

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	108
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	46
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	35

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2016

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD treated during 2016 were hypertension, depression, high cholesterol and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	34
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	41
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	16
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	22
Dementia	13
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	42

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD.

**Gender**
Male	33
Female	44

**Age**
From 65 to 74	28
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	22

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2017

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD treated during 2017 were hypertension, depression, chronic kidney disease and diabetes.

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	27
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	27
Depression	49
Chronic Kidney Disease	36
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	30
Dementia	22
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	76

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD.

**Gender**
Male	39
Female	52

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	79
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	41
From 75 to 84	27
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2019

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD treated during 2019 were hypertension, depression, high cholesterol and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension	66
High Cholesterol	38
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	23
Depression	43
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	21
Dementia	13
Cancer	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in SALT LAKE CITY, UT during 2020 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	50
hospital care	14
inpatient care	14

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD.

**Gender**
Male	42
Female	51

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	79
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	41
From 75 to 84	25
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2020

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD treated during 2020 were hypertension, depression, high cholesterol and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	67
High Cholesterol	41
Stroke	12
Ischemic Heart Disease	31
Depression	43
Chronic Kidney Disease	38
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	32
Dementia	20
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in SALT LAKE CITY, UT during 2021 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	74
hospital care	20
inpatient care	20

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD.

**Gender**
Male	41
Female	61

**Age**
From 65 to 74	40
From 75 to 84	35
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2021

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD treated during 2021 were hypertension, high cholesterol, chronic kidney disease and depression.

Hypertension	73
High Cholesterol	44
Stroke	16
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	34
Chronic Kidney Disease	41
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	28
Dementia	16
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in SALT LAKE CITY, UT during 2022 were hospital care, inpatient care, spinal procedures and arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery).

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD for Medicare patients.

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery)	12
doctor visit	160
hospital care	27
inpatient care	27
spinal procedures	25

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD.

**Gender**
Male	77
Female	89

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	146
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	72
From 75 to 84	56
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2022

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD treated during 2022 were high cholesterol, hypertension, depression and diabetes.

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	68
Stroke	19
Ischemic Heart Disease	21
Depression	47
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	17
Osteoperosis	17
Atrial Fibrilation	22
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	30
Dementia	12
Cancer	17

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2023 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in SALT LAKE CITY, UT during 2023 were hospital care, inpatient care, neurostimulator replacement and implant surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	149
hospital care	14
implant surgery	11
inpatient care	14
neurostimulator replacement	11
spinal procedures	11

2023 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD.

**Gender**
Male	78
Female	70

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	132
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	60
From 75 to 84	50
85 and over	16
Less than 65	22

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2023

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD treated during 2023 were hypertension, high cholesterol, depression and diabetes.

Hypertension	72
High Cholesterol	63
Stroke	29
Ischemic Heart Disease	22
Depression	39
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	16
Osteoperosis	18
Atrial Fibrilation	17
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	31
Dementia	11
Cancer	18

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2023

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD treated as a neurosurgeon in SALT LAKE CITY, UT were hospital care, inpatient care, spinal procedures and implant surgery.

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery)	12
catheterization	12
doctor visit	87
hospital care	18
implant surgery	15
inpatient care	18
neurostimulator replacement	11
spinal procedures	18
tunneled epidural catheter repositioning	12
tunneled intrathecal catheter repositioning	12

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2023

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD.

**Gender**
Male	61
Female	63

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	54
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	0
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	23
85 and over	3
Less than 65	23
65 to 74	49

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD From 2013 - 2023

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, depression and diabetes.

Hypertension	66
High Cholesterol	44
Stroke	11
Ischemic Heart Disease	27
Depression	42
Chronic Kidney Disease	26
Asthma	8
Osteoporosis	10
Heart Failure	14
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	27
Atrial Fibrillation	6
Cancer	4
Dementia	13

Education & Training

Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. He completed residency at University of Utah Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) Neurological Surgery and has a state license in Utah.

Medical School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine

Residency: University of Utah Affiliated Hospitals

Board Certification: American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) Neurological Surgery

Licensed In: Utah

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Optum

CommonSpirit Health - Mountain Region

Lone Peak Hospital

MountainStar Healthcare

OptumCare Utah

CATHOLIC HEALTH INITIATIVES COLORADO

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 2 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in SALT LAKE CITY, UT.

Overall Rating

(2 Ratings)

Leave a Review

Reviews Left On DocSpot

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-05-30

Dr. Macdonald is one of the best neurosurgeons I've ever seen. He listened to everything I had to say, took his time reviewing my imaging, thoroughly explained my condition and provided a range of interventions with their pros and cons. I asked him about 30 questions but he never made me feel rushed which, in my experience, is rare among surgeons. I will look to schedule surgery with him if I decide surgery is my best option.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-02-12

I saw Dr. Macdonald 7 years after a back fusion done by another fusion. Since surgery I was developing new problems that are frankly life altering. Dr. Macdonald said he could help me and although I am keenly aware of risks and know there are never guarantees. I trusted Dr.  Macdonald enough to schedule surgery. Later I canceled because I am so afraid of what my first surgeon did I was scared of another surgery. Dr.Macdonald totally understood and supported my decision. I know I can change my mind and if I did I know he would’ve the best surgeon. I wish I knew him for my first surgery I am sure things would have turned out better. Based on his knowledge, patience, and understanding I would highly recommend him. If I hadn’t been failed by my first surgery, I would entrust my next surgery with him.

Lynn

General Payments

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

**Payments by Company**
DePuy Orthopaedics Inc.	$5,212 Neurosurgery $4,025	Neuromodulation $1,187
Medtronic, Inc.	$1,734 STEALTHSTATION S8 PLATFORM $1,063	CATALYFT PL EXPANDABLE INTERBODY SYSTEM $247	MAZOR X SYSTEM $143	SPACE-D SYSTEM 5.5/6.0 VOYAGER INSTRUMENT SET $128	Mazor X Stealth Edition $87	Other $66
NUVASIVE, INC.	$1,594 XLIF $1,071	Reline $157	Nuvaline/NuvaMap O.R. $117	Pulse $86	Helix $56	Other $108
Stryker Corporation	$1,399 MAXFACE $697	Universal Mid Face $659	NEURO $43
SI-Bone, Inc.	$915 iFuse Implant $915
Other	$2,724 All Thorocolumbar Products $454	activL Artificial Disc $324	PRODISC C $307	O-ARM-ST $202	VERCISE $200	Other $1,237

**Types of Payments**
Travel and Lodging	$5,646
Food and Beverage	$4,181
Consulting Fee	$3,751

Biography

Dr. Joel Macdonald specializes in neurosurgery. Dr. Macdonald obtained his medical school training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine and performed his residency at a hospital affiliated with the University of Utah. He is professionally affiliated with CommonSpirit Health - Mountain Region and Lone Peak Hospital. His practice in Salt Lake City, UT is open to new patients as reported by Doctor.com.

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Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD

Office Locations

In The News (see more mentions in the news)

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2023

By Affordability:

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2013

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2014

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2015

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2016

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2017

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2019

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2020

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2021

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2022

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2023 Medicare Procedure Volume

2023 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD in 2023

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2023

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2023

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joel Douglas Macdonald, MD From 2013 - 2023

Education & Training

Affiliations & Hospitals

Ratings & Reviews

General Payments

Biography

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