Dr. Ricardo Molina, MD
Contact & Location
510-797-3922
Fremont, CA 94538
About Dr. Molina
Dr. Ricardo Molina is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fremont, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Molina performed 49 Medicare-verified knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #140 in California.
In California, Dr. Molina performs near the state average in knee (49 vs 47).
Dr. Molina's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 49 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.
Fremont is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Fremont area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Molina extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 21 to 49 in the most recent data, a 133% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Molina's 49 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 21 |
| 2014 | 0 | 26 |
| 2015 | 11 | 46 |
| 2016 | 16 | 46 |
| 2017 | 20 | 57 |
| 2018 | 24 | 57 |
| 2019 | 16 | 44 |
| 2020 | 0 | 24 |
| 2021 | 0 | 25 |
| 2022 | 14 | 48 |
| 2023 | 0 | 44 |
| 2024 | 0 | 49 |
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. Molina Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Molina's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 133% from 21 procedures in 2013 to 49 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 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Molina
How does Dr. Molina's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Molina has performed 49 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 68 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Molina ranks #276 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Molina perform?
Dr. Molina's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 49 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Molina in Fremont?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Fremont 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 California surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Molina 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. Molina's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 49 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Molina's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Molina's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 21 procedures in 2013 to 49 in the most recent data, a 133% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 81 procedures in 2018.
Which hospitals is Dr. Molina affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Molina is affiliated with St Rose Hospital.
How does Dr. Molina compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Fremont?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Fremont, Dr. Molina ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Molina is among the highest-volume surgeons in Fremont.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Molina practices?
St Rose Hospital (1 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 Fremont, California
Dr. Molina's 49 Medicare procedures are below the Fremont average of 233. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Fremont.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Alexander Sah | 779 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Bryant Bonner | 87 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Russell Nord | 17 | Knee |
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.