Dr. Robert Lucas, M.D.
Contact & Location
916-351-4800
Folsom, CA 95630
About Dr. Lucas
Dr. Robert Lucas is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Folsom, California. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Lucas completed 42 knee replacements (#182 in California), 24 shoulder replacements, and 20 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, totaling 86 Medicare-verified procedures.
In California, Dr. Lucas performs near the state average in knee (42 vs 47), below the state average in shoulder (24 vs 31), below the state average in hip (20 vs 41).
Dr. Lucas performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (42 cases), followed by shoulder replacements (24) and hip replacements (20).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Lucas holds additional credentials in Independent Medical Examiner, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Folsom is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Folsom area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Lucas extend back to 2015, covering 9 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 86 in the most recent data, a 617% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Lucas's 42 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 41 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 25 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 19 | 0 |
| 2020 | 18 | 13 | 0 |
| 2021 | 16 | 20 | 0 |
| 2022 | 14 | 24 | 16 |
| 2023 | 0 | 30 | 14 |
| 2024 | 20 | 42 | 24 |
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. Lucas Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Lucas's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 617% from 12 procedures in 2015 to 86 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Lucas
How does Dr. Lucas's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Lucas has performed 86 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Lucas ranks #144 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Lucas perform?
Dr. Lucas performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (42 cases), shoulder replacement (24 cases), hip replacement (20 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Lucas in Folsom?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Folsom 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. Lucas 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. Lucas's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 86 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Lucas's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Lucas's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2015 to 86 in the most recent data, a 617% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 86 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Lucas perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Lucas's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (42 cases), shoulder replacement (24 cases), hip replacement (20 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Lucas among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Lucas affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Lucas is affiliated with Mercy General Hospital, Mercy Hospital Of Folsom.
How does Dr. Lucas compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Folsom?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Folsom, Dr. Lucas ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Lucas has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Lucas practices?
Mercy General Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Mercy Hospital Of Folsom (4 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 Folsom, California
Dr. Lucas's 86 Medicare procedures are above the Folsom average of 52. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Folsom.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Guy Guilfoy | 58 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Patrick Osgood | 45 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Sean Robinson | 37 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Sean Wahlquist | 34 | 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.