Hip
Dr. Donald Lao, DO
Dr. Donald Lao is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A Medicare provider since 2017, Dr. Lao has performed 17 Medicare-verified hip replacements, ranking #65 in Colorado.
In Colorado, Dr. Lao performs below average in hip (17 vs 38 avg).
Dr. Lao's Medicare data shows a focused hip replacement practice with 17 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.
Colorado Springs is home to 22 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Colorado Springs area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Lao first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2023. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Lao's 17 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,526 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Lao Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Colorado state average.
Contact & Location
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Lao
How does Dr. Lao's procedure volume compare to other Colorado surgeons?
Dr. Lao has performed 17 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Colorado average is 63 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Lao ranks #140 out of 165 orthopedic surgeons in Colorado.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Lao perform?
Dr. Lao's reported Medicare volume is focused on hip replacement, with 17 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Lao in Colorado Springs?
Yes. There are 22 orthopedic surgeons in Colorado Springs 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 Colorado surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Lao 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. Lao's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 17 procedures shown here.
Which hospitals is Dr. Lao affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Lao is affiliated with St Francis Hospital - Interquest, Penrose Hospital.
How does Dr. Lao compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Colorado Springs?
Among the 22 orthopedic surgeons in Colorado Springs, Dr. Lao ranks #17 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Colorado Springs has 240 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Lao practices?
St Francis Hospital - Interquest (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Penrose Hospital (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 Colorado Springs, Colorado
Dr. Lao's 17 Medicare procedures are below the Colorado Springs average of 124. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Colorado Springs.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Eric Jepson | 240 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. William Howarth | 166 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jordan Schaeffer | 121 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Weinstein | 120 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Michael Feign | 109 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Derek Purcell | 95 | Knee, Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:
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