Dr. Lucas Schnell, D.O.
Contact & Location
303-772-1600
Longmont, CO 80503
About Dr. Schnell
Dr. Lucas Schnell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Longmont, Colorado. A Medicare provider since 2010, Dr. Schnell performed 20 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #35 in Colorado.
In Colorado, Dr. Schnell performs below the state average in shoulder (20 vs 33).
Dr. Schnell's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 20 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.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Schnell holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Longmont is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Longmont area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Schnell extend back to 2015, covering 3 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 15 to 20 in the most recent data, a 33% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Schnell's 20 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 15 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 20 |
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. Schnell Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Colorado state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Schnell's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 3 years, increasing 33% from 15 procedures in 2015 to 20 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Schnell
How does Dr. Schnell's procedure volume compare to other Colorado surgeons?
Dr. Schnell has performed 20 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Colorado average is 64 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Schnell ranks #139 out of 169 orthopedic surgeons in Colorado.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Schnell perform?
Dr. Schnell's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 20 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Schnell in Longmont?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Longmont 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. Schnell 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. Schnell's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 20 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Schnell's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Schnell's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 15 procedures in 2015 to 20 in the most recent data, a 33% increase over 3 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 20 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Schnell affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Schnell is affiliated with St Anthony North Hospital, Longs Peak Hospital, Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital.
How does Dr. Schnell compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Longmont?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Longmont, Dr. Schnell ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Longmont has 72 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Schnell practices?
St Anthony North Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Longs Peak Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Longmont, Colorado
Dr. Schnell's 20 Medicare procedures are below the Longmont average of 43. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Longmont.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. William Cooney | 72 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nirav Shah | 66 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Fitzgibbons | 43 | Knee |
| Dr. Jared Pate | 13 | 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.