Dr. Ronald Hugate, M.D.
Dr. Ronald Hugate is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Golden, Colorado. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Hugate has performed 23 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#85 in Colorado) and 21 hip replacements, for a combined total of 44 procedures.
In Colorado, Dr. Hugate performs below average in knee (23 vs 49 avg), below average in hip (21 vs 38 avg).
Dr. Hugate's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (23 cases) and hip replacements (21 cases).
Golden is home to 16 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Golden area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Hugate extend back to 2013, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 44 in the most recent data, a 300% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Hugate's 23 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 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. Hugate Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Colorado state average.
Contact & Location
Golden, CO 80401
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hugate's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 300% from 11 procedures in 2013 to 44 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. Hugate
How does Dr. Hugate's procedure volume compare to other Colorado surgeons?
Dr. Hugate has performed 44 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. Hugate ranks #83 out of 165 orthopedic surgeons in Colorado.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hugate perform?
Dr. Hugate's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (23 cases) and hip replacement (21 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hugate in Golden?
Yes. There are 16 orthopedic surgeons in Golden 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. Hugate 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. Hugate's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 44 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hugate's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Hugate's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2013 to 44 in the most recent data, a 300% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 52 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Hugate perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Hugate's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (23 cases), hip replacement (21 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hugate affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hugate is affiliated with Hca Healthone Sky Ridge.
How does Dr. Hugate compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Golden?
Among the 16 orthopedic surgeons in Golden, Dr. Hugate ranks #10 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Golden has 176 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hugate practices?
Hca Healthone Sky Ridge (3 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 Golden, Colorado
Dr. Hugate's 44 Medicare procedures are below the Golden average of 95. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Golden.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jesse Chrastil | 176 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Thomas | 120 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeremy Kinder | 103 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Peter Lammens | 97 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Peter Gold | 64 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nimesh Patel | 62 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:
These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.