Dr. Ronald Hugate, M.D.
Contact & Location
Golden, CO 80401
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 hip replacements (#61 in Colorado) and 21 knee replacements, for a combined total of 44 procedures.
In Colorado, Dr. Hugate performs below average in hip (23 vs 38 avg), below average in knee (21 vs 48 avg).
Dr. Hugate's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (23 cases) and knee replacements (21 cases).
Golden is home to 13 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 8 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 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,532 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hugate's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 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 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.
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.
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. 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 64 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Hugate ranks #90 out of 169 orthopedic surgeons in Colorado.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hugate perform?
Dr. Hugate's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (23 cases) and knee replacement (21 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hugate in Golden?
Yes. There are 13 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 8 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 hip replacement (23 cases), knee 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 13 orthopedic surgeons in Golden, Dr. Hugate ranks #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Golden has 184 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 99. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Golden.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jesse Chrastil | 184 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeremy Kinder | 113 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Thomas | 102 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Peter Lammens | 95 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Peter Gold | 89 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joshua Shapiro | 66 | Hip, 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.