Dr. Lucas Nikkel, M.D.
Contact & Location
443-546-1570
Columbia, MD 21044
Hershey, PA 17033
Dr. Nikkel performs more knee replacement procedures than 81% of orthopedic surgeons in Maryland, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #26 of 138 ranked knee surgeons in Maryland.
About Dr. Nikkel
Practice. Dr. Lucas Nikkel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbia, Maryland. The latest annual CMS data records 75 knee replacements and 36 hip replacements, 111 procedures in all. That is #26 in Maryland for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2012.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2018 to 2024, 7 years. Volume rose from 41 procedures a year to 111, up 171%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 75 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Columbia has 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 18 | 23 |
| 2019 | 21 | 24 |
| 2020 | 23 | 24 |
| 2021 | 33 | 21 |
| 2022 | 17 | 20 |
| 2023 | 36 | 32 |
| 2024 | 36 | 75 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Nikkel Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Maryland state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nikkel's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 171% from 41 procedures in 2018 to 111 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.
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 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. Nikkel
How does Dr. Nikkel's procedure volume compare to other Maryland surgeons?
Dr. Nikkel has performed 111 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Maryland average of 71 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nikkel ranks #26 out of 166 orthopedic surgeons in Maryland.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nikkel perform?
Dr. Nikkel's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (75 cases) and hip replacement (36 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nikkel in Columbia?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Columbia 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 Maryland surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Nikkel represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Nikkel's total volume across all insurers at roughly 380 to 470 procedures against the 111 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Nikkel's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nikkel's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 41 procedures in 2018 to 111 in the most recent data, a 171% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 111 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Nikkel perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nikkel's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (75 cases), hip replacement (36 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nikkel affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nikkel is affiliated with Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, The.
How does Dr. Nikkel compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Columbia?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Columbia, Dr. Nikkel ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Nikkel has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nikkel practices?
Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Johns Hopkins Hospital, The (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 Columbia, Maryland
Dr. Nikkel's 111 Medicare procedures are above the Columbia average of 47. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbia.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Umasuthan Srikumaran | 61 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Charles Mess | 40 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Layug | 31 | Knee |
| Dr. Ira Gelb | 20 | Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Tang | 19 | 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.