Dr. Lucas Nikkel, M.D.
Dr. Lucas Nikkel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbia, Maryland. A Medicare provider since 2012, Dr. Nikkel has performed 36 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#40 in Maryland) and 32 knee replacements, for a combined total of 68 procedures.
In Maryland, Dr. Nikkel performs near average in hip (36 vs 40 avg), below average in knee (32 vs 50 avg).
Dr. Nikkel's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (36 cases) and knee replacements (32 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Nikkel holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Columbia is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Columbia area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Nikkel extend back to 2018, covering 6 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 41 to 68 in the most recent data, a 66% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,526 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nikkel's 36 verified procedures is near the national average of 36.
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. Nikkel Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Maryland state average.
Contact & Location
Columbia, MD 21044
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nikkel's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 66% from 41 procedures in 2018 to 68 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.
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.
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. Nikkel
How does Dr. Nikkel's procedure volume compare to other Maryland surgeons?
Dr. Nikkel has performed 68 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Maryland average of 72 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nikkel ranks #62 out of 161 orthopedic surgeons in Maryland.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nikkel perform?
Dr. Nikkel's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (36 cases) and knee replacement (32 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 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. Nikkel's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 68 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nikkel's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nikkel's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 41 procedures in 2018 to 68 in the most recent data, a 66% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 68 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Nikkel perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nikkel's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (36 cases), knee replacement (32 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 #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Nikkel is among the highest-volume surgeons in Columbia.
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 68 Medicare procedures are above the Columbia average of 37. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbia.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Umasuthan Srikumaran | 79 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Joseph Layug | 37 | Knee |
| Dr. Charles Mess | 15 | Hip |
| Dr. Daniel Tang | 13 | Knee |
| Dr. Ira Gelb | 12 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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