Shoulder
Dr. Braiden Heaps, M.D.
Dr. Braiden Heaps is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Gilbert, Arizona. A Medicare provider since 2015, Dr. Heaps has performed 13 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #52 in Arizona.
In Arizona, Dr. Heaps performs below average in shoulder (13 vs 30 avg).
Dr. Heaps's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 13 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. Heaps holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Gilbert is home to 19 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Gilbert area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Heaps first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2023. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Heaps's 13 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 28 among 2,092 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. Heaps Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Arizona state average.
Contact & Location
Gilbert, AZ 85297
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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:
Evidence-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.
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. Heaps
How does Dr. Heaps's procedure volume compare to other Arizona surgeons?
Dr. Heaps has performed 13 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Arizona average is 68 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Heaps ranks #179 out of 193 orthopedic surgeons in Arizona.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Heaps perform?
Dr. Heaps's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 13 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Heaps in Gilbert?
Yes. There are 19 orthopedic surgeons in Gilbert 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 Arizona surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Heaps 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. Heaps's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 13 procedures shown here.
Which hospitals is Dr. Heaps affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Heaps is affiliated with Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, Chandler Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph'S Hospital And Medical Center.
How does Dr. Heaps compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Gilbert?
Among the 19 orthopedic surgeons in Gilbert, Dr. Heaps ranks #19 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Gilbert has 200 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Heaps practices?
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Chandler Regional Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); St. Joseph'S Hospital And Medical Center (3 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 Gilbert, Arizona
Dr. Heaps's 13 Medicare procedures are below the Gilbert average of 120. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Gilbert.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Maxwell Thomas | 200 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Bryce | 176 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Myerthall | 165 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kipling Sharpe | 117 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Earl Feng | 86 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Justin Woodruff | 85 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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