Dr. Nathanael Heckmann, M.D.
Contact & Location
323-442-5860
Los Angeles, CA 90033
About Dr. Heckmann
Dr. Nathanael Heckmann is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Los Angeles, California. A Medicare provider since 2014, Dr. Heckmann performed 38 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#194 in California) and 19 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 57 procedures.
In California, Dr. Heckmann performs near the state average in knee (38 vs 47), below the state average in hip (19 vs 41).
Dr. Heckmann's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (38 cases) and hip replacements (19 cases).
Los Angeles is home to 34 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Los Angeles area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Heckmann extend back to 2018, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 16 to 57 in the most recent data, a 256% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Heckmann's 38 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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 | 0 | 16 |
| 2019 | 14 | 20 |
| 2020 | 13 | 0 |
| 2021 | 22 | 24 |
| 2022 | 19 | 19 |
| 2023 | 18 | 31 |
| 2024 | 19 | 38 |
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. Heckmann Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Heckmann's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 256% from 16 procedures in 2018 to 57 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Heckmann
How does Dr. Heckmann's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Heckmann has performed 57 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Heckmann ranks #241 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Heckmann perform?
Dr. Heckmann's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (38 cases) and hip replacement (19 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Heckmann in Los Angeles?
Yes. There are 34 orthopedic surgeons in Los Angeles 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 California surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Heckmann 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. Heckmann's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 57 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Heckmann's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Heckmann's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 16 procedures in 2018 to 57 in the most recent data, a 256% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 57 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Heckmann perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Heckmann's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (38 cases), hip replacement (19 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Heckmann affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Heckmann is affiliated with Keck Hospital Of Usc, Usc Verdugo Hills Hospital, Usc Kenneth Norris Jr Cancer Hospital.
How does Dr. Heckmann compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Los Angeles?
Among the 34 orthopedic surgeons in Los Angeles, Dr. Heckmann ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Los Angeles has 211 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Heckmann practices?
Keck Hospital Of Usc (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Usc Verdugo Hills Hospital (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 Los Angeles, California
Dr. Heckmann's 57 Medicare procedures are below the Los Angeles average of 113. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Los Angeles.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. John Tiberi | 211 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Oakes | 192 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Micah Adamson | 98 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Vishal Hegde | 97 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Andrew Spitzer | 71 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Adam Sassoon | 62 | 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.