Dr. Richard Heater, M.D.
Contact & Location
916-733-5049
Sacramento, CA 95816
About Dr. Heater
Dr. Richard Heater is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Sacramento, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Heater performed 27 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#266 in California) and 13 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 40 procedures.
In California, Dr. Heater performs below the state average in knee (27 vs 47), below the state average in hip (13 vs 41).
Dr. Heater's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (27 cases) and hip replacements (13 cases).
Sacramento is home to 28 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Sacramento area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Heater extend back to 2015, covering 9 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 15 to 40 in the most recent data, a 167% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Heater's 27 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 15 |
| 2016 | 0 | 16 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 16 |
| 2019 | 17 | 44 |
| 2020 | 13 | 29 |
| 2021 | 13 | 18 |
| 2022 | 18 | 31 |
| 2023 | 11 | 19 |
| 2024 | 13 | 27 |
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. Heater Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Heater's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 167% from 15 procedures in 2015 to 40 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Heater
How does Dr. Heater's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Heater has performed 40 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 68 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Heater ranks #326 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Heater perform?
Dr. Heater's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (27 cases) and hip replacement (13 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Heater in Sacramento?
Yes. There are 28 orthopedic surgeons in Sacramento 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. Heater 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. Heater's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 40 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Heater's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Heater's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 15 procedures in 2015 to 40 in the most recent data, a 167% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 61 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Heater perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Heater's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (27 cases), hip replacement (13 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Heater affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Heater is affiliated with Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento, Mercy General Hospital.
How does Dr. Heater compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Sacramento?
Among the 28 orthopedic surgeons in Sacramento, Dr. Heater ranks #13 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Sacramento has 147 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Heater practices?
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Mercy General Hospital (4 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 Sacramento, California
Dr. Heater's 40 Medicare procedures are below the Sacramento average of 85. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Sacramento.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Stephen Howell | 147 | Knee |
| Dr. John Meehan | 104 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mauro Giordani | 85 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Tai | 80 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Adam Taylor | 77 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Samuel Hu | 64 | 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.