Knee
Dr. Jason Heaton, M.D.
Dr. Jason Heaton is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbus, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Heaton has performed 12 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #203 in Georgia.
In Georgia, Dr. Heaton performs below average in knee (12 vs 40 avg).
Dr. Heaton's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 12 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.
Columbus is home to 14 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Columbus area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Heaton's Medicare data spans 10 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 33 procedures in 2016 before settling at 12 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Heaton's 12 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 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. Heaton Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Contact & Location
Columbus, GA 31909
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Heaton's recorded volume peaked at 33 procedures in 2016 and stood at 12 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
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.
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. Heaton
How does Dr. Heaton's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Heaton has performed 12 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Georgia average is 55 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Heaton ranks #244 out of 255 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Heaton perform?
Dr. Heaton's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 12 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Heaton in Columbus?
Yes. There are 14 orthopedic surgeons in Columbus 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 Georgia surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Heaton 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. Heaton's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 12 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Heaton's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Heaton's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 33 procedures in 2016 and was 12 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Which hospitals is Dr. Heaton affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Heaton is affiliated with Southwell Medical, A Campus Of Trmc, Sgmc Health.
How does Dr. Heaton compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Columbus?
Among the 14 orthopedic surgeons in Columbus, Dr. Heaton ranks #13 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Columbus has 151 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Heaton practices?
Southwell Medical, A Campus Of Trmc (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Sgmc Health (2 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 Columbus, Georgia
Dr. Heaton's 12 Medicare procedures are below the Columbus average of 96. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbus.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Garland Gudger | 151 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Randall Ruark | 136 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Patrick Fernicola | 128 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Ryan Geringer | 85 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Matthew Stewart | 81 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Waldrop | 77 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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