Dr. Heath Melugin, MD
Contact & Location
Springfield, MO 65807
Dr. Heath Melugin is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Springfield, Missouri. A Medicare provider since 2016, Dr. Melugin has performed 20 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements (#29 in Missouri) and 15 knee replacements, for a combined total of 35 procedures.
In Missouri, Dr. Melugin performs below average in shoulder (20 vs 31 avg), below average in knee (15 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Melugin's reported Medicare volume is split between shoulder replacements (20 cases) and knee replacements (15 cases).
Springfield is home to 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Springfield area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Melugin first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2023. With 2 years of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Melugin's 20 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Melugin Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Missouri state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Melugin has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2023. Additional years of data will provide a clearer picture of volume trends.
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:
A step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Melugin
How does Dr. Melugin's procedure volume compare to other Missouri surgeons?
Dr. Melugin has performed 35 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Missouri average is 59 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Melugin ranks #122 out of 204 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Melugin perform?
Dr. Melugin's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (20 cases) and knee replacement (15 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Melugin in Springfield?
Yes. There are 10 orthopedic surgeons in Springfield 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 Missouri surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Melugin 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. Melugin's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 35 procedures shown here.
Does Dr. Melugin perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Melugin's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (20 cases), knee replacement (15 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Melugin affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Melugin is affiliated with Cox Medical Centers, Cox Medical Center Branson.
How does Dr. Melugin compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Springfield?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Springfield, Dr. Melugin ranks #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Springfield has 208 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Melugin practices?
Cox Medical Centers (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Cox Medical Center Branson (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 Springfield, Missouri
Dr. Melugin's 35 Medicare procedures are below the Springfield average of 109. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Springfield.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bradley Walz | 208 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Wester | 202 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. William Duncan | 109 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Pierre Clothiaux | 75 | Knee |
| Dr. William Wester | 71 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Jonathan Crites | 65 | Shoulder |
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.