Dr. Daniel Heckman, M.D.
Contact & Location
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Dr. Daniel Heckman is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Heckman has performed 16 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#267 in Pennsylvania) and 16 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 32 procedures.
In Pennsylvania, Dr. Heckman performs below average in knee (16 vs 47 avg), below average in shoulder (16 vs 28 avg).
Dr. Heckman's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (16 cases) and shoulder replacements (16 cases).
Bethlehem is home to 18 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Bethlehem area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Heckman extend back to 2014, covering 4 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 32 in the most recent data, a 146% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Heckman's 16 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)
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. Heckman Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Pennsylvania state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Heckman's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 146% from 13 procedures in 2014 to 32 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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.
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. Heckman
How does Dr. Heckman's procedure volume compare to other Pennsylvania surgeons?
Dr. Heckman has performed 32 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Pennsylvania average is 66 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Heckman ranks #250 out of 376 orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Heckman perform?
Dr. Heckman's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (16 cases) and shoulder replacement (16 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Heckman in Bethlehem?
Yes. There are 18 orthopedic surgeons in Bethlehem 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 Pennsylvania surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Heckman 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. Heckman's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 32 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Heckman's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Heckman's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2014 to 32 in the most recent data, a 146% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 32 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Heckman perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Heckman's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (16 cases), shoulder replacement (16 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Heckman affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Heckman is affiliated with St Luke'S Hospital Bethlehem, St Luke'S Miners Memorial Hospital, St Luke'S Hospital - Upper Bucks Campus.
How does Dr. Heckman compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Bethlehem?
Among the 18 orthopedic surgeons in Bethlehem, Dr. Heckman ranks #10 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Bethlehem has 258 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Heckman practices?
St Luke'S Hospital Bethlehem (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); St Luke'S Miners Memorial Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); St Luke'S Hospital - Upper Bucks Campus (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 Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Dr. Heckman's 32 Medicare procedures are below the Bethlehem average of 119. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Bethlehem.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Thomas Meade | 258 | Knee |
| Dr. Patrick Brogle | 159 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Ferrante | 139 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Chinenye Nwachuku | 116 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Andrew Konopitski | 66 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Wayne Luchetti | 61 | 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.