Dr. Heather McIntosh, M.D.
Contact & Location
Charleston, SC 29407
Dr. Heather McIntosh is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Charleston, South Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. McIntosh has performed 32 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #19 in South Carolina.
In South Carolina, Dr. McIntosh performs near average in shoulder (32 vs 29 avg).
Dr. McIntosh's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 32 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.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. McIntosh holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Charleston is home to 14 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Charleston area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. McIntosh extend back to 2015, covering 9 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 32 in the most recent data, a 191% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. McIntosh's 32 verified procedures is near the national average of 29.
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. McIntosh Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. McIntosh's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 191% from 11 procedures in 2015 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A 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.
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. McIntosh
How does Dr. McIntosh's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. McIntosh has performed 32 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The South Carolina average is 76 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. McIntosh ranks #108 out of 158 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. McIntosh perform?
Dr. McIntosh's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 32 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. McIntosh with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. McIntosh ranks #19 in South Carolina for shoulder replacement with 32 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 158 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. McIntosh in Charleston?
Yes. There are 14 orthopedic surgeons in Charleston 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 South Carolina surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. McIntosh 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. McIntosh's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 32 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. McIntosh's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. McIntosh's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2015 to 32 in the most recent data, a 191% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 32 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. McIntosh affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. McIntosh is affiliated with Roper Hospital, Bon Secours-St Francis Xavier Hospital, Mount Pleasant Hospital, Roper St Francis Hospital-Berkely Inc.
How does Dr. McIntosh compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Charleston?
Among the 14 orthopedic surgeons in Charleston, Dr. McIntosh ranks #10 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Charleston has 177 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. McIntosh practices?
Roper Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Bon Secours-St Francis Xavier Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars); Mount Pleasant Hospital (5 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 Charleston, South Carolina
Dr. McIntosh's 32 Medicare procedures are below the Charleston average of 90. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Charleston.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Patrick Murray | 177 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Erik Hansen | 114 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Harry Demos | 100 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Eric Stem | 93 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Lowery | 63 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Josef Eichinger | 52 | 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.