Knee
Dr. Michael Heckman, M.D.
Dr. Michael Heckman is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Heckman has performed 14 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #436 in Texas.
In Texas, Dr. Heckman performs below average in knee (14 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Heckman's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 14 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.
San Antonio is home to 46 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the San Antonio 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 2019, covering 5 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 14 in the most recent data, a 27% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Heckman's 14 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. Heckman Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Contact & Location
San Antonio, TX 78240
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Heckman's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 27% from 11 procedures in 2019 to 14 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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.
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.
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 Texas surgeons?
Dr. Heckman has performed 14 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Texas average is 56 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Heckman ranks #505 out of 573 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Heckman perform?
Dr. Heckman's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 14 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Heckman in San Antonio?
Yes. There are 46 orthopedic surgeons in San Antonio 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 Texas 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 14 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Heckman's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Heckman's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2019 to 14 in the most recent data, a 27% increase over 5 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 20 procedures in 2022.
Which hospitals is Dr. Heckman affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Heckman is affiliated with Methodist Hospital.
How does Dr. Heckman compare to other orthopedic surgeons in San Antonio?
Among the 46 orthopedic surgeons in San Antonio, Dr. Heckman ranks #38 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in San Antonio has 350 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Heckman practices?
Methodist Hospital (3 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 San Antonio, Texas
Dr. Heckman's 14 Medicare procedures are below the San Antonio average of 165. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in San Antonio.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Phelps | 350 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Bryan Kaiser | 221 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Ursone | 210 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Robert Girling | 141 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Casey Taber | 121 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Sergio Viroslav | 97 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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