Dr. John Heffernan, M.D.
Contact & Location
253-582-7257
Lakewood, WA 98499
Tacoma, WA 98405
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Dr. Heffernan performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 12% of orthopedic surgeons in Washington, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #49 of 56 ranked shoulder surgeons in Washington.
About Dr. Heffernan
Practice. Dr. John Heffernan is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lakewood, Washington. The latest annual CMS data records 14 shoulder replacements. That is #49 in Washington for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2014.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2019 to 2024, 5 years. Volume peaked at 25 in 2023 and stands at 14 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 14 procedures is below the national average of 29. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Lakewood has 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 14 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2023 | 25 |
| 2024 | 14 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Heffernan Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Washington state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Heffernan's recorded volume peaked at 25 procedures in 2023 and stood at 14 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Evidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
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 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.
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. Heffernan
How does Dr. Heffernan's procedure volume compare to other Washington surgeons?
Dr. Heffernan has performed 14 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Washington average is 59 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Heffernan ranks #182 out of 198 orthopedic surgeons in Washington.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Heffernan perform?
Dr. Heffernan's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder 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. Heffernan in Lakewood?
Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Lakewood 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 Washington surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Heffernan represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Heffernan's total volume across all insurers at roughly 40 to 50 procedures against the 14 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Heffernan's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Heffernan's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 25 procedures in 2023 and was 14 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. Heffernan affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Heffernan is affiliated with St Anthony Hospital, St Clare Hospital, St Joseph Medical Center.
How does Dr. Heffernan compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Lakewood?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Lakewood, Dr. Heffernan ranks #8 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Lakewood has 84 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Heffernan practices?
St Anthony Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); St Clare Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); St Joseph Medical Center (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 Lakewood, Washington
Dr. Heffernan's 14 Medicare procedures are below the Lakewood average of 51. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Lakewood.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Richard Gray | 84 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Albert D'heurle | 74 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jacob Gorbaty | 54 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Julian Arroyo | 53 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Patrick Vaughan | 43 | Knee |
| Dr. Peter Krumins | 33 | Hip, 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.