Dr. John Heffernan, M.D.
Contact & Location
Lakewood, WA 98499
Dr. John Heffernan is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lakewood, Washington. A Medicare provider since 2014, Dr. Heffernan has performed 14 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #49 in Washington.
In Washington, Dr. Heffernan performs below average in shoulder (14 vs 28 avg).
Dr. Heffernan's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder 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.
Lakewood is home to 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Lakewood area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Heffernan's Medicare data spans 5 years, beginning in 2019. Volume peaked at 25 procedures in 2023 before settling at 14 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Heffernan's 14 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. 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 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. Heffernan's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 14 procedures shown here.
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.
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). 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.