Shoulder
Dr. John Heffernan, M.D.
Dr. John Heffernan is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lakewood, Washington. Dr. Heffernan has performed 25 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #25 in Washington.
In Washington, Dr. Heffernan performs near average in shoulder (25 vs 28 avg).
Dr. Heffernan's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 25 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.
Medicare records for Dr. Heffernan extend back to 2019, covering 4 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 25 in the most recent data, a 127% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Heffernan's 25 verified procedures is near the national average of 28.
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.
Contact & Location
Lakewood, WA 98499
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Heffernan's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 127% from 11 procedures in 2019 to 25 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:
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 25 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 #147 out of 202 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 25 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 25 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Heffernan's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Heffernan's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2019 to 25 in the most recent data, a 127% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 25 procedures in 2023.
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 #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Lakewood has 88 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 25 Medicare procedures are below the Lakewood average of 45. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Lakewood.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Richard Gray | 88 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Albert D'heurle | 59 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Patrick Vaughan | 43 | Knee |
| Dr. Peter Krumins | 38 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Julian Arroyo | 38 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Spencer Coray | 22 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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