John Heller Emory Faculty
John Heller Emory Faculty

John Heller, MD

Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Surgery

4.8 - 282 Ratings

Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center - Atlanta

21 Ortho Lane, Atlanta, GA 30329
Telehealth Visits Available
Book Online (404) 778-7000

About

At Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Heller trained under Dr. Henry Bohlman and Dr. Steven Garfin, two of the founding fathers of modern spine surgery.  Specializing in the research and development of instrumentation in cervical spine surgery, including cervical disc replacement and laminoplasty, Dr. Heller is an internationally renowned lecturer and teacher. 
He started working at Emory in 1989.

Languages

  • English

Emory Affiliation

  • Emory Clinic - School of Medicine Faculty
  • Emory Healthcare Network
  • Emory Physician Group Practice

Academic Title

  • Professor

Year Started Practicing

  • 1988

Locations

Similar providers at these locations

Ratings & Reviews

4.8 out of 5 overall rating 282 ratings

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

4.9 Provider showed concern
4.9 Provider explained things clearly
4.9 Provider discussed treatment options
4.8 Provider included you in decisions
4.9 Likelihood of recommending this provider
5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-17

Dr. Heller and his staff have always been professionally thorough and engaging on all visits. Very direct but not lacking in compassion as I navigate major changes in my life moving forward.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-13

Dr. Heller is an excellent doctor and I sincerely appreciate all of his support

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-09

Excellent

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-25

Dr.Heller is GOD spent . He always listened and had concerns for my feelings and the pain that am having. I am going to miss him, but I am happy for him on his retirement. Thank You Dr. Heller for EVERYTHING you have done for me. You are the most HONEST and straight forward doctor that I have ever met.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-06-28

Dr Heller was great. Thorough, patient, knowledgeable.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-06-25

Experience very good.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-28

Great

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-10

Dr Heller is th? best Dr on your staff

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-09

Dr Heller is not only a skilled surgeon and resolved my issues without causing me loss of movement, but was extremely patient with my questions and answered them patiently and thoroughly. He included me in decisions for my procedure options and listened to all my concerns.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-02

Heller/ team excel in these areas.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-10

Dr Heller answered all my questions He was confident and reassuring Thank you Doctor Heller

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-03-26

Dr. Heller was well prepared for our appointment.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-28

Dr.Heller explained everything in understanding terms. He was forthright about prognosis and procedures.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-28

Dr. Heller always listens and provide alternatives with a reason explanation.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-22

It was a great experience thank you

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-22

Yes, I was very satisfied with the all process

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-21

I was seen equally by a PA and the doctor. They both listen to my questions and concerns and answered me, but I didn't feel like I left knowing a whole lot more than when I walked in. I feel like a surgeon's knowledge of how someone's life is practically affected after surgery is very limited. The PA asked me about my pain and I told her I was navigating that and it had increased, but the MD did not follow up with any questions about pain management. It was unclear if the PA was preparing for the doctor visit or taking completely separate information.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-09

Dr took his time had copies of X-rays to show me and explained everything he was fantastic.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-05

Extremely efficient

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-01

Excellent and thorough

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-31

Dr. Heller provided extraordinary service (and surgery)! He always goes above and beyond to explain everything and answer all questions! I feel like I have a new lease on life! Thank you!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-29

Have recommended Emory to many people

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-17

Dr Heller was fantastic

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-12

Dr Heller was great

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-10

I have known Dr. Heller for 25+ years. I drove a 300 mile round trip just to see him. He is the best; he is so easy to understand.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-10

Everything was great. In fact, I've already recommended several friends and family to Dr. Heller.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-05

Fantastic doctor

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-12-06

Provided info I was seeking. Explained thoroughly my options. Made me aware of the benefits and risks.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-23

Dr Heller answered questions asked. However additional scans were need to further elevate proposed treat, problem or treatment. He did what he could with what we had.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-22

Outstanding service.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-17

Dr Heller is very thoughtful and discerning

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-16

Great experience with the staff and physician.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-15

Dr Heller is the most empathetic, surgically gifted, compassionate physician that I ever encountered

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-08

Dr Heller is the best. So glad I got to him

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-30

Dr Heller and staff were remarkable

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-19

Dr. Heller was prepared, very thorough explanation of my condition, and considerate of my personal input. I trust Dr. Heller to advise me on my condition and plan for action.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-18

I felt really listened to, my questions were responded to with clarity, and felt secure about decision made.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-17

Dr Heller is always very caring, listens to my concerns, and finds the reason for my pain.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-28

My experience with Dr. Heller and his team has been very positive .

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-16

Outstanding service. The surgery has changed my life.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-09-12

Dr Heller is what most doctors aspire to be like. His assistant didn't fall far from the Heller tree.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-23

Dr. Heller took his time with me in trying to figure out what is the source of my pain, then ordering additional radiological studies.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-23

Dr. Heller is the best doctor I have ever seen, and you can include all of them. He is the only person who has listened that intently and recalled everything I shared and gave me answers to years long pain. I am extremely grateful for his care.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-17

Was very comfortable with everyone

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-10

Dr Heller is extraordinarily patient surgeon with tremendous empathy .

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-26

Dr Heller is the most thorough, thoughtful, empathetic and well skilled surgeon that I ever encountered

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-19

Great experience!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-17

I have been told by my other doctors that my problems and pain are due to my spine despite my complaints of hip and leg pain for more than two years. Dr. Heller ordered the tests needed to confirm that I need total hip replacement surgery asap.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-16

I was impressed with the service despite the previous mentioned glitch. Even the restroom was so above par! It was beyond a 5 star restaurant facilityespecially since there was no one watching me. Whoever engineers the maintenance of your restrooms needs a significant cash bonus!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-11

Great

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-06-14

Excellent

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-06-12

Dr. Heller was excellent, professional, patient and listened to all of my concerns and the concerns of my daughter.

Credentials

Education

  • Fellowship: University of California San Diego, Spine Fellowship, 1989
  • Residency: Case Western Reserve University, Orthopaedic Surgery, 1988
  • Internship: University Hospitals of Cleveland, Orthopaedic Surgery, 1984
  • Medical Education: John Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, 1983

Board Certifications

  • Orthopaedic Surgery, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 1991

Awards

  • CIBA Community Service Award
    Mario Boui Award 
    European CSRS
    Low Back Pain Research, 2002 
    Volvo
    Cervical Spine Research Society 
    Research Award, 1989
    Kashiwagi-Suzuki Traveling Fellow 
    American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 1996
    Teacher of the Year Award 
    Emory Orthopaedic Resident Selection, 1996

Professional Memberships

  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
    Cervical Spine Research Society
    Council of Spine Societies
    North American Spine Society
    Southern Orthopaedic Association