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The EXCEL Orthopedic Surgery and Recovery program is available to patients who generally healthy but have an orthopedic condition that requires surgery that is not typically done as an outpatient. The surgery is done in the Crosstown Surgery Center on the third floor of the Edina Clinic of Twin Cities Orthopedics. Post operatively patients are transported to a specially designed medical apartment a few blocks away, where there is nursing and medical staff available 24 hrs/day and 7 days a week.  Because the patient is never admitted to the hospital there is a substantial cost savings and a lower risk of hospital acquired infections. This option is particularly attractive for patients who are paying their own bills, employers who are self-insured, worker’s compensation and patients travelling to the U.S. for their medical care because the costs are less than half of what they are in the hospital.

If you are a new patient, please arrive to your appointment early in order to complete the registration process. In addition, please bring the following:

• Driver’s License or State ID
• Referral (if required by insurer)
• Insurance information
• Copies of operation records, medical records, x-rays, MRIs and CT scans from prior doctor visits
• List of current medications and any known allergies

Many first visits will begin with plan x-rays which can yield a lot of information. However, if we feel and MRI may be a valuable next step, we may discuss that during your visit. If you have any questions, please contact your doctor’s care team before your appointment, and we will be very happy to address any of your questions.

Yes, absolutely. The more information we have regarding your unique situation and past history, the better equipped we are to provide the highest level of care. Bringing any previous x-rays, scans, and/or documentation (if available) is recommended. If you do not have this information, don’t worry; we will still take great care of you.

Ice should be used during the acute phase (first 24 to 48 hours) following an injury, or whenever there is swelling. Ice decreases blood flow to the area, which in turn decreases swelling and inflammation. Heat does the opposite. It increases blood flow to the area and can provide pain relief once the swelling and inflammation has subsided. Heat is good to use prior to doing any exercises or physical therapy as it warms up your muscles.

You can get cortisone injections every 3 to 4 months as long as they continue to provide symptomatic relief.

Some patients get immediate relief from a cortisone injection. For others, it may take up to 2 weeks for the injection to take effect. However, most people notice relief within 2 to 3 days. The duration of a cortisone injection can vary greatly. Some will last as long as a year, whereas others may last only a few days. It is also important to know that occasionally pain can get worse following a cortisone injection before it gets better. In the meantime, over the counter pain medications and ice are recommended.

The initial visit is about fact-gathering, listening to your story, and learning more about you. I’ll then examine your concerns, review x-rays if you have them, and begin to build a list of options for you. I want you to feel comfortable and relaxed, so I can understand how best to help you.

If you have records from another physician, provider, or hospital you may bring them with you to your appointment. If you do not have a copy, please contact the physician, provider, or hospital prior to your TCO appointment to let them know we will be requesting them.

Yes, of course. Feel free to have family members or friends join you in your consultation. Many patients find it is helpful to have support in the room, even just as an extra set of ears to remember the details of the visit.

After your appointment, or after surgery, you can expect prompt and accessible follow-up treatment. Care continues long after surgery and we want to be a part of your complete healing process. If you ever have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

If an MRI scan or other diagnostic test was ordered, you will be called by Dr. Bircher or a member of his team with results once available.

If you have questions after your appointment, please feel free to contact us. You can call Cassie, Dr. Bircher’s Care Coordinator at 763-302-2196, or contact us using the General Contact Form on the Contact & Locations page of this website.