Patient Testimonials

I was terrified before my surgery and got to the point that I thought about cancelling it. Thankfully, I did not. The EXCEL program was awesome! From the very start, I felt well cared for. I loved the overnight suite! It felt more like a hotel. Everyone was very nice and accommodating. The entire process went smoother than I expected, especially from hearing and reading amazing stories prior. My scar is also super narrow and incredibly straight. Overall, I am extremely happy with the work of Dr. Barry, Becca Munson, and my physical therapist Amy Holst. Thank you to them all including everyone at the Blaine Orthopedic Surgery Center.

I recently had my right hip replaced by Dr. Carlson. I could not be more appreciative of the care I experienced from Dr. Carlson and his team. It truly was outstanding. From the initial appointment through surgery and follow-up, the care and attention were everything I could have asked for. The EXCEL Program added to the experience and provided the rest and first steps that I needed in my recovery. If you are considering a hip replacement, the Twin Cities Orthopedics facilities and teams are exceptional. I would highly recommend Dr. Carlson and his team!

I’ve had knee problems for years. It started with a broken kneecap from playing soccer, followed by bipartite patella surgery, and a couple of meniscus repairs. I’ve always been active. Skiing, biking, hiking, and just staying on the move. Eventually, the pain became too much.

I saw several TCO physicians in the past, and when things got worse, I decided to get a second opinion there. A few of my friends had great experiences with Dr. Bjerke, so I made an appointment. He recommended TCO’s EXCEL program and thought I would be a good fit. He was right.

The experience was outstanding. I had surgery at TCO Eagan -Viking Lakes and recovered in a care suite at the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel across the street. It felt more like a high-end hotel stay than a hospital visit. I received physical therapy right in my room, and everything from pre-op to recovery was smooth and well-organized.

I was back to work in four weeks and riding a recumbent bike in seven. Now, I’m preparing for a hiking trip in Bhutan this fall and feeling great. From start to finish, Dr. Bjerke and the entire team made the process easy and supportive. The EXCEL program gave me the comfort, care, and confidence I needed, and I am truly grateful.

I had an anterior hip replacement surgery performed by Dr. Samuel Carlson on August 14, and I am very pleased with the outcome. Six weeks later, I was able to travel and hike in Europe. Now I can sit, walk, and sleep every day with no hip pain.  Dr. Carlson and Jacob Szalat, PA-C answered questions thoroughly and clearly, from the initial consultation through the post-surgery appointments. All the staff involved throughout the process were helpful, respectful, and professional. Having the surgery through the EXCEL Program at the Crosstown Surgery Center was a great choice. The care I received during the overnight stay was beyond expectations. I felt safe in a quiet setting that allowed me to truly rest comfortably. The information provided before and after the surgery was excellent and informative. I was given a contact to call for anything that might come up during the process, and the two times I called with a question, I got a response within minutes. I would highly recommend Dr. Carlson and the EXCEL Program to anyone considering a hip replacement.

I had a knee replacement at TCO Edina on August 19, 2025. Dr. Owen O’Neill and his team were absolutely amazing. Everyone from his assistant, the nurses, and the anesthesiologist were very professional and greatly coordinated. The overnight stay at the rehabilitation center was one more great experience with traditional patient care. The following two months of physical therapy with Chee Vang helped me a lot during my recover. Thank you so much to Dr. O’Neill and his team! You are the best!

Dr. Ridley and his surgical team are truly amazing. He operated on both of my knees, and the experience exceeded my expectations. I would recommend Dr. Ridley to anyone. He genuinely listens and cares about his patient. Thank you very much to Dr. Ridley, his team, and the EXCEL staff.

Dr. Carlson was amazing from the start of this adventure to the post-op appointment. He and his team were great with explaining everything that was going to happen, from the surgery to the overnight care at the EXCEL care suites. It was so nice to be in the environment of the care suite than being in hospital. I would highly recommend Dr. Carlson and TCO to anyone that needs orthopedic care.

Dr. Carlson and his team were outstanding. From initial evaluation to post surgery follow up, the communication, patient focus, and care was excellent. Dr. Carlson completely explained the what’s, why’s, and how’s of my hip replacement procedure. On the day of my surgery, Dr. Carlson visited me in pre-op, as well as post-op, to communicate expectations and surgery results.

The staff at the TCO Surgery Center – Edina helped attend to all of my needs. The post-op overnight care I received at the Care Suites was focused on my individual needs, and the staff helped get me on the right road to recovery. The communication of home care requirements and patient responsibilities for rehab care was detailed and thorough during my stay as well. I cannot say enough about what a positive experience I have had with Dr. Carlson and the entire TCO/EXCEL staff!

The EXCEL program was amazing and super cost effective for my partial knee replacement. Dr. Hunt and his staff are informative, friendly, and supportive from beginning to end. I am so grateful I went with TCO, and I highly recommend this facility and program to everyone!

Dr. Bircher and the TCO staff were amazing. Dr. Bircher replaced my hip after my husband went through the same process two months earlier. I had my other hip replaced two years ago through my regular healthcare system. Both were successful but my recovery was much faster with TCO. I didn’t feel like I was just a “number” with Dr. Bircher.

My husband and I were each in the EXCEL program after our procedures. We stayed overnight in one of their surgery care suites and had physical therapy before being released the next morning. It was much easier to understand the recovery process during physical therapy sessions versus just being handed a booklet. Every employee in the EXCEL program was awesome.

Dr. Bircher was kind, caring, and extremely knowledgeable. You can tell he is invested in his patients and their success. My hip journey may be done but you cannot go wrong with Dr. Bircher at TCO!