Patient Testimonials

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!

It has been three months since I had a total knee replacement, and I have nothing but good things to say about Dr. Bircher and the EXCEL Program at the Plymouth Surgery Center. I have seen Dr. Bircher for treatment for the past two years before it was decided that we move forward with the replacement. Throughout that time, he heard my concerns, offered suggestions, made recommendations, and provided support. I believe Dr. Bircher and his team set themselves apart by not making me feel rushed during appointments and truly listening to my questions and concerns. I am so glad that I chose Dr. Bircher as my surgeon and I plan to use him again when it’s comes time for surgery on my other knee!

Dr. Panek, his PA Nathan, and the entire EXCEL staff exceeded my wildest expectations on this journey toward getting my knee replacement. I delayed the procedure far too long and the process could not have been carried out more professionally. The staff is so kind and thoughtful. I am looking forward to getting back on my boat, going golfing, and taking a walk up North this fall.

Dr. Hunt is an amazing surgeon and an all-around nice person. It was a pleasure and honor to be under his expert care.  I could not be happier with the outcome. Eight weeks post-surgery, and I feel great! The EXCEL program is first class! Having a peaceful first night under the careful watch of the nurses was incredible. Truly best in class care. I wish I could stay there even without the surgery.

From pre-op to recovery to the EXCEL overnight room, all the staff were wonderful. So kind, gracious, informative, and attentive. I highly recommend TCO to anyone having orthopedic surgery. The care is exceptional!

I had a right shoulder joint replacement. Dr. Hunt did a phenomenal job! I had the nerve block which lasted three days and I had no pain. Icing helped with swelling as well. I was at the TCO EXCEL recovery suite overnight. Everyone there was very kind and took good care of me. They are where attentive to my needs. I highly recommend TCO!

I had a total knee replacement done by Dr. Hunt on 4/7/25 and was a part of the EXCEL program. I cannot emphasize enough how phenomenal the EXCEL program is. There was a 25-30% reduction in the overall cost compared to the traditional billing process for a knee replacement. Having 24-hour care from nurses and physical therapists while at the recovery/care center was a perfect transition before going home. I had a private room and was treated like a celebrity by the care attendants and physical therapists. Programs like this should be the norm, both from a cost savings standpoint as well initial aftercare following knee replacement.

Dr. Bircher performed a robotic total knee replacement on March 3, 2025. I would characterize Dr. Bircher as a consummate professional and skilled surgeon. The EXCEL program is fantastic and made the experience less daunting. From the initial meeting with Dr. Bircher to the final follow up appointment, Dr. Bircher was honest, articulated realistic expectations, and treated me with compassion. I would highly recommend TCO, the EXCEL program, and Dr. Bircher. The total knee replacement has allowed me to regain my ability to function without pain in my day-to-day life.

After years of managing my knee pain with injections and activity modifications, I finally decided to pursue a total knee replacement. I am grateful that my search led me to Dr. Samuel Carlson at Twin Cities Orthopedics. From my first consultation through surgery and recovery, the care I received was exceptional. Through diagnosis, surgery, EXCEL Extended Care, and physical therapy, the process was seamless and far beyond my expectations.

A knee replacement is an important life decision, and I couldn’t have asked for a better team. I highly recommend Dr. Carlson and TCO to anyone facing an orthopedic challenge. You only get one chance to do it right. Make sure you have the best surgical team. I am grateful I did.