Patient Testimonials

I liked the EXCEL program and felt the care that I received from Dr. Arthur and staff at Interlude, Plymouth was excellent. My goal was to go on a previously planned trip to Peru about 3 1/2 months post-op with my husband and sons, ages 22 and 25. I was able to do everything I had hoped to in Peru; including a 5 mile round-trip hike through a muddy, rutted ravine to and from Lake Sandoval in the Amazon rainforest, and hiking and climbing around Machu Picchu, where the limiting factor for all of us was the altitude, not my hip!

I had been living with undiagnosed hip dysplasia for almost eight years when my neighbor told me I should have my hip checked out by his doctor at Twin Cities Orthopedics. My physician explained that I was a candidate for TCO’s EXCEL program, which turned out to be a perfect fit for me.

I loved the idea of an all-inclusive, one-price package! It’s as simple as it sounds. My doctor visits, X-rays, surgery, physical therapy, post-op recovery – everything was bundled into ONE bill. I’ve had one other surgery, and there is a lot of paperwork and stress, but EXCEL made it easy for me to focus on my recovery.

TCO’s EXCEL program doctors and nurses genuinely care and help to take the confusion out of health care. My physician spent 45 minutes with me, going over everything to make sure I felt comfortable and was educated about not only the procedure but the price, recovery, etc. All of the follow-up calls from the nurses after surgery were really appreciated.

I have my pain-free life back, and it’s better than ever.

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Dr. Michael Nemanich (Twin Cities Orthopedics) saved the quality of my life! Prior to my anterior hip replacement surgery, I had debilitating pain that significantly limited my physical activities and had a negative effect on my mental health. I am truly grateful for his excellent skills as a surgeon and a caring medical professional. I now have NO pain in my hip joint and am swimming, taking Pilates classes and walking regularly. I even completed a seven-mile hike in Banff National Park seven weeks after my surgery!

I had a very positive experience being a patient in TCO’s comprehensive total joint program. From the free pre-op education (Hip Replacement Camp) to the surgery to the post-op recovery process. Plus, TCO’s one simplified invoice made for a clearly understandable and stress-free billing process.

Dr. Nemanich and TCO’s EXCEL Joint Replacement Program are outstanding examples of innovative health care at its best.

I have only good things to say about the EXCEL Program and my knee replacement done by Dr. Saterbak. The program is brilliant. I had a setback after a couple months but all was covered. Thank you!

I have been working with Dr. Knowlan for many years due to my degenerative arthritis in both of my knees. When the pain and the loss of function became intolerable, we decided it was time for the replacements. His knowledge, experience, and communication were essential in determining which knee to do first, and how soon after to do the second knee. I call it my medical miracle. I am amazed at the outcome. I feel like I am 20 years younger, because the limited function and pain made me feel 10 years older than I actually am. Sometimes I forget how painful and difficult it was to use my knees. Yet, every now and then I realize that I’m walking up stairs without pain, and I smile! I even have to remind myself that I don’t have to use the hand railing. I can stand, walk, and play golf without pain. I can shop without pain. At the end of a long day at work, I walk out to my car and realize how much energy I still have. It has been a life changer for me. I am grateful every day for my knee replacements. Dr. Knowlan is my hero! That may sound a little over the top, but my life is so much better now.

Best knee replacement so far! I’d definitely do it again if I had another knee to replace. Dr. Brian O’Neill replaced both knees and both knees are doing great!

I have my right knee replaced April 5, 2017 and my left knee replaced October 17, 2017, both by Dr. Bjerke. The staff all took great care of me. I have had wonderful results. The best thing is that I can walk pain free. This winter I have been ice skating and cross country skiing. Overall a great experience. So very happy to be moving again. The only advice I have for anyone thinking about having this done is: BE PATIENT. It may take 2-3 months before you start feeling that it was worth it! But it is the most wonderful thing ever!

Met Dr. O’Neill many years ago and he has provided care on both knees from start to finish. Dr O’Neill, Bethany and Jen have been an amazing staff to work with. My life has changed with 2 brand new knees! The physical therapy department, Kyle and Eric were a team that helped me regain my strength and worked with me to get through exercises that were not always pleasant, but necessary to get me back on the road to recovery! I never hesitate to refer students, friends and family to TCO for orthopedic injuries. For any friends with knee issues, I guide them to Dr. Brian O’Neill as the go to doctor! Thank you TCO for a life changing experience.

Sincerely, Cheryl B.

40 years ago I had a major knee injury. Basically, I had to live with it and make the best of the situation until (as several orthopedists told me) I knew it was time to do a knee replacement. Last year that time came, and I researched my options regarding locations and orthopedists to perform this procedure. I felt my best option was the EXCEL program at TCO with Dr. Kruse. The EXCEL program is well designed for a person that is motivated to do the work necessary to regain their quality of life. In EXCEL, TCO is there in every step along the way to support you. It’s not easy… it’s hard work… but you always have the TCO staff, as well as the structure of the EXCEL program, to guide you through the journey. Dr. Kruse was great to work with. He was very honest and open about what he could do, and what I needed to do, to make this a success. He has been very supportive and caring through the entire experience. One thing I really liked about EXCEL was the fact that everything I did was “in-house” through TCO and I didn’t need to go anywhere else. Another benefit of this structure was I made one payment to TCO and didn’t have to deal with a mountain of invoices from many different providers.

I had both knees replaced by Dr. Kelly at TCO as part of the EXCEL Program and had a very positive experience. Everyone I had dealings with through the process was friendly, knowledgeable and competent.