Patient Testimonials

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.

Less than seven weeks ago I had a total knee replacement. I had full confidence in Dr. Steven Meisterling, and the result has been outstanding. The X-rays and the incision are perfect, pain is managed and I received overall great care. I was fortunate to be in the TCO EXCEL Program, recommended by Dr. Meisterling, and high praise for the medical and PT care I have received. Thank you, Dr. Meisterling and team!

Hello Mr. Simonson — I just wanted to pass along some positive feedback on my experiences with TCO and the Excel Program.

I had total knee replacement surgery on my left knee in July 2017 and my right knee in November 2017 through the Excel Program and with Dr. Kruse.  I had never had any surgeries until these so I was very nervous about doing it.  But after my first appointment with Dr. Kruse, I was confident I was in good hands and now that it’s all done, I was right!

All of the people I came in contact with from TCO were wonderful.  They always made me feel cared for and treated me like I was their only patient.  Dr. Kruse was so great and made me feel at ease every step of the way.  Everyone at the Minnesota Orthopedic Surgery Center in Fridley as well as the Coon Rapids location where I had all my pre and post appointments and physical therapy were also great.  My recovery time at Bel Rae was very comfortable and the nurses and therapists that worked with me there were amazing as well.

I want to give special mention about the therapists that spent so much time with me, Amy Lindell and Jason Bezdichek.  They are both so skilled at their jobs and were fantastic “coaches” by encouraging me and guiding me through the therapy.  When I would tell them what I was struggling with or pain I was having, they were so caring and tailored the exercises they had me doing and when I followed what they said, it always helped.  I was so lucky to be assigned to them!  I’d appreciate you passing this along to whoever their direct boss is.

Finally and most importantly, since having the surgeries, my quality of life has improved so much.  Being able to simply walk without knee pain has been awesome!  I’ve started using stairs instead of avoiding them and simple household chores have also become so much easier.  And, I’ve already been able to start doing my main hobbies pain free and have enjoyed them so much more (horseback riding and archery).

I’ve already recommended TCO to others and will continue to do so.  Again, a huge thank you to everyone at TCO!

Best regards,

Jan A.

Dr. Gulli just performed my second total knee replacement which was a huge success, as my first surgery.  Dr. Gulli and his entire team have always been extremely professional and always available to answer any questions I may have. I participated in the EXCEL Program, allowing me to know before surgery what my total financial obligation was. Also it was wonderful to receive one bill for all of the costs. I was transported to Interlude and was extremely happy with the care of the RN and PT while staying there a very short time. I would highly recommend Dr. Gulli and his team.

I have had a bad ankle for about 25, 30 years. The best decision I’ve ever made in my life was to pick TCO to do my ankle replacement, and it has changed my life forever. If there are any people that are considering this sort of surgery, there is one thing that I will tell you: Go to TCO. Go to TCO. This procedure that I’ve had has really given me a comeback in life.

I had total knee replacement surgery approximately a year ago and I can honestly say that I haven’t felt this great in around five years. Dr. Hunt was amazing along my journey. He was kind, knowledgeable and had excellent bedside manner. I also was part of the EXCEL program. The suites were perfect for recovery and having one on one nursing staff available was a plus as well. The physical therapy was great because I was provided services often and it was right down the hallway. I am back to the person I used to be – being active once again and without pain!

After many years of living with pain in my left hip that increasingly limited my activities, I decided to have my hip replaced at age 56. I was referred to Dr. O’Neill by an acquaintance and after meeting him for the first time, I was sure that I wanted him to be my surgeon. He was professional, good-humored and took the time to make sure all of my questions were answered. I entered the EXCEL program and the surgery was done in their Edina office with overnight recovery across the street. I was discharged the following day with only a cane. I stopped needing pain medication after a few days and within two weeks no longer used the cane. Recovery was quick and I have no pain or limitations. My only regret is that I didn’t have it done years earlier.

Dr. Allan Hunt’s expertise and caring manner provided an exceptional experience for a very difficult procedure of total knee replacement. His care team was helpful and considerate of every question, need and concern. The EXCEL program was amazing from pre-op to post-op. I could not have wished for a better scenario. I am fortunate to have been referred to such an amazing surgeon. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!!

Having a partial right knee replacement in September, 2017 done by Dr. Comfort and going through the EXCEL Program was a wonderful experience. A previous physician would not even consider a partial replacement. Dr. Comfort assured me this was the right decision and I have no regrets! Using the EXCEL Program, upon discharge from surgery center, you go to a health care facility in a private suite where you have a RN that takes care of you until discharged the next day. During that time you have several sessions of PT and are up walking with a walker. Dr. Comfort checks in on you that morning. When you leave you are feeling confident to go home and work on your recovery. Dr. Comfort, David, and Molly are all so reassuring, kind, and patient. I can now lift up my grandchildren without fear my knee will buckle under me. This was definitely the best medical experience I have ever had.  I highly recommend them!