Patient Testimonials

Dr. James Bircher, Kari, and Cassie are an amazing team! At 66 years old I was finally able to find relief by having a robotic-assisted total knee replacement performed by Dr. Bircher with his state-of-the art skills and advanced technological procedure.

He is a specialized orthopedic surgeon who gave extra attention to other medical conditions I have in consideration of recovery. I wished that I had met Dr. Bircher 10 years ago to have him perform the knee surgery then. When my other knee requires surgery I will only have Dr. Bircher perform the surgery.

He is detailed, thorough, realistic in recovery expectations, and keeps a patient filled with hope and energy within themselves to make this a successful experience. I am so thankful I had the total knee replacement. Thank you to everyone at TCO who helped me so I can have left-knee mobility again.

In early 2024, I was referred to Dr. Owen O’Neill, for an initial consultation on my hip pain. Having siblings who have had hip and/or knee replacement, I was well “educated” on the signs of arthritis, and what to expect. Initially, I had mild symptoms for probably 2-3 years, but it hadn’t yet restricted me from doing the things I wanted to do. This all changed rapidly, in the summer of 2024. Throughout the process, Dr. O’Neill and his team were very helpful in explaining to me my progression, what to expect, timelines, and even how recovery might look. Knowing what I know now, how much this procedure positively affected my life, I would strongly recommend Dr. Owen O’Neill and his team. I had never had surgery prior to this procedure, so I was very anxious and nervous about the entire process. Now, 9 weeks post-surgery, I’m 100% cleared to resume all activities, and cannot believe how simple the process was, how fast I was mobile, how easy the PT was to complete; as well as what little pain I was in. This is a proven procedure, delivered by a fantastic surgeon, with life changing results. When/if my other hip needs to be replaced someday, it’s a no-brainer decision for me. Thank you for helping me get my active life back!

When my troubles began, I was 3 weeks into paid parental leave in July. I was looking forward to an exciting summer spending time with my newborn baby daughter. One morning I was hit with a crippling pain that began in my lower back and shot down my left leg. I called my wife at work and told her something was wrong and to come home immediately. After 2 visits with my primary doctor, we were referred to TCO and made an appointment with Dr. Nathan Wanderman. At my first appointment, he saw things in my MRI that others had not. It turned out I had a degenerative disc and a bulging disc that was pinching the nerve that ran down my left leg. I was barely able to walk without assistance. Dr. Wanderman was able to get me in for surgery by September and performed a double fusion surgery. He performed a Lumbar 4 – Sacral 1 ALIF and 2 days later performed Lumbar 4 Sacral 1 PLDF. I am so grateful for what Dr. Wanderman has given back to me. I walk with no problems. I’m able to hold my baby again. For being such a scary time in my life, he and his staff really made my wife and I feel that we were making the right decision. Speaking of his staff, I was nearly a weekly caller prior to and after surgery with questions. They were always prompt in returning my call no matter the question and were always happy to answer any concerns my wife and I had. Long story short, Dr. Nathan Wanderman and his staff have given me my life back, and my wife and I couldn’t be more grateful! Thank you again to everyone who made this surgery a success.

I left my second visit with Dr. Miller thinking, “I wish Dr. Miller was certified for every phase of medicine. I would go to him for everything! He is that good: friendly, compassionate, very skilled and knowledgeable. His nurse Wendi is exceptional as well.

I had the distinct privilege of having received a left shoulder replacement from Dr. Johnson. From the first meeting with his nursing assistant, Jen Perillo, I knew I had found staff that would be supportive through the process of the shoulder replacement. Though, through no fault of Dr. Johnson, the replacement separated, and the surgery had to be replaced again. The second surgery was successful. Through the after care, Dr. Johnson and Ms. Perillo showed the ultimate in care and concern. The recovery process has been slow and steady with consistent follow-up from the surgeon and nursing staff.  If you should be so fortunate to schedule surgery through Dr. Johnson’s office, you will find some competent and caring professionals.

I’ve had both shoulders rotator cuff surgery. Victoria Notch is my physical therapist at the Hudson TCO location. She has done a great job helping me to recover from these surgeries. I’m extremely happy with the care she’s given me.

I was seen by Dr. Johnson for what the ER stated was a ruptured achilles tendon. Upon my first appointment, Dr. Johnson was very personable and did a thorough exam of my left calf and achilles. He informed me that it was not my achilles, it was my calf and that he wanted me to have an MRI to see where the calf tear/strain was. My first MRI was denied and Dr. Johnson had a peer-to-peer eval with my insurance company and was able to get my MRI approved. Dr. Johnson has been a pleasure to work with out of both the Woodbury and Eagan locations. I would recommend him to anyone that needs his assistance. After about two months of PT and follow up appointments with Dr. Johnson, I am heading back to work! Thanks again for a pleasurable experience.

I had an ankle replacement in December 2024 by Dr. Mittelsteadt. I have a whole new life, thanks to Dr Mittelsteadt and staff. Thank you so much for being such a caring doctor.

Highly recommend Dr. James Bircher and his wonderful team; I have anxiety issues and considered backing out at the last minute – so thankful I didn’t, not one bit of anxiety.

The care given to me made me so relaxed and I felt comfortable the entire time, Dr. Bircher was up to check on me first thing in the morning, shout out to my physical therapy team also- so encouraging! I was back to work in about 2 1/2 months – probably could have gone before that, but doctor’s orders. Scar is so minimal some people thought it just looked like a scratch!

Great team – I will go to them in the future if needed, although I’m hoping not. Thank you, Dr. Bircher and team.

I saw Dr. James Bircher for a right hip replacement and issues with my left hip replacement done by a different doctor. My right hip replacement was done via the anterior method, which Dr. Bircher specializes in and he did an excellent job on mine. My recovery was smooth and I’m almost pain free now. He’s always been patient with me and he explains my care thoroughly. He has never been rushed to get to the next patient. His staff and the front desk at TCO have always been excellent. I don’t have to wait long to get seen and they are always polite and pleasant. Dr. Bircher’s PA, Kari Gabrielse, and Care Coordinator, Cassie, are also top notch! I highly recommend Dr. Bircher and TCO!