Patient Testimonials

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.

I highly recommend Dr. Michael R. Johnson and his team to anyone considering hip replacement surgery. He performed my surgery in January 2025. From my initial consultation through my post-operative physical therapy, my total hip replacement journey with Dr. Johnson has been a truly positive experience. Dr. Johnson is a skilled surgeon, and both he and his nurse Jen were always prompt and thorough in their communication. It made me feel supported and informed every step of the way. The EXCEL Surgery and Recovery program was invaluable to me. This comprehensive approach made a significant difference in my recovery. My physical therapist, Ashleigh Kratz, challenged me to succeed at my pace. She really listened and found good solutions to the couple of challenges I encountered. I am now enjoying a much-improved quality of life thanks to Dr. Johnson and his team. I’m so grateful for their excellent care!

The entire experience was a marvel. From the initial first meeting with Dr. Randall Lewis to the 8 week follow-up appointment after surgery, everything went exactly as planned. The TCO EXCEL Surgery and Recovery Program is the gold standard for knee replacement. The pre-surgical information package was extremely helpful and easy to understand, the staff made you feel like you were their sole concern and the physical therapy was outstanding. I’m very thankful for the level of care you provided and my new knee is terrific. For the first time in a couple of years I can walk pain free and it’s wonderful. I feel like I’m living again. I would and have recommended TCO to friends and family and will continue to do so. Thank you, Dr. Lewis.

Thanks to the staff at the care suite and Maggie Dewitz at the Burnsville office. You are exceptional. Libby Witchger, you are an artist and I’d proudly display my scar to anyone should they ask. Your kind attention and encouragement throughout the experience were icing on the cake. Thank you.