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.

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!

I have used Dr. Jeffrey Mair for past knee surgeries. When I was ready for replacement I knew I would only go to Dr. Mair. From the first visit to the day of the surgery Dr. Mair and his team help me along and answered every question, concern I had. The day of the surgery, everything was great. The evening of the surgery in recovery Dr. Mair was in my room checking on me, sit and discussing the replacement and more important want to talk about anything and was not in a hurry to leave. My recovery has been great at TCO Waconia being my focus to get back to everyday life.

Dr. James Bircher is top-notch., and his team was amazing, Kari and Cassie getting me scheduled as soon as possible.  The TCO EXCEL Surgery and Recovery Program was the best care as a patient I have ever received. The TCO facility and the EXCEL program really knocked it out of the box and brought it to the next level for me.

Dr. Bircher thought it would be best to do a partial knee replacement. I did not hesitate to say yes, because of the pain, after surgery, I was up and walking the same day, physical therapy, stretching, and moving around. The nurses at TCO we’re more than kind and understanding. The aftercare I have received from Dr. Bircher’s team was/is everything you would expect from a professional team at this caliber in the game. I expect an excellent recovery. The abundance of information on pre/post surgery I received from Kari was on point and very informative.

Follow through with physical therapy and listen to your therapist. They are there to help and assist you on your recovery.

In December of 2024 I had a hip replacement, and in September of 2022 I had a total knee replacement, both done by Dr. Panek and his team. I had procrastinated in making the decision about a knee replacement, but after a consultation with Dr. Panek, I scheduled it the same day. I didn’t hesitate to schedule the hip when it was indicated. In both cases, I was up and walking the same day, and in the spring of 2023, walking 15-20k steps per day while traveling, and back to all of the physical activities I love. Today, a month after the hip replacement, I’m pain-free and walking unassisted. Dr. Panek and his team are excellent practitioners, patient and caring. The whole process from pre-surgery education, case management – Thank you Sandy! Scheduling and anything I needed – Thank you Amy! Pain management, recovery in the care suites, post-surgery care – Thank you Nathan! And, physical therapy – Thank you Blake! They contributed to the best outcomes I could’ve hoped for.

Eric was my therapist for my post-op rehab for a total knee and what a tremendous experience. I am a retired healthcare executive and realize what excellent patient care is, and also competent care. Eric is very knowledgeable and understands how to to set goals for each upcoming visit. He provided detailed instructions for my inbetween visit “workouts”.  A great experience from a GREAT provider.

Dr. Michael R. Johnson is a kind, caring surgeon who takes the time to explain procedures. He performed my knee replacement successfully. After two follow up checkups, I am confidently well on my way to a complete recovery. He also successfully performed locking finger surgery, quickly and comfortably. I would recommend him 100%.

I have nothing but fantastic things to say about Dr. Scott Anseth, his team and the EXCEL Surgery & Recovery Program. At age 58, I had a total knee replacement on October 1. Within 2 weeks, I was well on my way to recovery with physical therapy sessions in person and at home. Within 6 weeks, I was doing some Peloton classes at home and within 8 weeks, taking my dog for hourlong walks.

The EXCEL Surgery & Recovery Program was first class, and made it very easy to ask questions and get help as needed. My physical therapist (Aubrey) was awesome, and kept me motivated and improving. At 3 months, I’m itching to hit a few tennis balls and am taking longer walks incorporating hills. This has been a very positive experience for me and I would highly recommend Dr. Anseth and the EXCEL program at TCO.

I’ve lived 12 frustrating years of pain, arthritis and bone spurs in my right knee. A co-worker of mine told me to make an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Mair. I was able to schedule an appointment quickly within 3 weeks. As soon as my husband and I met Dr. Mair, we felt very comfortable and had a connection with him and decided on the spot that he was the surgeon for me. After we set the date, everything flowed smoothly and fell into place. The PT and instructions that I was given helped me to get ready for the surgery and recovery. I met with Cody, Dr. Mair’s PA and he took the time on on more than one occasion to talk to us and answer questions honestly, so there were no surprises for my recovery.

Everyone on Dr. Mair’s team was incredible, Stacy with assisting with appointments and questions, Lindsay with out of work letters, and Donica always there forwarding my questions and concerns onto the team, and then getting a response in less than 24 hours!!! The pain management schedule was simple to follow and I never was in severe pain. I always had support from Dr. Mair and Cody reminding me that this is a tough surgery and to give myself time to recover. They were right, it’s been 6 months and I ride my bike everyday, something I haven’t been able to do for 20 years. I can walk without being in pain, my limp is gone and I can stand for more than 5 minutes. I am so glad that I had the procedure done. I am success story because of Dr. Mair and his medical team of very knowledgeable and caring people. I highly recommend Dr. Mair to everyone that asks me where I had my procedure done.