Patient Testimonials

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.

I had a total left knee replacement 3 weeks ago, and I am now walking up to 2 miles a day, along with exercising daily. I can’t thank Dr. Brian O’Neill and his team enough. Amazing Dr.!

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%.