Patient Testimonials

Dr. Bircher performed a full knee replacement on Feb 13th. I am now two months out on April 13th. The TCO care team has done an amazing job from pre op PT through the procedure and post op PT. Dr. Bircher not only had the planned post op visits. But he was very responsive to my questions between visits. Consequently, I have played 7 rounds of golf already and am back to my regular activities. While it will be a while for full strength to return. I am well on my way! Thank you, Dr. Bircher and Team!!!

Dr. Carlson is congenial, informative, caring, and an exceptional surgeon. Thanks for being there in my time of need.

I had my labrum in my right shoulder repaired by Dr. Kelly and his team in 2017, so when I needed surgery on my left shoulder this past summer, it was a no-brainer to return to them. I truly appreciate how Dr. Kelly takes the time to clearly explain the diagnosis and work through treatment options. I’ll never forget how he drew a diagram of the shoulder right on the exam table paper to help me understand exactly what was going on. From the initial evaluation to the operating room and through recovery, he was supportive, compassionate, and attentive every step of the way.

His PA, Lindsey, was fantastic at my post-op appointments — knowledgeable and always willing to answer any questions I had. Her bedside manner is truly exceptional. Dr. Kelly’s care coordinator, Kaici, was also wonderfully kind and helpful throughout the entire process.

I’m deeply grateful to Dr. Kelly and his entire team for their exceptional care. I would recommend them without hesitation to anyone I know!

If you have any edits – please let us know and we can update on the website. Thank you to you and your team for continuing to be the difference!

I had hip surgery one year ago and I’m very happy and with the results. Dr. Carlson was very good in all aspects of the process and the follow up after. He gave me every piece of information for a successful recovery. I would highly recommend him for this surgery.

My experience with TCO has been outstanding. I had both my shoulders replaced, 6 weeks apart, as a result of arthritis and past injuries. I appreciate the way the TCO makes sure you have your pain meds in advance of your surgery so that, when you get home from your hospital stay, your meds are waiting for you and there is no lapse in pain coverage. Dr. Mair has been great though the whole experience. Before my first surgery, Dr. Mair came and sat and talked with my wife and I. Dr. Mair is very down-to-earth and explains things in a way that we could both understand. I really appreciated the caring way he spoke with us. Following each surgery, Dr. Mair reached out to me several times in text messages to see how I was doing and if I had any questions. I have never had a Doctor do that before. It was very reassuring. My transition to Physical therapy went very smoothly. I appreciate Dr. Mair and his team. They are pushing me but not too hard. I also appreciate the EXCEL program with its coverage of all parts of the experience and a single billing for everything. I have spoken with numerous people that are thinking of having surgery on various body parts and have encouraged them to seek out TCO for what they needed. Thanks for all that you do!

I had both knees replaced by Dr. Hartigan. One in 2023 & the other in 2024. 5 weeks after my 2nd surgery, my newly replaced knee became infected. The infection got in my blood stream & moved to my other knee (apparently bacteria is attracted to metal) and to form a large abscess in one of my wrists. Dr. Hartigan & one of his colleagues performed 3 surgeries. One to remove the abscess and the other 2 were to “wash out” both knees (2 wash outs on each knee).

I’m now on my way to making a full recovery. I continue to be so grateful for the care that Dr. Hartigan, Aaron (his PA), Grace Ann (Care team) and others on his team provided throughout my journey. Obviously, none of us wanted the infection to occur. But that is always a risk with surgery and, given that it did, I can’t imagine a better team that I’d want to have on my side throughout. They are all are truly amazing, and I feel such deep gratitude for all of them.

Dr. Schmiesing and his team were amazing throughout the entire process. Beginning with my first visit to evaluate options for my knee pain, Dr. Schmiesing was understanding and listened to my concerns. He then provided me with the options available and a real-life approach to treatment for my knee pain. When the time came to schedule surgery for total knee replacement, Dr. Schmiesing and team were extremely helpful in answering all of my questions and getting me scheduled for surgery. Surgery and recovery went smoothly with no problems. The rehab process has also been a great experience. Many have said that you will wonder why you waited so long to have the surgery, which I did not believe at the time. Now I can honestly say I am happy to have had the surgery, and my experience has exceeded expectations. Thanks to Dr. Schmiesing, his team and the Excel program and post-surgery care team!

LIFE CHANGING! Confident skilled surgeon, post operation highly succeeded my expectations. Dr. Bircher is the best surgeon to perform an anterior approach hip replacement. So happy with the outcome!

I have nothing but praise for the care I received from Dr. Gilbertson. After a nasty fall down my outside stairs, I was rushed to Southdale Medical and had the good fortune of Dr. Gilbertson as my surgeon. He was clear and explicit with what he would do in a total hip replacement surgery and also outlined possible unpleasant outcomes. Surgery was excellent. I recovered quickly after my June 2024 surgery and visited the doctor again this week for follow up. I was so pleased to see how my femur and bones healed beautifully. Dr. Gilbertson is among the best in this field!

Dr. Michael Johnson did my first knee replacement here in Red Wing. I only needed a partial. He did an outstanding job. My quality of life was improved. I could hike and walk again pain free. When my other knee failed, I knew I wanted Dr. Johnson to do the surgery on this knee as well. Dr. Johnson is now with TCO and there was no question that I would follow him to the Twin Cities. It has been 7 weeks since my surgery and I feel strong and confident. Dr. Johnson listened and answered all my questions. Jen, his Clinical Care Coordinator is very professional and helpful as well. I am grateful for the outcome of my surgery and am looking forward to an active summer with hiking and biking.