Patient Testimonials

In the fall of 2020, I was walking across my deck with an extension cord and tripped over the cord end. As I lay on the sidewalk assessing for possible damage, I rotated my leg left and right. Unfortunately, my right foot looked like it had quit, as my toes remained pointing skyward. I had made it to the age of 72 without breaking any bones. We were assigned to Dr. Ockuly and his team. My wife and I were introduced to Dani, who is Dr. Ockuly’s Care Coordinator. If we had any questions or concerns, Dani called back incredibly quickly and was very professional. If she didn’t have the answer, she found out and called us back promptly. During the consultation, we shared our faith life with Dr. Ockuly, who responded in kind. This deepened the relationship greatly and added significantly to the trust between patient and doctor.

Sometime after that, my wife was involved in a car accident. I drove to the emergency room and met her there after the EMTs had arrived. Lo and behold…she had unfortunately broken her arm and wrist. These were the first broken bones for her as well. During a break in the action, I slipped outside and left a message with Dani. She quickly called me back, and we scheduled an appointment with Dr. Ockuly again. I was so grateful to have his team help me get scheduled on the spot.

In my retirement, I took a job as a school bus driver. I am blessed with wonderful kids on my route, and they make me happy. One part of my job I did not like was taking the 200-yard walk from the base office to my bus, and the same walk again at the end of my shift. My arthritic knees made the journey so painful. This summer, Dr. Ockuly and his team replaced both knees. WOW! Though some discomfort remains, I am taking long, confident strides. At my follow-up appointment this week, I told Dr. Ockuly, “Thank you for using your God-given gifts to repair me so I could share my God-given gifts with others!” At that point, Dr. Ockuly offered me a tissue as I was starting to tear up! As I left, I thanked Dani profusely and received a hug from Annie, who invited us to her church to see their adoration chapel. My incisions are healing very well, and my final knee X-rays proved the surgery was perfect.

Dr. Chris Meyer and the TCO Team at the Ridgeview Two Twelve Surgery Center in Chaska have done a fabulous job for me. I had both knees replaced within the last three months. The scheduling, documentation, surgery, overnight stay, physical therapy, and follow-up has been a 10 out of 10 experience from start to finish. I was hesitant to have these old knees replaced at 73 years old, but I feel young again. I never had any pain after surgery, other than stiffness as I followed Dr. Meyer’s orders on best practices for rehab. He told me, “There are no extra credit points for pushing this along. Lay low for 2 weeks. Attend PT and your knee will heal just fine”. I followed instructions and I was on my way to normal range of motion within three weeks. The staff are professional, personable, friendly, and well trained. Thank you and great job to everyone!

I recently had a total knee replacement done by Dr. Hunt. The experience was quite beyond my expectations. It amazes me how efficient the whole process has become. The entire staff was exceptional, responsive to every inquiry, and focused on providing the best care possible. The surgery went flawlessly with Dr. Hunt and his team did a superior job. The scarring was minimal. They had me up and walking right after surgery. Physical therapy started on day three of my recovery. The booklet from TCO explaining the procedure from start to finish was right on target and answered all questions. It accurately described expectations for the entire timeline from pre-op, surgery, and recovery. The facilities at the TCO Chaska location were also top notch. Even the food was great. My wife and I want to thank the entire TCO team.

The Orthopedic Institute was a marvelous facility. The accommodations were first class, and the staff was incredibly attentive and helpful. I have commented to many people that the food was outstanding, definitely better than the food I’ve had in hospitals. If the building were moving, it would be like a luxury cruise.

TCO’s Dr. Samuel Carlson was great. Everything was thorough, considerate, and productive. The follow-up visits have been no less informative. I highly recommend Dr. Carlson and the process to friends and golf buddies.

Dr. Bircher and his team did an amazing job with my knee replacement. My pain was minimal from what I had expected. My bending range was immediately above what we had expected with the PT team. The rental of the ice and compression machine is a must for the first month of recovery. I will need to do my other knee next year and I will be having Dr. Bircher do the surgery. I have referred him to several friends that are in the same boat I am in.

My wife and I perused surgeons for a knee replacement she needed. We chose Dr. Bircher, and it was a great decision. After he and his outstanding team successfully completed her knee replacement, we chose him again for my hip replacement. Once again, Dr. Bircher and his team did a superb job on my hip. We would highly recommend Dr. Bircher and his team to anyone with utmost confidence.

The EXCEL program was amazing and super cost effective for my partial knee replacement. Dr. Hunt and his staff are informative, friendly, and supportive from beginning to end. I am so grateful I went with TCO, and I highly recommend this facility and program to everyone!

I met with Dr. Bircher several times before going ahead with my procedure. I found him informative, direct, and caring. The replacement was success with minimal post-operative pain. There is no question about who I will select to replace my other knee.

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. Bircher did an excellent job with my robotic knee replacement surgery on July 3, 2025. My family and friends cannot believe how well I am moving around after just a few weeks. I would definitely recommend him and his team.