Sharelle P. (pictured on left) had a total knee replacement performed by Dr. O’Neill (pictured) as a part of the Excel Orthopedic & Recovery Program at Twin Cities Orthopedics.The program’s focus of providing an all-encompassing patient experience helped her make a rapid recovery from surgery. “I had confidence in my knee right away,” she said. “I haven’t really had any pain and am able to do things I haven’t done in years.”Excel, which debuted in June of 2012, provides patients with coordinated care from day one to full recovery with personalized service from their surgeon and a nurse practitioner. This includes an orthopedic recovery suite that offers specialized orthopedic care, with 24-hour RN care, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. “The environment was much more comfortable than the hospital,” said Sharelle. “I was there because I was recovering and not because I was sick.”As a part of that coordinated care patients attend Excel Camp, a class that prepares them for surgery and introduces them to the staff they will be in contact with before and after the procedure. “They explained every step of the process in great detail and answered every question I had,” said Sharelle. “I was very well prepared for what was to come.”In addition to preparing Sharelle for her surgery and recovery, the friendliness of the Excel staff helped put her at ease throughout the entire experience. “From the person who greeted me at 5:30 a.m. to the person that rolled me out to my car” the staff was outstanding, she said. Throughout her recovery in the private orthopedic suite, Sharelle said she “quickly received assistance when needed” and “saw my surgeon everyday that I was there.”
