General Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

A general surgeon is educated and trained in a broad range of surgical procedures that treat/remove disease, repair injuries and improve health. They order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests that help determine whether a surgical procedure can treat your medical condition. General surgeons provide care throughout the entire surgical process: from initial evaluation, to diagnostic testing and surgical preparation, perform surgery and manage postoperative care.

General surgeons perform surgeries to treat a wide range of common ailments. They have extensive knowledge and specialized training to treat conditions involving the digestive tract, abdomen, endocrine system, breast, skin and soft tissue. Common conditions treated by general surgeons include hernias, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, breast tumors, thyroid disorders, bowel obstructions, colon inflammation, colon cancer, diverticulitis and hemorrhoid removal. General surgeons also offer experience in cancer surgery, surgical critical care, and trauma management.

The need for surgery varies among each individual patient and their unique condition; however, asking yourself the following questions may help identify if it is time for you to schedule an appointment with a general surgeon.

• Have you tried to manage your symptoms through non-surgical methods without success?
• Are your symptoms progressively getting worse despite your non-surgical efforts?
• Are your symptoms affecting your everyday life?

Your general surgeon is here to guide you through many decisions to protect your health and treat your condition. We recommend you schedule an appointment with one of our Board-Certified general surgeons, who will thoroughly assess your condition and determine if surgery is the best option for you.

As part of the Northeast Georgia Health System, NGPG general surgeons perform procedures in state-of-the-art surgical settings with access to leading technologies to improve outcomes. They operate at all our hospital facilities, plus many outpatient surgery centers in our region.

Minimally invasive surgery is surgery performed through small incisions and are closed with very few stitches. In general surgery, this is typically performed with a laparoscope and/or with the assistance of robotic technology. Minimally invasive surgery not only results in less pain, scarring and damage to healthy tissue, but also in shorter recovery times when compared to traditional surgery. NGPG’s general surgeons offer decades of experience paired with leading edge technology in minimally invasive techniques, and several are pioneers in the field.

NGPG does not require a provider referral to meet with a general surgeon, however, some insurance carriers require patients have a referral prior to being seen by a specialist for that visit to be covered. It would be in your best interest to contact your insurance using the customer service number listed on your insurance card, to determine if your insurance plan requires a referral or preauthorization from your listed primary care provider.