Question 1

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Jorge?

Accepted Answer

No. Most patients can call us directly at (803) 220-1716 to schedule a consultation. Some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care physician — our team will tell you when you call and help you sort it out.

Question 2

How quickly can I be seen?

Accepted Answer

Quickly. We strive for same-week visits whenever a patient needs one, and same-day or next-business-day appointments are often available. We deliberately hold consultation slots open so that patients with painful, worsening, or urgent problems are not waiting weeks to be evaluated. If your situation is urgent, tell us when you call and we will work you in.

Question 3

What insurance do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We work with all insurance plans. Call (803) 220-1716 and our team will verify your specific plan and benefits before your visit, including whether bariatric surgery is a covered benefit under your policy, so there are no surprises.

Question 4

Is bariatric surgery covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Many plans cover it, but requirements vary widely — typically a documented BMI threshold, supervised weight-management visits, and a psychological evaluation. We handle the authorization process for you and tell you upfront what your plan requires.

Question 5

I had bariatric surgery years ago and regained weight. Can you help?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Revisional bariatric surgery is a core focus of this practice — sleeve-to-bypass conversion, band removal, and repair of complications after prior operations. Weight recurrence is common and it is not a personal failure.

Question 6

What is robotic surgery, and is it better?

Accepted Answer

Robotic surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery that gives the surgeon better visualization and finer instrument control, which matters most in complex hernia and foregut cases. It is not automatically better for every operation. Dr. Jorge selects the approach — robotic, laparoscopic, or open — that fits your anatomy and prior surgical history.

Question 7

Do you offer non-surgical weight loss?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr. Jorge is board-certified in obesity medicine, and our practice runs LeanDreams, a medical weight-management program built around a multidisciplinary team — physicians, a registered dietitian, behavioral and nutrition coaches, and certified personal trainers — working together on one plan. It covers medical weight management including GLP-1 medications for patients who are not surgical candidates, who prefer to start without an operation, or who need long-term support after surgery.

Question 8

Where will my surgery be performed?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Jorge holds surgical privileges at Piedmont Augusta, Augusta Surgical Center, and Aiken Regional Medical Center. Your operative location depends on your procedure and your insurance, and we confirm it with you well before your surgery date.

Question 9

Do you see patients from South Carolina?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We regularly care for patients from Aiken, North Augusta, and the surrounding South Carolina communities.

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