Do I need a referral to see Dr. Jorge?

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.

How quickly can I be seen?

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.

What insurance do you accept?

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.

Is bariatric surgery covered by insurance?

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.

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

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.

What is robotic surgery, and is it better?

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.

Do you offer non-surgical weight loss?

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.

Where will my surgery be performed?

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.

Do you see patients from South Carolina?

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

Endoscopy in Augusta, GA

Reflux that will not settle, trouble swallowing, belly pain, or a colon screening that is due. Needing a scope can feel uncomfortable to think about, and you deserve clear answers about what it involves.

Dr. Jorge is double board-certified in general surgery and obesity medicine and fellowship-trained in bariatric surgery. He performs diagnostic and therapeutic upper and lower endoscopy for patients in Augusta, Evans, Aiken and the surrounding region. Because he is also a surgeon, he can follow an endoscopic finding with a surgical plan when one is needed.

Request a consultation Call (803) 220-1716

What endoscopy is

Endoscopy uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look inside the digestive tract. Upper endoscopy (EGD) looks at the esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine. Lower endoscopy (colonoscopy) looks at the colon. Sedation is used so the procedure is comfortable, and the type of sedation is discussed with you beforehand.

Reasons for an upper endoscopy

Reflux or heartburn that persists, or that returns when medication stops
Trouble swallowing or food that feels stuck
Ongoing nausea, vomiting or upper abdominal pain
Evaluation before or after bariatric or anti-reflux surgery
Checking for a hiatal hernia, ulcers, inflammation or changes in the lining of the esophagus

Reasons for a colonoscopy

Routine colon cancer screening, when it is due for you
Blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits or ongoing lower abdominal symptoms
A personal or family history of polyps or colon cancer
Follow-up after a previous finding

When and how often you should be screened depends on your age, history and current guidelines. Dr. Jorge reviews this with you.

When a finding needs more than a scope

Many findings are treated or monitored without surgery. When a problem such as a hiatal hernia, reflux that medication does not control, or a mass needs an operation, Dr. Jorge can explain the options and plan the next step with you. See our pages on reflux surgery and hiatal hernia surgery.

What to expect

A consultation to review your symptoms, history, medications and any blood thinners.
Clear preparation instructions, including diet and, for colonoscopy, bowel preparation.
The procedure with sedation, usually as an outpatient. You will need a ride home.
A discussion of the findings, and a plan for any biopsies, treatment or follow-up.

Insurance and scheduling

Coverage differs depending on whether a scope is for screening or for symptoms, and it varies by plan. Our team verifies your benefits and helps with scheduling so there are fewer surprises.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room for severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools with dizziness, chest pain or trouble breathing. After a procedure, call us right away for fever, worsening pain or bleeding that does not stop.

Where Dr. Jorge operates

Savannah River Advanced Surgery is an independent practice. Dr. Jorge performs endoscopy at facilities where he holds privileges, including Aiken Regional Medical Centers and Augusta Surgical Center. Our office is at 1109 Medical Center Dr., Suite 3, Augusta, GA 30909.

Coming from out of state

Dr. Jorge is licensed in Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, Wisconsin, and Illinois, and holds a license through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which streamlines licensure in 44 participating states. We regularly care for patients from out of state. Your evaluation and follow-up can happen by telehealth where licensure allows, with surgery in person here in Georgia when you need it.

Frequently asked questions

Is endoscopy painful?

Sedation is used so you are comfortable during the procedure. Some people feel bloating or a sore throat afterward. Individual experiences vary, and we review what to expect before your visit.

Do I need a referral?

Often not, but it depends on your insurance plan. Our team can check this when you call. Referrals from your primary care doctor or gastroenterologist are welcome.

Can you do both an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy on the same day?

Sometimes, depending on your symptoms and health. Dr. Jorge will tell you whether it makes sense in your case.

Will insurance cover it?

Many plans cover screening and diagnostic endoscopy, with different rules for each. Our team verifies your benefits and tells you what to expect.

How long does recovery take?

Most people go home after a short recovery period and return to normal activity soon after, but this depends on your health and whether biopsies or treatment were done. We give you specific instructions. Individual results vary.

Is Dr. Jorge employed by a hospital?

No. He runs an independent practice, Savannah River Advanced Surgery, and performs endoscopy at facilities where he holds privileges, including Aiken Regional Medical Centers and Augusta Surgical Center.