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.

General Surgery in Augusta, GA

A lump that keeps growing. Pain after meals. A referral that just says "see a surgeon." Most people who come to a general surgeon are not sure what comes next, and that is exactly what the first visit is for.

Dr. Jorge is a double board-certified surgeon with fellowship training in advanced foregut and bariatric surgery. He evaluates and treats common and complex general surgery problems for patients in Augusta, Evans, Aiken and the surrounding region, using minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques when they are the right fit.

Request a consultation Call (803) 220-1716

What we treat

Hernias: inguinal, umbilical, incisional, ventral and recurrent
Gallbladder disease and gallstones
Hiatal hernia, paraesophageal hernia and acid reflux
Appendicitis
Diagnostic and therapeutic upper endoscopy
Small bowel obstruction and colon resection
Soft-tissue masses, such as lumps under the skin

Signs it is time for a visit

A bulge in the groin, belly button or an old incision
Pain in the upper right abdomen after meals
Heartburn or regurgitation that medicine does not control
A lump that is growing, painful or new
A referral from your primary care doctor or gastroenterologist

Sudden severe abdominal pain, a hernia bulge that is hard, painful and will not go back in, fever with abdominal pain, or vomiting that will not stop can be an emergency. Call 911 or go to the emergency room.

How we decide

A visit to hear your story and examine you.
A review of your imaging and lab work, or tests ordered if you do not have them yet.
A clear recommendation. Sometimes that is surgery, sometimes it is watching and waiting, and we will tell you which and why.

Minimally invasive when it fits

Many general surgery operations can be done through small incisions with laparoscopic or robotic techniques. Not every operation is best done that way. The approach is chosen for your safety and your anatomy, and we explain it before surgery. Individual results vary.

Where Dr. Jorge operates

Savannah River Advanced Surgery is an independent practice. Dr. Jorge operates at facilities where he holds privileges, including Piedmont Augusta, 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

Do I need a referral?

Many patients are referred by their primary care doctor or gastroenterologist, but you can also request a consultation directly. Some insurance plans require a referral, and our team can help you check.

Will I need surgery?

Not always. Part of the first visit is deciding whether surgery helps you at all. Dr. Jorge will tell you honestly if watching and waiting is the better choice.

Are operations done with small incisions?

Often, yes. Many are done laparoscopically or robotically. Some are safer as open operations, and Dr. Jorge explains the plan before surgery.

How long is recovery?

It depends on the operation and your health. Before surgery we give you a specific plan for activity, work and follow-up. Individual results vary.

Will insurance cover it?

Most insurance plans cover medically necessary surgery. Our team verifies your benefits before your visit.

Is Dr. Jorge employed by a hospital?

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