We require that all of our patients initially have a referral from his or her primary care physician, clinic or emergency room doctor before the patient can schedule an appointment. We do this not to hinder your care, but we want you to get the best health care available at the best cost and time frame for you. We are a very busy practice, and it is usually better to see your primary care doctor first before coming to us.

If you cannot make an appointment, please give us the courtesy of at least 24 hours' notice by telephone at (706) 548-0058 so that we may use the available time for another patient.

Note that effective July 4, 2006, Athens Gastroenterology Center will charge $25 for missed appointments and $50 for missed procedures. This charge cannot be billed to your insurance company.

Insurance co-pays are due at the time services are rendered. Please be prepared to pay your co-pay at the time of your visit. If you have concerns about financial arrangements, please e-mail us at Billing@AthensGICenter.com or call us at (706) 548-0058 so we can help you.

Please present all insurance cards when signing in. Medication and refills cannot be called in without copies of all cards. This includes Medicare Part D cards. You will be billed directly for all charges if we are unaware of changes in your insurance.

If you have an emergency, get medical care immediately. There are two hospitals in Athens with 24-hour emergency rooms: St. Mary's Hospital (706-548-7581) on Baxter St. and Athens Regional Medical Center (706-475-7000) on Prince Ave.