Patient Information

Office Hours

For general information or to schedule an appointment, please call 865.251.4658.

Monday: (8:00am – 4:30pm)
Tuesday: (8:00am – 4:30pm)
Wednesday: (8:00am – 4:30pm)
Thursday: (8:00am – 4:30pm)
Friday: (8:00am – 4:00pm)

Special accommodations can be made for early or late start times as well.

Appointments & Consultations

Scheduling Surgery

In some cases our doctors may require Pre-Admission Testing (PAT) and/or an Anesthesia Evaluation (AE). If so, you will be contacted to schedule the tests which take place a few days before your procedure. They may include blood tests, chest x-ray and/or an EKG.

Any changes in your physical condition such as a cold or fever should be reported to your physician.
If you are taking any medication (including aspirin) you must inform your physician.
A member of our nursing staff will be in touch with you to make all necessary arrangements for your surgery and answer any questions you may have about the procedure.

The Day Before Surgery

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery (this includes drinking water and chewing gum).
Arrange for transportation to and from University of Tennessee Medical Center on the day of surgery.
Arrange to have a responsible person accompany you home. You can not drive yourself because your alertness after surgery is reduced, due to anesthesia and medication.
Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

The Day of Surgery

Make no other plans for the day of surgery.
Wear casual and comfortable clothing which can be easily stored in a locker.
Please do not wear jewelry, makeup or nail polish.
You may be asked to remove dentures, contact lenses or other prosthetic devices.
Please arrive one hour prior to your scheduled surgery time to prepare for the procedure.

Anesthesia

Upon your arrival at University General Surgeons you will be examined by an anesthesiologist who will also review your medical history, answer any questions you may have and discuss the appropriate type of anesthesia to be used.

Local Anesthesia — Numbs only the area being operated on and allows you to be awake during the procedure.
Regional Anesthesia — A portion of the body is “blocked” from feeling pain while you remain awake.
General Anesthesia — You will be asleep throughout the procedure.
Monitored Anesthesia — You receive medication to make you comfortable during the procedure. This is often given in addition to local anesthesia.

Accepted Insurance

University General Surgeons accepts most health insurance plans. Our administrative staff will assist with any necessary paperwork and other requirements relative to your insurance provider.

We can also arrange for out-of-network benefits with insurers not listed below. Please inquire with our office staff if you have any questions or if you do not see your insurance plan listed or contact Mike Poulsen, Practice Manager, University General Surgeons, PC at 865.251.4658 with any insurance questions, to discuss your bill, or to make payment arrangements.

Aetna
Blue Cross-Blue Shield
Blue Select
HMO Blue
Blue Preferred
Bowater
Cigna
The Initial Group
John Deere
Medicare
PHP
United Healthcare

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