Surgical Services of Athens

07/27/2026

🎉 Anniversary Challenge! 🎉

July is a special month at Surgical Services of Athens, so we can’t let it pass us by without saying something. It’s the anniversary month for our practice and each of our four surgeons!

Think you know our team?

Can you match each SSA anniversary to the correct surgeon?

🏅 1 Year
🏅 2 Years
🏅 11 Years
🏅 22 Years

👇 Share your guesses in the comments before we reveal the answers!

Thank you to our surgeons for their dedication to our patients and community—and thank you to our patients for continuing to trust Surgical Services of Athens with their care.

07/23/2026

Did you know an updated health history can help your care team make safer recommendations?

Before a medical visit, it helps to write down:

- Current medications
- Allergies
- Past surgeries
- Ongoing symptoms
- Major health conditions

Even small details can matter, especially if you are being evaluated for a procedure or medical concern. Having this information ready can make your appointment smoother and help your provider understand the full picture.

07/21/2026

A good appointment starts with good questions.

In light of our recent blog post, "Signs Your Gallbladder May be Causing Problems," if you're being evaluated for possible gallbladder symptoms, you might ask:

What could be causing my symptoms?
- Are there foods or patterns I should pay attention to?
- What tests might help?
- What are my treatment options if symptoms continue?

Bring your questions with you. Asking for help and answers when meeting with one of our surgeons or your primary care provider is one step in getting you the care that you need.

07/16/2026

July is UV Safety Month, making it a good reminder to protect your skin — and pay attention to any changes.

Skin changes worth checking may include:

• A spot that is growing or changing color
• A mole with an irregular border
• A sore that doesn’t seem to heal
• A new or changing lump, bump, or lesion
• A skin area that becomes painful, itchy, or bleeds

Not every skin change is serious, but it’s always better to ask than to guess. If you’ve noticed something new or different, talk with your provider about next steps.

07/13/2026

Upper belly pain after meals, nausea, bloating, or discomfort near the right ribs can sometimes point to gallbladder problems. These symptoms can also overlap with other digestive issues, which is why it helps to know what to watch for.

Our latest blog explains common gallbladder symptoms, when to seek medical care, and how providers may evaluate the problem.

Read the full blog to learn more: https://surgicalservicesofathens.com/signs-your-gallbladder-may-be-causing-problems/

07/08/2026

Summer is full of sunshine, outdoor plans, and busy days — but it’s also a good time to pay attention to your skin.

If you notice a mole, spot, bump, or skin area that is changing in size, shape, color, texture, or tenderness, don’t ignore it or assume it will go away on its own.

A changing skin spot is worth a conversation with a medical provider. Early evaluation can help determine whether it needs to be monitored, treated, or removed.

Your skin tells a story. Make sure you’re listening.

07/04/2026

From our team to your family, we wish you a safe, healthy, and happy 4th of July.

Happy Independence Day from Surgical Services of Athens! 🇺🇸

06/29/2026

It’s nearing Men’s Health Awareness Month. So let’s talk about a common medical condition. Hernias are most common in men, but symptoms aren’t always obvious at first.

Learn more in our blog about what symptoms to look out for and when to seek medical evaluation.

Learn why hernias are more common in men, which symptoms to watch for, and when to talk with a surgeon about safe treatment options in North Alabama today.

06/23/2026

Persistent pain is your body’s way of telling you something may need attention.

Symptoms like ongoing abdominal pain, a painful bulge, nausea after meals, or discomfort that keeps coming back should not be ignored.

Getting checked can help you better understand what’s going on and what your next steps may be.

06/19/2026

🎉 Help us celebrate one of our own!

Dr. Koonce has been nominated in The News Courier’s Best of the Best - Limestone County competition, and we couldn’t be more proud.

Every day, Dr. Koonce shows compassion, skill, and genuine care for his patients. Now, we’d love to show him some of that same support in return.

Please take a moment to vote and help us cheer him on!

Vote here: https://enewscourier.com/contests/best-of-the-best/ #/gallery?group=544459

Thank you for helping us support Dr. Koonce! 💙