Your first visit with Gary Levongood, MD is a chance to talk through what brought you in and plan the next step together. Dr. Levongood completed his medical degree at the Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Health Sciences University and trained in orthopedic surgery during his residency at St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center. He then completed fellowship training in sports medicine at The Hughston Clinic. That training shapes the focus of his practice in Lawrenceville, where his clinical attention centers on sports medicine and on the shoulder and elbow. He sees patients through Northside Hospital Orthopedics - Sports Medicine.
If your visit relates to a shoulder or elbow concern, especially one tied to sports or activity, it can help to bring details that tell that story: when symptoms started, what movements bring them on, and any notes or imaging from a referring physician or athletic trainer. Dr. Levongood's office is accepting new patients, and the visit works the same way whether you were referred by another provider or scheduled the appointment yourself.
01Request a visitCall the office or use the booking link to choose a time.
02Bring your recordsImaging, prior reports and a medication list help make the first visit useful.
03Examination and discussionAn exam and a plain explanation of what is going on.
04Decide togetherThe options are laid out so you can choose the plan that fits.
Questions
Questions patients ask
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Levongood?+
Not necessarily. Most patients who see Dr. Levongood arrive by referral from another physician, since much of his practice is built around that kind of coordinated care, but the office can also schedule you directly. Call the office before your visit to confirm what your insurance plan requires, since referral rules vary by carrier.
What should I bring to my first visit?+
Bring your insurance card, a photo ID, and a list of current medications. If you have had prior treatment for the joint or injury you are being seen for, bring any paperwork, physical therapy notes, or imaging reports you were given, even if you are not sure they are relevant. A short written timeline of when your symptoms started and what makes them better or worse is also useful and often saves time during the exam.
Should I bring imaging or test results I already have?+
Yes, if you have them. X-rays, MRI reports, or disc copies from another provider help Dr. Levongood understand what has already been looked at, especially for shoulder and elbow concerns, which make up a large part of his sports medicine practice. You do not need to arrange new imaging before your visit; if additional imaging is needed, that will be discussed with you at the appointment.
How long does the first visit take?+
Plan for 45 minutes to an hour, though the exact time depends on how many areas need to be examined and whether imaging is reviewed during the visit. Arriving 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork helps keep the appointment on schedule.
What happens during the appointment?+
You will first talk through your history and symptoms, then have a physical exam focused on the area of concern. Dr. Levongood's training in sports medicine, with fellowship work at The Hughston Clinic, shapes how he evaluates shoulder and elbow problems in particular, alongside the rest of your history and exam. Any existing imaging is reviewed at this point, and you and Dr. Levongood will talk through what the findings mean and what the next steps could look like.
Is the practice accepting new patients?+
Yes. Dr. Levongood's practice in Lawrenceville is accepting new patients, including those coming in without a prior referral; call the office to check appointment availability. This information is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice from your own doctor.
Ready to talk about your care?
Call the office or request an appointment. Accepting new patients.