Respiratory Testing

Radiology

Appling Healthcare’s Radiology Department in Baxley offers a comprehensive range of cutting-edge outpatient and inpatient diagnostic imaging services, all right here in Appling County. Whether you need an MRI, CT, 3D mammogram, ultrasound or X-ray, we are proud to offer the leading technology and expert team to care for you close to home.

Our state-of-the-art machines not only offer superb image quality, but are also all highly rated for their patient-focused design to offer the utmost comfort.

The highly-skilled technologists at Appling Healthcare work closely with your provider to ensure you receive the most accurate and timely diagnosis possible. Our Radiology Department is staffed 24/7 and always focused on providing you the best images as soon as possible.

Your images are read by the highly-qualified and specialized physicians at South Georgia Radiology Group. Their report will be sent to your ordering provider.

Our imaging services:

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

An MRI is a non-invasive diagnostic test that produces detailed, high-resolution images of the inside of your body. An MRI does not use radiation. Instead, the machine uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves. The scan can be used to diagnose and monitor many health conditions that may be affecting your organs, bones and tissues. The MRI at Appling Healthcare’s Radiology Department is a Toshiba Titan MRI, which is specially designed with a focus on patient comfort. The opening is larger; wide enough to accommodate patients of all sizes or anyone who is uncomfortable in tight spaces. Appling Healthcare’s MRI machine is also incredibly quiet due to its Pianissimo technology, which reduces noise levels by 90 percent. Patients also receive headphones and have their choice of music through XM radio.  LEARN MORE

CT (Computerized Tomography)

A CT scan is a non-invasive diagnostic test that captures cross-sectional images by rotating around your body.  These images are then combined by computer to create a detailed, 3D view (slices) of your organs, tissues and bone. A CT scan shows much more than a typical x-ray.  It can diagnose cancer and other internal problems. During this procedure, the patient lies on a table that slides into the CT machine. The scanner itself is shaped like a ring.

Appling Healthcare’s CT is a Neuviz 64 slice scanner. This is an invaluable diagnostic tool that is incredibly fast and accurate, resulting in higher quality images and  a lower dose to patients. Each time the scanner spins around the body, it collects 64 slices of data.

This scanner, which can accommodate patients up to 600 pounds, delivers a more comfortable and pleasant patient experience. The entire procedure takes approximately 20 minutes. LEARN MORE

Cardiac CT for Calcium Scoring

Appling Healthcare’s CT machine also has exceptional imaging capabilities to diagnose cardiac disease. One special and invaluable procedure is the Cardiac CT for Calcium Scoring. This is a non-invasive 10-15 minute scan that checks for the build-up of cholesterol and hardened plaque in your arteries. The screening can detect coronary artery disease before symptoms occur. By catching heart disease early, you can take preventative measures to reduce the risk of a heart attack and sudden cardiac death. This screening is available for $99. LEARN MORE

3D Mammography

Using the latest technology from G.E., Appling Healthcare is able to offer 3D mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis. The 3D screening mammogram allows doctors to examine your breast tissue and all the fine details layer by layer. 

So what’s the difference between a standard 2D mammogram and a 3D mammogram? Think of it like a book. With the 2D, you can only see the book cover. However, with the 3D, you’re able to open the book and look at individual pages. 

The 3D mammogram is more accurate and offers better resolution for detecting masses and cysts, which is especially helpful in women with dense breast tissue. The machine’s advanced imaging also helps reduce the chance of a patient getting called back for additional views. The process of getting a 3D mammogram is the same as a 2D mammogram; no additional compression is required. LEARN MORE

DEXA Scan

A DEXA Scan is an imaging test that measures your bone density or strength. Appling Healthcare’s Radiology Department offers this state-of-the-art bone scan to determine your risk for osteoporosis (bones loss) or fractures. DEXA, which stands for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, uses very little radiation and is a painless, non-invasive procedure. 

During the DEXA scan, you will lie comfortably on a padded table while the scanner passes over your body, imaging your hip and spine areas. Our technologist will be in the room with you, just a few feet away. The scan takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes. 

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends a DEXA bone density test for the following groups of people:

  • Women 65 years and older
  • Men 70 and older
  • Men or women who break a bone after age 50
  • Women of menopausal age with risk factors
  • Postmenopausal women under 65 with risk factors
  • Men 60 to 69 with risk factors

LEARN MORE from the National Osteoporosis Foundation about who should have a DEXA scan.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound, or sonogram, is a procedure that uses harmless, high-frequency sound waves to capture images of your body’s soft tissues and internal organs without using radiation. An ultrasound may be ordered for a wide range of areas to include obstetrics, gynecology, musculoskeletal, abdominal, vascular, and other soft tissues. 

To begin the exam, you will typically lie on a padded exam table and a clear gel is applied to the skin of the area to be examined. This gel helps in the transmission of the sound waves. Our technologist will then use a handheld device called a transducer and gently pass over the skin of the area to be examined. 

In early 2021, Appling Healthcare’s Radiology Department replaced their ultrasound machine with a brand new Mindray model, allowing for the production of even more high quality images for diagnosis. LEARN MORE

X-ray

An X-ray is a useful and safe procedure that uses radiation waves to create images of your internal tissues, organs and bones. X-rays can be used to help detect a variety of conditions to include bone fractures, tumors, arthritis and pneumonia. While X-rays do expose you to a small amount of radiation, the amount is too small to cause you any harm. As an extra precaution, the parts of your body that do not need to be imaged will be covered with a lead shield during the procedure. LEARN MORE

Nuclear Medicine


Some services may require precertification. For more information, please contact our Radiology Department at (912)367-9841, ext. 1240

Tekisha Jones

Tekisha Jones, a proud native of Appling County, is a devoted wife to Jakharis Jones and the loving mother of three children: Takhara, Aleah, and Khamil. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner from Walden University, where she developed a strong commitment to advancing healthcare in her community.
 
Currently, Tekisha serves with East Georgia Healthcare, where she provides compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals and families.

Madeline Rentz-Tucker

Madeline Rentz-Tucker, a native of Baxley, holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Georgia and a Juris Doctor from Mercer University. She has practiced law in various settings and now works with a long-standing local law firm. Madeline and her husband, Matthew Tucker, a native of Ocilla, enjoy life in Baxley with their two dogs.

Cam Mayers

Cam Mayers is a native of Appling County and a graduate of Georgia Southern University’s Parker College of Business. He has worked for various industries here in Southeast Georgia and is currently a lender with Pineland Bank. He is actively involved in the community, serving on the Appling County Festival Committee, and is a recent graduate of the Appling Leads Leadership Program. Cam and his wife, Hannah Carter Mayer,s have two young daughters, Lillian and Bess.

Sloan Lott

Sloan Lott is a lifelong resident of Baxley. He has been employed by Bland Farms for 28 years and is currently their Director of Sales. He is married to Kendra Lott, and they have two daughters, Isabella and Amelia. He is a graduate of Georgia Southern University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Sloan currently serves on numerous industry and charitable boards. He is a member of the executive board of directors forthe  Southeast Produce Council and a member of the board for Society of St. Andrews.

Lee Lewis

Lee Lewis is the City Market Executive and Senior Vice-President for Pineland Bank in Baxley. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia from the Terry College of Business with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. Lee is actively involved in his community, serving as Chairman of the Coastal Pines Technical College Board, Secretary of the Appling County Hospital Authority, Executive Board Member for the Coastal Georgia Council BSA, and Treasurer of the Appling County Tourism Board. In 2023, he was elected to the Board of Trustees for the Georgia Hospital Association. Lee is married to Melody Lewis, and they have one son, Hudson.

Jaymal R. Patel, MD

Geriatric Psychiatry / Hospitalist

163 E. Tollison Street
Baxley, GA 31513
(912) 367-9841

Primary Focus

Senior Care Unit (Behavioral Health)

Education & Training

Board Certified: General Psychiatry, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Board Certified: Geriatric Psychiatry, American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry,
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Medical School: Baroda Medical College and affiliated hospitals, Baroda, India
Internship: Baroda Medical College and affiliated hospitals, Baroda, India
Residency in Psychiatry: Medical College of Georgia and University of Pennsylvania
Fellowship: University of Pennsylvania,Geriatric Psychiatry Program

Melanie Young, APRN, FNP-C

Pediatrics

105 E. Tollison Street Suite D
Baxley, GA 31513
(912) 366-9688

Education & Training

Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner: Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA

Affiliations/Certifications

-Family Nurse Practitioner
-Registered Nurse, Georgia
-Basic Cardiac Life Support
-Advanced Cardiac Life Support
-Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Life Support
-ONS Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Provider Course
-American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
-Sigma Theta Tau International

Orlando V. Fernando, MD

Internal Medicine

105 E. Tollison Street Suite B
Baxley, GA 31513
(912) 367-0102

Education & Training

Medical School: University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
Residency: Memorial University/Mercer University Hospital, Savannah, GA
Internship: Memorial University/Mercer University Hospital, Savannah, GA

Affiliations

-Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine
-Certified, Medical Review Officer, Southern Nuclear Company
-Member, American College of Physicians
-Recognition with Commendation, American Medical Association

Matt Hodges, FNP-BC

Family Medicine

105 E. Tollison Street Suite B
Baxley, GA 31513
(912) 367-0102

Matt is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who treats patients two years and older. He is a certified BioTE® medical provider for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, including BioTE® hormone pellet therapy.

Key Services
-Chronic Disease Management
-Health Maintenance Screenings
-Acute Care
-Physical Exams
-Disease Prevention
-BioTE® Hormone Replacement Therapy
Botox® injections
-BMI-based weight management program ($45, bi-monthly)

 

Education & Training

Master of Science in Nursing: South University, Savannah, GA (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA

Certifications/Memberships

-Family Nurse Practitioner
-Registered Nurse, Georgia
-Advanced Cardiac Life Support
-Basic Life Support (BLS)
-Chemotherapy & Biotherapy Provider
-Oncology Nursing Society
-Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing

Josefina Abendan-Dubberly, MD

Pediatrics

105 E. Tollison Street Suite D
Baxley, GA 31513
(912) 366-9688

Key Services

-Primary Care
-Well Checks
-Acute Care
-Physical Exams
-Disease Preventions
-Patient Education

Education & Training

Medical School: University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
Residency: Brookdale University Hospital, Brooklyn, New York

Affiliation

-American Board of Pediatrics