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“We have an opportunity in vascular surgery to provide results in many ways. It’s a field where we often see immediate results.”

You may be surprised to know that a referral to a vascular surgeon does not automatically mean you’ll be adding “surgery” to an upcoming date on your calendar. Dr. Jim Combs, board-certified vascular surgeon at Atlanta Vascular Specialists, contradicts this expectation often.

“Just because you’re referred to see a vascular surgeon does not mean you need an operation,” Dr. Combs says. “So much of what we do in vascular surgery in promoting vascular health is nonoperative, conservative therapies.”

Like many other conditions, increasing exercise, improving diet, quitting smoking, and/or controlling diabetes and high blood pressure will often result in improved symptoms and quality of life.

“We do a lot of counseling on increasing activity and exercise and making sure patients are on an appropriate medication regimen. There are many medical management options for vascular disease,” Dr. Combs says.

When other measures are needed, though, the team at Atlanta Vascular Specialists combines cutting-edge technologies with years of experience to offer the best outcomes for patients. On any given day, Dr. Combs may remove blockages from a carotid artery, repair abdominal aneurysms, place stents in lower extremities, implant dialysis access ports, or remove varicose or spider veins.

“We have an opportunity in vascular surgery to provide results in many ways,” Dr. Combs notes. “It’s a field where we often see immediate results and even when it takes a little longer, we see people’s quality of life improve.”

A graduate of the University of Georgia and the Medical College of Georgia, Dr. Combs completed a fellowship in General Surgery and Vascular Surgery at Atlanta Medical Center.

He notes that it is important when seeking care for vascular conditions to find a provider board-certified in their specialty and to make sure they’re maintaining those certifications. Patients can verify a doctor’s certifications with the American Board of Medical Specialities by visiting abms.org/verify-certification/.

“Always ask the provider about the procedures they are performing in an outpatient setting and which hospitals they have privileges to do similar procedures,” Dr. Combs also advises. “Ask ‘where else do you perform these procedures? What hospitals are you on staff at?’”

When they don’t have hospital credentials, Dr. Combs says, “it’s a big red flag.”



Atlanta Vascular Specialists have been caring for patients for 40 years. Dr. Combs works alongside two other board-certified vascular surgeons, Dr. Eric Wellons and Dr. John Dooley, in their outpatient clinics in Fayetteville and Newnan and with operating credentials at Piedmont Fayette and Piedmont Newnan hospitals.

Dr. Combs sings the praises of his fellow partners and the team that supports them.

“As a surgeon, you rely heavily on the people around you. I know that whatever needs to be done for our patients, this staff is going to attend to that. I have total trust in their abilities and in their care for everybody who comes in here. Together, we provide excellent care.”

Learn more at vascularspecialistofga.com/ or call 404-524-0095