WELCOME TO
MOUNTAIN LAKES MEDICAL CENTER
Your Hometown Hospital Committed to Excellence
SERVICES PROVIDED
DIAGNOSTIC & IMAGING SERVICES
Mountain Lakes Medical Center’s radiology services include CT, Ultrasound and X-Ray.
The experienced and caring screening technologists work together with board certified radiologists to provide a comfortable environment, early detection and in-depth
diagnostic images.
If you have any questions about an upcoming procedure, please call us directly at
706-782-0494. Most of our outpatient imaging services are available 7 days a week, 24 hours
a day with a physician order. For all imaging services, please call 706-782-3100 to schedule
an appointment.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
If you have an accident or illness requiring urgent attention you can take comfort in knowing that your local hospital provides emergency care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Mountain Lakes Medical Center’s team of highly trained, skilled and compassionate physicians, nurses, and support staff care for approximately 6,000 patients each year. Care levels range from walk-in urgent care to multi-system trauma to cardiac care and stabilization.
HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Our health information management department manages data and records generated from each patient's visit to Mountain Lakes Medical Center. The medical information is used to support patient care services, health system reimbursement, and other administrative activities. Our health information management department adheres to stringent standards set by the federal government to ensure that patient-specific information is kept strictly confidential.
To request a copy of your medical record, please call us at 706.782.0405, or email us - medicalrecords@mlmchealth.com Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
LABORATORY
The Laboratory at Mountain Lakes Medical Center is an accredited full service lab offering comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services. Patient convenience is our goal, that’s why our laboratory is available 24 hours a day.
With most results returning in just 2 hours, your doctor can make a faster diagnosis, getting you back on your feet as soon as possible. Additionally, our lab offers complimentary courier services to local physician offices if desired.
To accommodate patients with limited mobility or infants, MLMC has provided an additional laboratory area situated near the front entrance of the hospital.
Services
-
Microbiology
-
Clinical Chemistry
-
Transfusion Services
-
Hematology
-
Immunology
-
Urinalysis
-
Coagulation
Mountain Lakes Medical Center Laboratory is accredited by the CLIA and Medicaid Services, as well as The Georgia Department of Community Health.
For more information on specific testing needs, please contact the Laboratory Department directly at 706.782.0413.
OUTPATIENT TREATMENT CENTER
The Outpatient Treatment Center at Mountain Lakes Medical Center provides both cardiopulmonary diagnostic studies and respiratory care for inpatients and outpatients with known or suspected pulmonary disease or dysfunction.
The Outpatient Treatment Center hours : Monday-Friday from 8am - 5pm and scheduled appointments on weekends and holidays. To schedule an appointment, call 706-782-0464.
OUTPATIENT TREATMENT SERVICES
The Outpatient Treatment Center is staffed by licensed nurses, radiology technologists, and respiratory therapists. Every member of our care team is highly trained and experienced in their area of practice.
Scheduling an appointment is quick and easy, simply call 706.782.0464. Our central scheduling department sets up appointments and ensures that we have everything in place when the patient arrives at the Outpatient Treatment Center.
The Outpatient Treatment Center offers patients and their families access to all hospital guest services including free WiFi.
To schedule an appointment, please call 706.782.0464. Patient's orders may be faxed to 866.928.0609. Please call to confirm the fax was received.
OUTPATIENT INFUSION CENTER
The Outpatient Infusion Center at Mountain Lakes Medical Center provides patients who are in need of IV infusions, long-term antibiotics, blood or platelet transfusions, central line care, and dressing changes with a convenient, close-to-home option.
Why spend your time driving to non-local facilities when you can experience excellent healthcare close to home? You have a choice!
​
For more information, please call 706-782-0464. We look forward to providing you with exceptional care and service.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
With the addition of Natalie Payne, PT, DPT, we now offer services 8 hours per day, Monday through Friday. Natalie Payne provides high quality outpatient physical therapy services to the people of Rabun County and the surrounding communities.
From fall prevention to post-surgical recovery, the therapists of Mountain Lakes can evaluate and treat any number of conditions. Our precertification specialist will handle all insurance authorizations and scheduling.
Mountain Lakes Medical Center offers physical therapy appointments Monday-Friday from 8AM to 5PM. Most therapy sessions last for one hour. To schedule an appoint,
call 706-782-0428.
SHORT TERM INPATIENT REHABILITATION
Imagine that you or a loved one have just had surgery or an extensive illness, and are still having difficulty getting out of bed, getting dressed, or walking by yourself.
The Short Term Inpatient Rehabilitation program, located on the Mountain Lakes Medical Center campus, is an ideal environment for patients to gain functional independence prior to being discharged home. We provide a range of services to help patients transition from surgery or illness to home by providing a personalized care plan.
The Mountain Lakes therapy team has over 40 years of experience assisting in these processes, working closely with each patient to restore and maintain strength, endurance, balance, and the skills necessary for the lifestyle they enjoy. Patients are also provided with ongoing physical therapy care and long-term follow-up - all with quick and convenient access to all of the hospital’s resources, saving them time and money. .
Why choose Mountain Lakes Medical Center?
-
On-site Rehab Gym
-
More Personalized Care
-
Nurse to patient ratio is 1:5
-
Average length of stay: 12 days
-
80% of our Swing Bed patients return home
-
Pet visits Allowed
Mountain Lakes Medical Center’s Short Term Inpatient Rehabilitation program is covered by Medicare and most private insurance plans. For more information, please call 706-782-0430 or review the brochure attached below.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Facing an injury or illness can be a difficult, stressful experience for patients and their families. Mountain Lakes Medical Center social service professionals offer support to patients and their loved ones and provide information about community resources that are available to help individuals meet their social and emotional needs.
Services Include:
Discharge planning: helping patients identify and arrange for appropriate services after they leave the hospital
Facilitating transfer to rehabilitation of skilled nursing facilities
Arranging for home healthcare
Referrals for financial support for healthcare services
Mental health evaluations
Substance abuse assessments
Crisis intervention
Bereavement support and counseling
For financial counseling, please call 706-782-3100. For all other social services, call Susan Fisher at 706-782-0430.
SURGICAL SERVICES
Mountain Lakes Medical Center offers a world-class operating room, fully furnished with innovative surgical equipment. We are proud to offer patients from across the tri-state area the safety, comfort, and convenience of local surgery in a state-of-the-art surgical suite.
​
Mountain Lakes Medical Center is recognized as a critical access hospital and one of the leading outpatient centers of its kind. The operating room is fully licensed and accredited by the state of Georgia Community Health and is vital for maintaining access to high-quality health care services in our communities.
Our specially trained surgical staff and diverse team of medical professionals provide patients with a relaxed, comfortable setting that allows them and their family members to enjoy a pleasant experience with us and to achieve the best possible surgical results. We know that having surgery can be a stressful time for family and loved ones and we do our best to ensure all questions are answered and that families are updated during the surgical process.
To schedule an appointment or speak to someone about Mountain Lakes Medical Center Surgical Services, please call 706-782-0464.
Rural Health Clinic www.mlmcphysiciansgroup.com
MEET OUR PHYSICIANS
and PROVIDERS
DR. MICHAEL HOLLIFIELD, MD
Dr. Hollifield, Chief of Staff at Mountain Lakes Medical Center, is a graduate of the University of North Georgia and holds a medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia.
With more than 29 years of experience as an Attending Emergency Physician at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Dr. Hollifield has played an active role on several NGMC committees. He also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine and as a Professor of Emergency Medicine in the Clerical Preceptor Track at Mercer University School of Medicine.
Contact: 706-782-0467
Fax: 706-782-0465
DR. KEITH JACKSON, MD
Dr. Jackson serves as the ENT Physician and Surgeon at Mountain Lakes Medical Center. He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his specialty training at Emory University.
With decades of experience, Dr. Jackson has practiced at Northside Hospital, Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital/CHOA, North Fulton Hospital, and Saint Joseph’s Hospital. He is also a past president of the Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Society
of Atlanta.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Jackson enjoys playing music, singing, painting, writing poetry, gardening, and cooking.
Contact: 706-782-0478
Fax: 706-960-9598
DR. JA SPIVEY, MD
Dr. Spivey serves as a Pain Medicine Physician and Anesthesiologist at Mountain Lakes Medical Center. He is a graduate of South Georgia College and the University of Georgia.
He is board-certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology, in Addiction Medicine by the American Board of Preventive Medicine, and is also certified as an Independent Medical Examiner by ABIME.
Outside of his medical practice, Dr. Spivey enjoys water sports, hiking, and spending quality time with his children.
Contact: 706-782-0481
Fax: 706-782-0465
DR. Erica McVey, Audiologist
Dr. McVey serves as a Audiologist at Mountain Lakes Medical Center. She is a graduate of the University of Texas and completed her extensive clinical training at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center and McLane Children’s Specialty Hospital in Temple, Texas.
She is board-certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
and holds licensure in both Georgia and North Carolina.
Dr. McVey specializes in vestibular assessment, hearing aids, and aural rehabilitation. Additionally, she is fluent in American Sign Language, further enhancing her ability to serve a diverse patient population.
Contact: 706-782-0478
Fax: 706-960-9598
DR. CRYSTAL BRIGHT, MD
Dr. Crystal Bright, MD, serves as our Family Practice and Sports Medicine physician, bringing over 15 years of experience in comprehensive family and sports medicine care. She is dedicated to providing
high-quality, compassionate healthcare to patients across Northeast Georgia and surrounding Western Carolinas.
She earned her medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN, and completed her residency in Family Medicine at Duke University/Southern Regional Area Healthcare Center. She later returned to Meharry to complete a fellowship in Primary Care Sports Medicine.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Bright enjoys classic cars and serves as an official BBQ judge.
Contact: 706-782-0467
Fax: 706-782-0465
Bryan McDonald, FNP
Mr. McDonald serves as the Family Nurse Practitioner at our Rural Health Clinic. He graduated from Toccoa Falls College and earned his Registered Nurse (RN) credentials from North Georgia Technical College. In 2022, he became certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Bryan has been married to his wife for 33 years and is the proud father of six children, including two adopted. Their ages range from 14 to 31. Outside of his work at the clinic, Bryan is deeply involved in church ministry, a passion he has pursued for over 20 years. He also enjoys trail running, raising his children, and cheering on his favorite team—the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Contact: 706-782-0467
Fax: 706-782-0465
ER Physicians
and PROVIDERS
Dr. Keith Vrabec, Director of Emergency Services
Dr. Spencer Baird
Dr. Brett Magner
Dr. Adebola Adeogun
Dr. Mark Ellis
ER Physicians
Providers
Dr. Michael Hollifield, General & Internal Medicine,
Rural Health Clinic, MLMC
Dr. Crystal Bright, Family and Sports Medicine,
Rural Health Clinic, MLMC
Bryan McDonald, FNP, Rural Health Clinic, MLMC
Dr. Keith Jackson, ENT, MLMC
Dr. Jerry Spivey, Pain Management, MLMC
Dr. Ashfaq, Cardiology, MLMC
Dr. Patel, Cardiology, MLMC
Dr. Don Nichols, Podiatry, MedLink
Dr. Shellnut and Dr. Clark-Gastro of Gainesville
MRI Service
magnetic resonance imaging
NEWS
ABOUT US
ABOUT US
Our Community is Our Family
At Mountain Lakes Medical Center, we believe in providing the highest quality, compassionate care in a world-class hospital setting. Our dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff are committed to a truly person-centered approach—serving patients, families, our local community, and employees with kindness and respect every day.
Serving the Northeast Georgia and the Western Carolinas, our hospital represents a bold step into the future of healthcare. We are committed to creating a healing environment that fosters collaboration and puts people first.
As a Level IV Trauma Center and full-service, 25-bed acute care hospital, Mountain Lakes Medical Center is staffed by highly trained medical professionals who are passionate about improving healthcare and redefining how our community thinks about health and wellness.
CONTACT US
Mountain Lakes Medical Center
162 Legacy Point Clayton, GAÂ 30525
706-782-3100 Main
706-782-0464 Scheduling
Rabun County School District
WILDCAT Clinic
School-Based Health Clinic
In Partnership with Mountain Lakes Medical Center
Rabun County School System is excited to announce our partnership with Mountain Lakes Medical Center to open a
school-based health clinic starting October 7th.
The clinic staff will include a Nurse Practitioner, Medical Assistant and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. This health clinic will provide an additional resource for our students, siblings of our students from birth to preschool age, and staff members to receive immediate access to medical care and behavioral health care.
SERVICES:
-
Urgent care visits
-
Sutures, wound repair
-
Basic laboratory testing including Flu, Strep, Mono, COVID, RSV, Urinalysis, Finger stick blood glucose.
-
EKG
-
School Sports Physicals
-
Wellness visits as needed
-
Mental Health/Behavioral Health services including:
-
Crisis Assessments
-
Initial Mental Health Assessments
-
Individual Counseling
-
Family Counseling
-
Group Counseling
-
Mental/Behavioral Risk Assessments
-
Flu and COVID Shots
Andrea Howell, AANP
Certified Registered
Nurse Practitioner
​
Andrea is an engaging NP experience in Family Practice Clinic settings caring for a diverse patient population including children and adults. She enjoys working with children and their parents to address health challenges and support health improvements.
Prior to becoming a NP, Andrea worked in pediatric inpatient hospitals, Emergency Departments, and as a Cardiac Surgical IUC nurse.
LOCATION ADDRESS:
Board of Education Building
901 Tiger Connector Road
Tiger, GA 30576
Phone:
706-782-0459
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm
Jessica Tewell
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
​
Jessica has 11 year’s experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Jessica has provided outpatient Assessments, Individual, Family and Group Therapy. She has also provided Substance User Disorder services on an outpatient basis and for the last 10 years has worked in Appalachian Community Services in Macon, NC delivering and supervising services and programs for both adults and children.
Jessica is a native of Murphy, NC and has a passion for working with children and adults in
this area.