Do you treat men?
Yes. Hemorrhoids are not a gender-specific condition, and this practice treats men and women equally. The waiting room is mixed, the conversation is identical, and the procedure is the same. We mention this because patients sometimes assume that a pelvic health practice is women-only. It is not. Men are welcome, and we see them every week. The full answer — including what to expect at the visit and how the exam works — is on the men's page.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., U.R.P.S.
Will my insurance cover this?
For nearly all major medical plans, yes. Hemorrhoid treatment is a medical procedure, not cosmetic, and is covered as such. Our team verifies your specific coverage before your first visit and gives you an estimate of any out-of-pocket cost before anything is scheduled.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., U.R.P.S.
Is this the same as surgery?
No. The in-office banding procedure has no incisions, no operating room, no general anesthesia, and no recovery time in the way most patients picture surgery. You are awake throughout. Surgical hemorrhoidectomy exists and is appropriate for a small number of advanced cases — most patients never reach that point. A full comparison is on the banding treatment page.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., U.R.P.S.
Do I need a driver?
No. With no sedation, there is no driving restriction. Most patients drive themselves to the appointment and back to work the same day. This is the single most common point of relief we hear from patients after their first visit.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., U.R.P.S.
What if I have rectal bleeding?
Rectal bleeding should always be evaluated. Most rectal bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids — but it is also the most important early warning sign of colorectal cancer. We will tell you clearly which category you are in. Anyone who is overdue for colorectal cancer screening (age 45 or older without a recent colonoscopy, or younger with risk factors) will have that conversation at the first visit.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., U.R.P.S.
How many visits will I need?
Most patients are fully treated in two to four visits, spaced 3–4 weeks apart. We treat one hemorrhoid at a time — it is more comfortable and more effective than trying to address everything in a single session. I will give you the expected number of visits before we start.
— Lisa L. Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., U.R.P.S.
