Frequently Asked Questions

We want to focus on you during the time we have set aside for your appointment. To help, we have forms available to you online so that you can complete them prior to your visit. We would prefer that you mail them to us but you may bring them with you to your visit. Whether you have had the opportunity to fill out the forms in advance or not, please come with the following information:

1. The date your last menstrual period started.
2. Any medications or supplements you are currently taking and their doses.
3. Any drug allergies you may have.
4. Your current insurance card for verification of eligibility.

Your appointment begins when you arrive - and we will spend the first few minutes updating your records in our system, and then will call you back to begin your exam.

Please arrive on time. Your appointment begins with the completion of any necessary paperwork and the updating of your chart. The forms available on the patient portal of our website so you can complete and return them to us before your appointment and reduce your waiting time. If you are an established patient at our current location please be sure to let us know if any of your medications, insurance or other relevant information in your chart has changed.

If you have never seen Dr. Johnson before we will be creating a new chart for you. You will need to fill out a the various medical history and registration forms, as well as reviewing and signing our credit policy and financial responsibility forms, even if you have records transferred from another clinic.

We do our best to see every patient on time, and understand that your time is valuable. Occasionally, however, there are emergencies that arise or someone in need of extra time that puts us behind. We will do our best to let you know when this happens, and ask for your patience and flexibility. Someday, if you need a little extra time, we will do our best to accommodate you, too.

Please let us know 24 hours in advance if you will not be able to make your scheduled appointment so that we can make the time available for another patient. If you fail to show or cancel less than 24 hours in advance, you will be responsible for a rescheduling fee before another appointment can be made.

We are a practice solely dedicated to providing the utmost in patient care. You will never feel rushed or lacking in time to have all of your questions answered. Dr. Johnson has been recognized with the “Patient’s Choice Award” in multiple years as well as the “Compassionate Physician Award.”

We are located on the 3rd level of the Lloyd Center Mall between the food court and Sears in Suite #2209. If you are walking from the food court towards Sears, we are the 4th door on the left. A map and more information can be found on our location page.

While we accept many insurance policies, it is always advisable to check with your insurance company before making any medical appointment to ensure that the physician is in your network. The 800 number on the back of your insurance card will guide you to an insurance representative who can assist you in determining your coverage.

When insurance coverage includes a copayment, you are required to pay that amount at the time of your visit and we are required to collect that copayment then. We are unable to bill you for a copay. The full amount of your copay must be paid upon your arrival to your appointment. Copays vary based upon individual insurance plans. Often times, copay amounts are listed directly on your insurance card.

Monday and Thursday: 9:00am – 5:00pm. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00am – 3:00pm. Saturday and Sunday: Closed Subject to change. Patient appointments are available on Mondays and Thursdays.

As a specialist in Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Dr. Johnson is not a Primary Care Physician. We are happy to provide you with a list of PCPs throughout the Portland area.

If you are coming to us with an existing condition, such as fibroids or cysts, copies of your past health records such as imaging reports or operation summaries are extremely helpful in allowing us to expedite the care we can provide you. Please have your past records faxed to our office at: 503-345-9339.

To cancel or reschedule your appointment you can call our office or reach us through the secure messaging portal on our website at least 24 hours prior to the planned appointment. Please be advised that there is a $25 administrative fee for appointments cancelled less than 24 hours in advance.

You will be charged a $25 administrative fee if you do not arrive to your appointment.

A minimum of 24 hours in advance.

If you are going to be more than 30 minutes late to your appointment, it will be necessary to reschedule your appointment.

If you are unable to reach us directly by phone during normal office hours, we are likely on the other line. Please leave us a brief message and we will return your call shortly. You are also welcome to contact us through the secure messaging portal on our website under the “ask a staff” tab.

Out of respect for the staff and other patients, we ask that you kindly turn off or silence your cell phone while in your appointment.

A Pap smear is a simple test that screens for cervical cancer. The doctor gently obtains a sample of cells from your cervix.

There are many reasons to begin seeing a gynecologist beyond needing to obtain a Pap test. Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections ( STIs) should begin prior to or at the onset of sexual activity, for example. Contraceptive planning should also begin at that time. Current screening guidelines state that a woman should have her first Pap at age 21.

A gynecologist can always manage to perform a pelvic examination. It is recommended that you plan ahead and schedule your appointment while you will not be menstruating to ensure the most accurate results and to minimize your discomfort during the exam.

When we recieve your Pap reports from the lab, we will compose and send you a letter with your results, typically 7-10 business days following your appointment.

An abnormal Pap is an impression only, not a diagnosis. If you have an abnormal result, follow up recommendations will be included in the result letter sent to you.

There are 3 standard kinds of abnormal Paps results: ASCUS, LGSIL and HGSIL.

ASCUS stands for Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance. An ASCUS result means that abnormal cells were detected on the cervix.

LGSIL (also called CIN I) stands for Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions.

HGSIL stands for High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and is divided into two categories, Moderate Dysplasia and Severe Dysplasia.

Moderate Dysplasia (also called CIN II) means that at least ½ of the thickness of cell layer is abnormal.

Severe Dysplasia (also called CIN III) means that the entire thickness of the cell layer is abnormal.

The CDC recommends that girls and women ages 9 – 26 receive the vaccination. The CDC has approved the vaccine to be given to boys and young men between the ages of 9 – 26 on a case by case basis. We can provide the HPV vaccination series for your son or daughter even though she/he is not an active patient of ours.

In order to obtain a new prescription you will need to be seen for an appointment. Please note that most prescriptions are provided on a 12 month basis. Prescriptions for birth control require being seen by the doctor every 12 months in order to be provided with a prescription refill.

If you believe that you have a bladder infection you need to be seen at a clinic location that can order urine testing.  We recommend that you see your Primary Care Physician or an urgent care clinic if a last-minute appointment is not available here.

The fastest way for us to get a prescription refilled for you is to have your pharmacy directly fax us a refill request. Our fax number is: 503-345-9339.

Please note that many prescriptions are provided on a 12 month basis. Prescriptions like birth control require being seen by the doctor every 12 months in order to be provided with a new prescription refill.

Many common procedures are done in an office setting instead of a hospital operating room. Insertion of IUDs and examination of the cervix by colposcopy are familiar examples. Other examples include diagnostic or therapeutic hysteroscopy, where the inside of the uterine cavity is inspected and/or treated, and endometrial ablation, a procedure to treat heavy bleeding. We also offer a permanent sterilization procedure called “Essure” that requires no surgery, hormones or recovery time. Essure is the most effective form of (permanent) birth control available at this time.