Abnormal pap follow-up · DC metro area
Colposcopy & LEEP Referrals
We don't perform colposcopies or LEEPs at our Kensington office — they require specialized equipment we don't have. But if you've been told you need one, we're still a good place to start.
Book a Problem Visit, we'll go through your pap results with you, answer your questions, and refer you to a colposcopist in the DC metro area who takes your insurance.
Why We Refer These Out
Colposcopy requires a colposcope — a specialized magnifying camera that lets a provider examine cervical tissue closely and take targeted biopsies. LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) requires a LEEP unit and electrocautery equipment to remove abnormal tissue. Both pieces of equipment are expensive to maintain and require enough volume to keep clinical skills sharp — neither of which fits our model as a small primary-gynecology practice.
We do perform other in-office procedures, including endometrial biopsies, polyp removals, IUD insertions and replacements, and Nexplanon arm-implant placements. Sedation options (nitrous oxide, TENS therapy, cervical blocks) are available for procedures we do perform.
What Is a Colposcopy?
A colposcopy is an in-office procedure where a colposcopist uses a magnifying camera (the colposcope) to closely examine your cervix, vagina, and vulva. If they see abnormal-looking tissue, they take small biopsies for the pathology lab. The procedure usually takes 10–15 minutes and is done in the office without sedation, though mild cramping is common.
Colposcopy is usually the next step after an abnormal pap smear or a positive high-risk HPV test, especially when the result is ASC-US with positive HPV, LSIL, HSIL, AGC, or persistent HPV. Sometimes it's recommended for unexplained bleeding or a visible cervical lesion as well.
What Is a LEEP?
LEEP — loop electrosurgical excision procedure — is a treatment for high-grade cervical dysplasia (typically CIN 2 or CIN 3 confirmed on colposcopy biopsy). A thin wire loop carrying an electrical current removes the area of abnormal tissue. The removed tissue is sent to pathology to confirm the diagnosis and ensure the margins are clear.
Most LEEPs take 15–30 minutes and are done in the office with local anesthesia (a cervical block). The colposcopist who performed your colposcopy is usually the same person who would perform a LEEP if you need one.
How We Can Help
Even though we don't perform colposcopies or LEEPs, you don't have to navigate this alone.
Book a Problem Visit
Schedule with us at /book-now or call (301) 241-8181. New and current patients welcome — most major insurance accepted.
We review your results
We'll go through your pap and HPV results with you, explain what they mean, and confirm what next step actually makes sense for your situation.
We refer you out
We refer you to a colposcopist in the DC metro area who takes your insurance, and we send your records ahead. You don't have to start from scratch.
Why Start Here
Abnormal pap results are scary, and a lot of patients describe being handed a referral without anyone actually explaining what's going on. We don't run visits like that. Your provider will sit with you, go through the results, answer every question, and make sure you understand what each next step does and doesn't mean.
Your provider is Ro Tucker, DNP, CNM, WHNP-BC — a certified nurse-midwife and women's health nurse practitioner whose entire clinical practice is reproductive and gynecologic health. Same provider every time.
Ready to Get Started?
Book a Problem Visit. We'll review your results, refer you to a specialist, and send your records ahead — so you're not starting from scratch.
Schedule Now