Swedish Redmond Emergency Department

I’ve had the unfortunate pleasure of visiting this place on more than one occasion. I have no idea how this place can get less than 5 stars on Unilocal.You are quickly given a room, no waiting for hours to get a room like some other places. You are then quickly treated by a nurse to get your vitals. Depending on how busy they are, the doctor usually gets to you reasonabley quick. Just remember, your not the only person with an emergency. I can’t give enough praise for a Dr. Jeffrey P. Roger. He is the best ER doc I’ve ever had, he truly cares for your well being, and goes the extra mile. Kudos to to all the Swedish late evening crew. Thanks.

I wish I could give them a zero. Below I am attaching the complaint letter I sent to Swedish. I sent it several times, to different people, they never seemed to receive it and were redirecting me to others. Of course, your fight against a such a giant — is a lost fight. They waived me with some poor excuse. I paid a very high price (around 1K) for pain killers. They basically refused to diagnose me, claiming that insurance will not cover the costs, without checking with the insurance first. Painkillers only prolonged my sufferings, as a correct diagnosis was not carried on time. Here is the letter:
«I have been suffering from a continuously worsening backache from mid-​June, 2014. By the end of July, the pain was projecting to my right leg.
On 07/​29/​2014 I arrived to Emergency Care at Swedish Medical Center in Redmond, as I begun to lose the feeling of my right leg. My complains were as follows: severe lower back pain for more than a month that projected to the right leg and numbness of the right foot. At this point I was on Arcoxia (etoricoxib) for three weeks (approved indications differ by country) that was prescribed while I was abroad, and had no effect on my condition. I chose Swedish as a facility with a full set of diagnostic medical equipment, over a small private physician office. I was admitted in a timely and extremely polite manner.
I was checked by Teneyck, Lisa D, MD, and was told that due to a short period of the symptoms (more than a month!) insurance will not cover X-​Rays and that „X-​Rays are not effective in diagnosing this kind of medical conditions“. Also, I was told that „MRI may only be carried out prior to a surgery — in order to plan the course of the procedure“. Due to the above, I was basically refused a proper diagnosis. Dr. Teneyck diagnosed me with sciatica and prescribed me with steroids, painkillers and muscle relaxants (I have already been on etoricoxib for weeks, with no effect on me). The doctor also recommended against receiving chiropractic care. She did advice to contact Swedish Spine, should there be no improvement in my condition.
I would like to emphasize that there is no such condition as „sciatica“, it’s a set of symptoms. Therefore, one cannot be diagnosed with it.
During the time it took me to finish taking the medications (about two weeks), in naïve expectation for an improvement, my condition has dramatically deteriorated up to a severe muscle spasms and debilitating pain in right leg and lower back. As a result, I was unable to drive to work and work in the office. The painkillers only prolonged the period of suffering, by giving me a temporary illusion of relief. Moreover, the painkillers do not allow to keep a posture that prevents a farther damage to the nerves, by eliminating body’s natural feedback — pain. This visit to the Swedish emergency room — only prolonged my suffering and worsen my condition.
At his point I turned to a private clinic (as I didn’t want to have anything to do with Swedish, after the treatment I received in their Emergency Care) that immediately contacted my insurance to get approval to perform an X-​Ray and MRI. X-​Ray was done the same day, on site.
Please note that the doctor suggested against both diagnostic techniques, claiming that it will not be covered by the insurance (without checking with the insurance first) and that „X-​Ray is not an effective diagnostic method for this sort of conditions“. In reality, X-​Ray did show reduced disk spacing, based upon it — MRI was performed the next day. MRI showed disc degeneration in the lower lumbar spine: „Grade 1 degenerative disc and joint disease at L5-​S1. Smorals nodes are noted at L3, L4“.
Due to the above, I request to immediately annul Swedish request for payment, both for the emergency room and physician „services“, as I did not receive a correct treatment and was refused a proper diagnosis, I specifically arrived there to receive. Moreover, I was given a medical treatment, although I was on a similar treatment for a few weeks, with no results. The increasing numbness in my feet and a lack of prior positive effect from medication — were supposed to be a red light for an experienced doctor. Moreover, in the papers I received from the hospital, it’s suggested to seek immediate medical care if: „There is numbness in any areas from the hip down to the toes“. Nevertheless, the numbness of my right foot, I was complaining about — was practically ignored and excused with painkillers. As a result of doctor’s negligence, my condition deteriorated. Should a right diagnosis that I hoped to receive, from such a noble institute, had been carried in time — I might have not have hit such a low point when I had to go on a temporary disability, and I might not have suffered as much from a constant physical pain, dramatically lowered quality of life, loss of income and on-​going medical bills.»

A very dangerous drug for my husband was prescribed at this facility. It was totally contraindicated if anyone had paid attention. Resulted in lifelong crippling and no excuse for this. Definitely medical malpractice. The nurse used a terrible excuse that the computers weren’t working. If that were true than human minds would kick in as start asking the right questions to be sure that the drug applied was not contraindicated. That didn’t happen and it definitely was. This was the last time my husband was allowed to go there. I unfortunately went there when I had a back injury. I was xrayed and nothing was shared after the xray. I proceeded to the parking lot where I fell down and the staff saw that happen. Nothing was done for me. I was appalled. Luckily my doctor is at Virginia Mason and there an MRI was ordered to really find out what was going on, unlike a xray that showed nothing. This really is a useless place

You need think twice when you decide to go Swedish Urgent Care. You may be redirected to ER very easily even the situation is not that urgent. And you will have nowhere to complain and no one is going to answer your inquiries.
I encountered that case without clear explanation and it turned out nothing but a very big bill.
I called them to complain but they never want to directly address the problem. I was redirected to different department and asked to call different numbers and never get the right person to talk until today. I sent request to get medical report long time ago (to show the reasons that we were redirect to ER) but never get response. I sent appeal request long time ago but never get response as well. Today they explained I might sent to wrong place/​number. My god — did you put the right information on your website? And did you mean that many things on your website are incorrect?
I called them many times to talk about the treatment but they only talked and care the balance.
After a few months, I finally was directed to a number seems correct and I got this ridiculous answer is: why didn’t you refuse going to ER at that time? My god — am I a doctor? If you were cheated by a cheater and gave him 1 million dollar, and then you realized that you were cheated and went the back to the cheater. Then the cheater will tell you: why didn’t you refuse to give the 1 million dollar to me at that time? I was so surprised to get this funny answer …
Looks like Swedish is in a mess. Be careful. Think twice.

I went to the urgent care at Swedish because I am pregnant and was so sick I couldn’t keep anything down, and was dehydrated. They sent me downstairs to the ER. Every doctor was wonderful; kind and considerate. The doctor from urgent care walked me downstairs to the ER, and even checked back in on me. The nursing staff was extremely kind. Everyone was very professional and helpful. No one wants to take a trip to the ER, but if you need to-​or urgent care– I highly recommend Swedish Redmond.

I’m really sorry to see that this place has such few stars mainly because some people do not check in properly and then rate the wrong department. This review is for the ER. My experience was unlike any other I’ve had. I have never had a more smooth, pleasant experience. From the moment we stepped in, the nurses, labs and the physician himself were all very attentive to my teen son and treated him with respect, dignity and concern. The waiting time to be seen was non existing, we didn’t even get a chance to sit they got us a room immediately. Both times! So it wasn’t a fluke. Free parking, very very clean waiting room and professional from start to finish, I highly recommend you come here over Kirkland or Bellevue. Hope you are lucky as we were to have Dr. Bretz (spelling) but if you are Know you are in great hands!

I have two children (one boy) so let’s just say I’ve seen my fair share of ER’s in Washington! Yesterday my son fell getting out of the shower and split his chin open and I knew it was going to require stitches immediately! We headed out during rush hour traffic to go to Evergreen ER which is somewhat close and I remembered seeing a commercial about no wait so I googled and we were off! It was a pretty short drive from Woodinville and I have a feeling it would have been a longer commute if I had to deal with I405 going to Evergreen. The building was very clean and professional, we were greeted by a nurse at the ER counter who asked some basic questions and before we even sat down we were whisked away by another nurse to an exam room. As soon as we walked through the door there were three other nurses who greeted us and got right to work, one charting, one assessing, one taking vitals. Right when all the basics were complete and there was a stitch kit ready to go the doc came in and examined him and got right to work!
The nurses and doctor were amazing, not only for getting us out of there in an a little less than an hour but they were friendly and very professional, they were also very delicate with him not only giving him the anesthetic by injection but gave him a topical treatment before the injection to ease the pain (that is normally given to young children). My sons stitches look great and i don’t think he will have a noticeable scar!
God willing we will be limited on ER visits but if we need to I will defiantly be going back!

This review is for Primary Care
Came here for a routine check up and because I needed a primary care physician since I just moved to WA. Everyone was so nice and helpful. The admin/​receptionists, medical assistant and doctor were awesome and had a great attitude.
The exam room was very clean, they had up-​to-​date medical instruments, which is very different coming from some if the clinics I’ve seen elsewhere.
Seems like they are still taking new patients. I would recommend them.

I brought my Mom here while she was visiting me from out of state. We initially brought her to Urgent Care, but because of her insurance, and need for tests, they sent her to the ER. My mom is a senior and on medicare, so I’m waiting to see how she is billed for this visit before giving a 5-​Star review.
The facility was modern, clean, and there was not a long wait. It was actually way better than any Emergency Room visit experienced in the past. The staff was friendly, and my mom was treated very well, especially by Nurse Lawna! Dr. Wang came in to examine her, and he was very helpful, friendly and professional as well. They gave her some IV fluids, took some tests, prescribed some medicine, and she left feeling much better than when she went in.
However, as in any medical situation, pay attention to everything, making sure that the treatment administered is consistent with what the doctor has told you. And always ask questions!
If needed, I would come here again.

The staff means well and they got me in right away (Sunday of Memorial Day weekend) but the misdiagnosed my injuries and X-​rayed the wrong part of my body (chest not neck as they should have). I was later charged over $ 1,200 for their services. Do not go here. It’s a little further to Overlake or Evergreen but you would be better served to go to a better ER

This is a review for the urgent care only. I had discovered I had been bit by a spider twice on Tuesday night, so Wednesday afternoon while I was at work, I let them know I had to go be seen before the bites became infected, unfortunately I have really sensitive skin when I get bit. I drove over to the urgent care and found it relatively easy. It was on the 2^nd floor and I found the receptionist right away. I let her know my dilemma and that I usually am seen at the Swedish clinic in Greenlake, so my info was in the system. I also didn’t have a co-​pay which was nice. I literally sat down for 2 minutes and then was called back by the medical assistant. My vitals were taken and after she put my info into the computer, she left and then about 5 minutes later the physician assistant came in. I explained what was going on and that a certain antibiotic would do the trick for me so she sent that electronically to the pharmacy down the street. I think I was in and out in less than 20 minutes and back to work in no time. Thanks, Swedish :-)

They should change the name to «clinic». We have tried to get care here twice and both times were a waste of time (and money). The second time was the worst. My husband came in with muscle spasm from a disc issue and they just drugged him up to the point he could not walk and then asked me where I wanted him transferred to with out addressing the issue at all really.

This is my first bad review I have ever submitted on Unilocal!
I went here for a visit one late evening for to the urgent care because I had pain trying to urinate with not even a half filled bladder, naturally, I thought I was getting a UTI so I ushered myself straight there to get anti-​biotics straight away. The nurse that that «assisted» me was very much like the nurse that kids would go to see during recess. She had a very grumpy attitude, but like I always do I just go along with it.
I submitted my sample and she came back within minutes saying I had no UTI. I was surprised by this I’ve never had false symptoms before. When I asked what could cause the discomfort she only repeated herself «You do not have a UTI». SO I ASKED AGAIN, and she just looked at me and repeated herself. No help what-​so-​ever. No answer for me, or ever a doctor to ever see me so I could ask what could cause an irritated non filled bladder. That’s right, I saw no doctor.
She was very rude. I though maybe afterwards they treated me like I was on the hunt for conrtolled substances, which made me feel bad because I thought I’d be getting antibiotics and that was it. It’s true I didn’t have a UTI as I was feeling much better the next day, but not a single question answered, not a single smile, not a single curteousy except by the front desk staff. Never again.

Only recently discovered this place was open. Had to rush my husband in when he began experiencing extreeme pain. No more than two minutes of walking in the door they had him in a room with an IV in him — starting tests. Turned out he had a Kidney Stone. They got strong pain meds in him really fast and stopped his suffering. The staff and Doctor Karch were friendly, fast and informative in treating the problem. Only 4 Stars because the CT Machine was down so they couldn’t do a proper scan for Kidney Stones. But they did do an Ultra-​sound — not as in depth as CT. The Ultrasound tech — Brian — was really great. My husband passed the Kidney Stone within 2 hours and was fine after that, so they sent us home with prescriptions, just in case he had another one. We were both very pleased with our first experience at the Swedish Redmond Urgent Care but hope that we stay healthy and don’t have to return…

If in any way shape or form you can make it to Overlake ER, for the love of God save yourself and do so!!!
I have come here twice for myself, once with my husband. It’s the closest ER and when you are in extreme pain that is an important factor. What we have come to learn is 9 out of 10 times, the extra 10 – 15 minutes in the car to make it to Overlake ER is well worth it because this Swedish ER is not going to treat your pain. I’m jealous of the other reviewed who claims they got pain pills here because we and another couple we know who have gone here have experienced the Swedish «We don’t give out pain pills for any reason» speech. Having a migraine? Tylenol. Having major back spasms and unable to stand or walk? Tylenol. Having kidney stones? Tylenol. You getting my theme here? If you want your insurance billed over $ 1000 for some Tylenol, then by all means, come here!
The last time I came here was shortly after I found out I’m pregnant and I had a migraine. I had had the migraine for over 24 hours, it was the weekend and I couldn’t get a hold of my neurologist and I was in distress at the end of my rope. I have strong pain killers at home for a migraine, but they are not safe during pregnancy. My Primary Care Physician will give me Demerol for a migraine (which is safe during pregnancy) if I have the migraine during M-​F business hours. So I went to the ER thinking maybe they can relieve my pain and give me a painkiller safe during pregnancy, like a normal MD would. I have an established history of migraines, I bring in my migraine meds to show I do have migraines and I’m not just some crackhead looking to get high… the ER MD did not believe me. She kept referring to my «headache». I wanted to scream, «Bitch, this isn’t a headache. It’s a f-​ing MIGRAINE» because obviously that ER MD has no clue what the difference is. I can handle a «headache».
Long story short, I got Tylenol. TYLENOL FOR A MIGRAINE!!! If you have ever suffered a migraine then you know how ridiculous that is. It’s like giving some Tums for pain if they have stomach cancer.
Seriously… come here if you MUST but know the real ER (Overlake) is just a little bit longer drive.
TYLENOL!!!

Their pain meds TOTALLY help kill the pain of Kidney stones. O_​O
In other news, be sure to drink PLENTY of water when you’re trying restaurants for your Unilocal reviews.
Seriously though, they were very helpful and FAST getting me in at the emergency room. I had to take my friend to another hospital in Bellevue, and she ended up waiting five minutes while in severe pain.
Me on the other had, I got in IMMEDIATELY at Swedish. Got blood drawn, tests taken (including CT scan) and was out with results and a script in an hour! :-D
The only thing that was disappointing was the lack of army knives, fish and meat balls.
They have no delicious balls of meat. :-{

If you’ve ever had that dream of being a doctor but never really wanted to go through actual medical training, come to this ER. They will ask you what you think you have, then ask you what tests you want done, then ask you if you are «curious» about what is causing you extreme discomfort or pain, and finally, they will ask you what you think about their diagnosis.
And speaking of their diagnosis, they will do some tests (if you request them), and then disregard anything you have said only to diagnose you based on a small finding of infection which in no way explains the ongoing pain you have been experiencing.
They will also tell you that you should self medicate with pain killers until the problem goes away, and if it doesn’t, come back to the same ER that gave you the wrong diagnosis in the first place to receive what can only be assumed as another wrong diagnosis.
The only reason they deserve even one star is that they are fast. And they let you choose when you want to leave. Apparently you can stay all day in their exam rooms and they will just say, «Well, we can’t make you leave.»

They are pretty fast. I noticed in the 2 visits I’ve had the ERDocs don’t order many tests they do use a lot on symptoms. I was in pretty severe pain due to what we ASSUMED to be Gallstones. They refused to give any pain meds and told me to call the physician on call. Normally no big deal, but going through the weekend in pain sucks. Next was a lecture on Epilepsy. I’m not sure I will return. The staff and RNs are very professional and kind, I wasn’t impressed with the doctors as much.