VA Medical Center, Seattle Reviews

I had the most amazing experience here, at the women s clinic. Check-in was easy, there was barely a wait, and the doctors were extremely helpful! I would definitely recommend this facility!

Kudos to the dental clinic at the VA... I was a severe case and a 66 year old Vietnam veteran so they put my work out to an outside dentist to expedite my care... my dental care got done within a month and I can now eat without daily pain... I also have my dignity back... thank you

Very caring and professional. Thanks for taking such good care of the veterans.

M6 broth goes to the VA Puget Sound Health Care System and he says nothing but positive points about the place. Thank you for taking good care of him and our veterans!

At the VA hospital in Seattle my dad always receives the best care ever! The very professional people who devote their lives to caring for veterans and their families are indeed extraordinary. CMICU !!!!!

They treat me like gold they have done a lot to relieve my pain awesome team I'm working with thank you so very much

The only complaints I have is wait times to see a provider, but that's the same with my wife in the civilian side. I have received very good care here. One of my docs graduated from Princeton and another from Yale and they have given me great care. Thanks Uncle Sam!

We have always been treated well here. Thank you for your service!

I have been going to Puget Sound VA for a few months now from Oregon. I have been going to short stay or short term and the people have been absolutely awesome. Nurses are very kind and compassionate. Dr s yes most are young, but very respectful and kind. I ve been to VA s before where I wondered why some people worked there but Puget Sound has been a blessing. Maybe I m just lucky.

Terrible service. Avoid at all cost. Use only if your very last resort.

I called to set up an appointment and they said some b.s. about this call will set up my appointment to schedule me setting up my appointment for my visit in one week. Why am I having to wait a week just to set up a visit? They said the reason I had to wait so long is because there's to many vets. What if I had a problem that needed to be seen soon? No excuse, just a broken system.

4 stars is an average not a constant, easily reached off I5 there is a large parking garage - but just only large enough - parking is tough and a bit of a walk if handicapped or wait for the occasional roving golf cart- so arrive early. And if it is raining hard take the main elevator to one of the basement levels, exit, turn left and walk into a handicap parking section there is a second bank of elevators that brings you closer to a covered walkway. When you enter there is a information desk with very helpful volunteers who will direct or walk you if necessary to your clinic, after checking in, you will wait in a dismal probably crowded hallway or alcove to be called. Depending upon the clinic you can expect exceptional specialists or mediocre and annoying people more concerned with their petty existence. Yeah, the VA has its share of bureaucrats lying crossways at the feeding trough, but it also has some very compassionate and qualified staff. The lady I saw at the eye clinic was very competent and attentive, the staff at the audiology department were equally helpful, pleasant and knowledgeable. After wandering the back halls and finally finding my physical therapist, he did a more thorough examination than the PA and ortho doc that sent me there. It has been my experience, that once you get past the barrier to entry, the overworked understaffed primary care clinic, the other departments are staffed with helpful pleasant people trying to provide you with quality care. Just finding them in a maze of construction or poorly laid out locations is the challenge. And I have 50 years of medical service industry experience to base my opinions upon.

The pharmacy dispenses meds via phone calls or emails in past year plus has done a fantastic service as I get them rather quickly and satisfied in the services.

I've been going to the VA for a long time I have had very good Care.my primary doctor is wonderful thanks for all you do for me

Completely rude employee at the emergency room desk.

It has started to get better, has a long way to go. I d give it 3.7 Stars, but don t have that option. If you ever have problems, get ahold of service officers, they are on the main floor by urology and they can get you the help you need

I am extremely grateful for the care of the VA is giving me .I had a lot of struggles Over the Years but the VA has always been there for me. I will always be in their debt

My nurse was amazing! He took care of me and if it wasn't for him I would have rated this a one star. As for the hospital, with the pandemic you would assume cleaning would be a priority but nope. The parking garage was gross filled with trash and vomit. The waiting room looked like it hasn't been cleaned for days with tissue and trash on the chairs. Every trash been was over flowing which made me want to question if they maintained cleanliness. I even saw a worker put "dirt" pens back in the "clean" bin without cleaning them. Normally that wouldn't bug me, but this is a hospital that helps sick patients in a pandemic.

The SCI staff here was awesome. After retirement my wife and I wanted to travel across our great country however she needs monthly services, when we arrived from Tampa they took great care of her in Puget Sound VA, they treated us like family. Thank you SCI.

I give this two only because I have had some okay care. My last experience at the ER in Seattle was as bad as the care in the Skagit Valley ER in Mount Vernon. I broke my back three years ago. Out of the three ER calls I made concerning this one out of three Dr's did an xray. Guess what happened when the one Dr saw on film I broke my back. He treated me. I was on my way to recovery that very evening. I was in contact with my primary caregiver in 3 days. Three years later I have done it again. I went to the ER in Seattle. I explained to the Dr what I thought. My medical history was in his face. He saw me a whole of 5 minutes and decided to manage my pain. I didn't want pain management I wanted to fix this. I was given a cocktail of pills and a prescription for pain relief with not one refill. If this doctor had taken the five minutes he was with me and read my record I believe I would be on my way to recovery now. Instead today 1 June I am going back to Seattle to get the xray the Dr in the emergency room should have taken. This doctor I will name. Remember his name. In my opinion Dr. Morris you should not be a doctor. I understand you are in an ER but this does not give you the right to treat symptoms and not the cause. You are in my opinion one of the symptoms that cause medical care in this country to continue to rise sky high. My time is just as valuable as yours. I had plans this weekend. I believe your care is why I had to cancel my plans. I have plans for 6/21 hopefully this will be managed and I will not have to cancel. Your decision Dr. Morris cost me, the tax payers and all the people I surround myself by time and money. Shame on you.

Outstandingly concerned and interactive doctors aboard.
Every change in condition and status update - I received call from a physician about my brother. As an RN of 40 years, I have not ever witnessed such interaction and attention anywhere that I received from this Medical Center. This center is truly what healthcare should look and act like.
I am so proud of you all for setting precedence in quality care. OIG needs to know how magnificent you are. I will be sure to tell them. Continue forward in showing the Nation what care excellence must look like! God bless you all.

Amazing staff with excellent attitudes.I had the most amazing experience here.Very caring and professional.Love how everyone seems so kind and helpful.

The communication is worse than in the military...the orthopedics and travel department are inept when it comes to finding and processing paperwork, or communicating with patients. This adds an underlying level of frustration when it is a painful 5 hour commute each way, and it is still insisted that it is required for something that could be handled on the phone. Speaking of phones: they have yet to answer, and sometimes take weeks just to return a call. If I can't trust this VA to deign to talk to a lowly combat vet, than why on Earth would I trust them to handle my physical livelihood? Spokane VA is astronomically better, go to them if you get any say in the matter.

Staff spends to much time bullshiting than trying to figure out whats wrong with Vets.
Damn shame for those that have given so much worse medical care in the State.

Other than my primary care physician this place has great individuals working here. They show interest in patients and take great care of me in the specialist areas!

I think the service here is pretty good. They got me into podiatry the next day and gave me medicine. I have to drive 2 1/2 hours to get here, but it's free.

Nice and clean facility for our beloved Veterans. Thank you for your service!

Haven't been here in 11 years. Much better service. Friendlier, more helpful.

Went to ER with a kidney stone & was in severe pain. Dr. Shakaramov & the nurses were very professional & efficient with treatment. Thank you for your help & expert care.

The folks at the Seattle VA are remarkable. I have a terminally ill brother and we have spent a lot of time there in the last two years. So many of our older vets are in bad shape; some ver ill, physically and mentally and many times it is not a pretty picture. I have witnessed such respect and caring in very stressful situations that have humbled me to the core. I will never be able to repay the kindness and care my brother and I have received. It is a place of angels. Thank you

It is a fairly large facility with dumpsters on site that seem perfect for burning monsters like Dr. Jesse Markman. However, you have to bring your own fire accelerants as they do not appear to sell them on site.

Everything from surgeries to heart stress tests and MRI's. I have no complaints. Thank God for the parking garage too.
Thank you VA for taking care of us Vets

We call this place THE DARK SIDE. So many employees here hate vets, many more worship Lucifer. They are set up to treat mental cases and refuse care to those physically disabled as a result of Training if War Time Injuries. In 26 years they have never treated my Malaria...26 years.

Kyle Czech should be ashamed to even flush the same toilets as everyone else here. He loves to lie. Mold people into weak victims. And also expect people to never stand up for themselves or protect their lives. Providers like him and the VA who protects him are why veterans kill themself. He is a shameful person. He never listens. He tells you that you are lying and that because he would feel that way. You need to as well.

I know another Veteran that Is driving all the way to Seattle to do all his check ups and major stuff there and he is getting good results because of good doctors that care. The CBOC in Mount Vernon does not care and will only do what they want to do. The CBOC in Mount Vernon has the Move program, but that is on a work day and does not coincide with normal woking people. I made a specific appointment for CBOC all they did was take vitals talk about what they want to do and take blood and did what I went there for. SO I AM GOING BACK TO THE SEATTLE VA HOSPITAL AS MY PRIMARY AND ALL VETERANS SHOULD TOO!

My experience with the Seattle VA hospital has been a rather good one. My husband living and being cared for in the most excellent SCI unit, with exception to the midnight crew. While I am dealing with a variety of other departments ranging from women's health clinic, eye, dental, mental health, through the eligibility office, transportation reimbursement, and myhealthevet offices and more as time goes on. Though there's been some bumps it hasn't been that bad. Dental is a bit backed up and getting a psychiatrist is impossible, the other areas far make up for what's lacking.

Not good for getting the help you need but lots of excuses.

Normal VA they do the best they are able in all situations. Plenty of parking, kiosks and sitting places. Amicable employees..

Today, I had a CPAP appointment and my experience was wonderful. On time, courteous, and informative. The drive was long but the staff from the ER to Building 18 South was amazing. Everyone in the elevators were so helpful and patient with us. Made me feel at home. Wish we had one closer but I must say thank you for a great visit today. Frank my CPAP tech was wonderful and answered all questions I had before we arrived. He was really approachable and had a ton of knowledge about the machine. Thank you so much. 5 out of 5 stars from us.

I had a 6 hour day so be prepared to wait a while. However, this was not due to the staff. It was a VERY busy ER. Everyone I interacted with was helpful and pleasant!!

Great care and treatment from most of the staff. Just a few people skating in their jobs.

I got a last minute appointment for the next day. They sent me to the ER because there wasn't anyone to see me in orthopedics. I spent 5 hours waiting for the orthopedist and still don't know what the actual diagnosis is. Good people but too few of them.

Took my husband to the VA ER after he fell. Although we were there for a long time, they were very thorough. The ER doctor brought in both orthopedic and internal medicine doctors to consult. They ended up admitting him to ensure there were no underlaying issues. Both orthopedics and internal medicine followed up on him and made sure everything was okay before the released him. In addition, the nurses were compassionate and took good care of him. Special shout out to both Malcom and Kurt. They were awesome and went above and beyond.

The people here work hard to help the lives of veterans and do a great job at it. The place could use some updates, but given looking budget cuts to the VA system I don't see what improvements can be made. Never the less, I've been here twice and had as good experience as one could have at a hospital being treated... Anyone rating this place less than a five is an entitled prik.

This is a Veteran's Medical Facility. They provide excellent service, but there are moments when one must insist that service be more readily attained.
Too easy to "fall through the cracks," with no recourse but to insist that issues do not continue. With that said, still some of the best care I've ever received.
Emergency Department is 2nd to none!

Contrary to popular belief and what the media says, the VA Healthcare System rocks! Especially the Seattle regional VA! Couldn't ask for a better team of medical professionals to take care of US veterans!

Went in to the ER to get a MRI for a ruptured disc tgat occurred thethenight before. The ER us not allowed to send a patient for a MRI despite being in severe pain and extreme difficulty walking. I need to know which disc(s)and its severity so tgat i could follow up witg neurosurgery. Neurosurgery wi not see me without a new MRI. And i am unable to get an appt withmy PRP for several weeks. Thie standard of care is unacceptable.

Mostly pleasant experiences here, a few good stories, a sad one, plus a kidney stone adventure or two.

Parking : garage now open, the parking garage is huge. Pay close attention where you left your car. The parking stalls are NOT NUMBERED. Only the levels are. The new buildings are real nice .!!

The care is good, but calling anyone takes forever. If you don't know the department extension, you wait on hold forever, and the operators frequently transfer you to the wrong department so you have to start the process over again.

It depends on what needs you have. They have been outstanding for OUR needs so far. Biggest issues are parking and the wait times between visits. Some of the "clinics" are swamped, and only occasionally will the let you go on the economy to get needed help.

Every medical professional here has treated me both ethically & respectfully.

I have been using the VA medical facilities since around 2004. The clerical staff sometimes leaves a bit to be desired and Steve in the CPAP supply is a real piece of work. Communication and memory are definitely not his strong suits. Other than that, the doctors and dentists I have seen have been great, especially my primary physician Dr. Nelson. As of now I would not hesitate to be treated for most anything at the VA Hospital in Seattle.

UPDATE:
I continue to go to the VA in Seattle for most if not all my health care. I recently had an experience with the Veterans Choice program. The doctor I saw was very good but there needs to be much better communication between outside resources and the VA. I like just going to the VA because all my records are accessible right there. If Congress goes to a voucher system I think it will be a great mistake. Having staff that works only with Veterans is a big help in the doctors ability to access care needed. The administration staff could use a lot more training but the medical staff at the VA Hospital is first rate. I recently experienced my brother-in-laws on going battles with a local health care provider (system of several hospitals). While he did get in faster than I probably would have at the VA, the medical staff couldn't hold a candle to the Seattle VA Hospital staff. VA needs lost of corrections and upgrades but, to paraphrase President Reagan, don't throw the baby out with the bath water.

I awarded two stars only because I have received quality care from one or two Physicians at VAMC Seattle. For the most part the care and treatment has been done with no sense of urgency and lack of empathy. As I have been reminded so often this is a Social Welfare Program you are lucky to get medical care at all. At first this statement angered me I am a Veteran I earned this benefit and never considered it "Welfare" But after looking around at those on medicare, social security disability and dont forget the those here illegaly I have surmised that I am at the bottom of the food chain regarding medical care. Who do I blame not the Doctors they are just here doing their obligation in order to move on to private practice. The rest of the staff at any VA has a job with tenure and couldn't get fired if they worked at it. Phone cals are a joke right to voice mail and never returned. Scheduling is take it or leave it never considering my personal schedule only the Doctor who needs a day to golf so he cancels his entire day. Heres a hint never schedule a Monday or Friday appointment the doctors even the residents have figured out this is an opportunity for a three day weekend. Always remember if you were in the private sector your visit and care means money earned for the doctor at the VA they get paid no matter what. I guess I am a welfare receipient.
SEMPER FI

Amazing staff with excellent attitudes. So far haven t waited over five minutes at an appointment. That shows a serious effort to serve us Veterans. I cannot thank the staff or praise them enough for their dedication.

I have tier 5 medical va service connected injuries. My primary care appointment is canceled without notice by primary cares supervisor, while I'm waiting to be seen for an appointment that took 5 weeks to get. Then a second appointment was canceled while in the waiting room. This second appointment was 3 months waiting. My primary care team was changed and canceled without notice. This would be the 4th appointment canceled with out notice while waiting to be be seen. No one is responding to secure messaging or phone calls. Every appointment must be done at the VA hospital in person. Prescriptions can be written for 7 days and canceled. Refills are not available until being seen again by primary care which gets canceled or changed without notice. Staffs personal opinions that are not medically proven are put into your permanent records. There is no recourse for incorrect information in your records. If you have spinal injuries expect it to take 6 months to get a referral so that you can attend a pain management group only after you have been sent to mental health groups for another month so that you can then attend another 1 month of pain groups all the while suffering without actual medical treatment. If you have chronic pain and go to VA hospital emergency expect nothing for your pain. The ER will refer you to primary care and the cycle repeats, starts all over again! Simper Fi!

I recently was medically retired and feared all the horror stories about the VA. However i have had a really good service with the VA and the staff at VA Puget sound

Most disrespectful staff and care. Rather have died in service then deal with these guys more. They probably going to kill me anyway

If you go to the Seattle VA expecting medical treatment or healthcare, you are going to be disappointed. You will spend months of your time waiting for an appointment. You will be lied to. You will not be diagnosed. You will be given numerous medications without any tests or diagnostics being done. You will not even see a doctor. You will see a nurse practitioner that in my experience was the most stupid human I have ever encountered. Her name is Lara Felker, and how she ever came to be allowed to be employed in the health care field should be investigated.

Bottom line is, dont waste your time and harm your health by going to the VA for anything. Go to a real doctor. I highly recommend the Mayo clinic if you want answers, diagnosis and treatment. They are thorough, and quick.

The staff was very nice when treating my burnt penii ever since the clam soup incident

Issue with the parking. The VA Police have marked off an area for personal vehicles, even though there is not sufficient parking for patients or staff. Patients and staff are required to park off-site when on-site parking is not available, except for the coned off area that the police have set aside for themselves.

I have to thank the Veteran's Administration for hearing my concerns and giving me my referral for my much-needed, overdue surgery. I thought the VA did not care about Veteran's, and now they have proved me wrong by taking care of this very important juncture in my life. It makes me feel much better about serving my country, and I thank them and my staff.

One of the things that like best about the VA Medical center is the great volunteer guides that will walk you to the dept that you need to go in order to help keep you from getting lost !!!

The doctors and nurses at the Seattle VA are the best

A total mess, waste of tax payer money, place should be closed

Great staff. This hospital has gone through a few upgrades to improve and modernize. I've been coming here for 12 years. Now, I'm transferring to the Tuscon VA.

Every time I come here I am treated very well and am treated very well

The VA Puget Sound HC System is slowly improving. They are actively aware of and seeking out alternative methods to efficiently handle the overwhelming number of veterans coming thru these doors in need of services they provide in a timely fashion.

The staff always seems entitled. They treat veterans poorly, and NEVER return calls. I had to visit the ER, and the ER doctor wasn't available because she was asked to leave and do a physical. I was in excruciating pain for over a half hour while I waited for the doctor. The nurse responded to my criticism by saying, 'we gave you an IV'.

Great VA Health Care in the Seattle area; the only downside is everything takes FOREVER (appointment scheduling). Most of the people I have dealt with are courteous and helpful. All in all, I am quite happy with the local VA Medical services.

They have made upgrades and improvements. Patient services are much better, but you still need a map to get around.

Appts usually several months away with primary care.

Have been waiting in the ER for almost 6 hours. All i need is a referral. Horrible service.

A disabled veteran traveled there to sit in a room for 4 hrs kept being told they are behind. Left
without his cat scan. Was told to go down stairs, then was told he had to call. Because time, gas, ferry, it all cost money. They are NO help.

Emergency room and occupational therapy care are top notch.....Urology too.