Emergency Room at Harborview Medical Center | Seattle — Local services in Seattle

I called to ask if I should go to the emergency room, explained all my symptoms, and I was told I should go ASAP.

Then the wait room gets cleared out multiple times. I also relayed all my symptoms on the phone, and then did my best at first check in, then they ask me all over again for the triage check-in, I have ADHD and my pain/symptoms was coming and going, how am I supposed to accurately describe it every time? Is there not any written communication that happens within the front desk or written down for each patient's case? I also don't always show how much pain I'm in due to being autistic as well.

Many staff were friendly, I tried to be patient with the misgendering and not using my preferred name because I'd rather not have them treat me differently if I acted upset and it seemed that the operating system or forms didn't make it clear. When one staff raised her voice and referred to me with the wrong pronouns, then I felt like it was on purpose. That is something to consider that someone may misgender you while being impatient with you.

Regarding wait time, I was in distress and just simply trying to relay my situation and ask this one staff member if my situation has been re-evaluated as a non-emergency, she was very patient with me and calmly started explaining the situation, but then the other staff member at the triage line interrupted and raised her voice and told me id be seen next, "there is one person in front of you, you'll have your turn!" talking to me like a child. I wasn't being passive aggressive in asking if my situation was an emergency or not, it was a genuine question. I literally mentioned I didn't want to waste resources or time and the triage person at the time acted like I should just get back to the waiting room.

5+ more people were called in after me, the waiting room cleared up again. I get stuff ebbs and flows, I understand people are in more critical condition! I'd like to be told directly. If it's decided that my case isn't an emergency like everyone else's, I'd rather be told to leave and seek help at my primary clinic than made to wait until who knows when.

Another thing I noticed, every medical staff who was nice and patient to me, a person of color, was also a person of color, I didn't really feel as much empathy from the white staff, and it was only white staff who evaluated my situation triage-wise. One of them wasn't necessarily mean, but there was a sense of disconnect(that specifically could just be me overthinking), and the other was the one who raised her voice at me. Maybe it is influenced by my trauma with medical racism but nonetheless I just think that is a possible factor to consider if you are a person of color who has experienced a lot of it...

My experience at this facility was quite mixed. The medical staff, including the doctors and nurses, were truly wonderful and provided excellent care. However, I was disappointed with the registration and triage team.

During my visit, I noticed that many patients, including myself, experienced long wait times—over five hours in some cases. What was particularly concerning was the behavior of some staff members who seemed to be having a good time, laughing and chatting amongst themselves, without regard for the patients who were clearly in distress.

Additionally, the interactions I witnessed with the registration and triage personnel were often rude and dismissive. I understand that the environment can be stressful, but a little compassion and understanding go a long way when dealing with individuals who may already be hurt or anxious.

Overall, while the medical care was outstanding, the behavior of the support staff needs significant improvement. I hope they can recognize the importance of treating patients with respect and kindness. All I’m saying is they are low key rude is all I’m saying I’m sure they don’t lose sleep it’s just sad to hear the care in their voices definitely should find another job . I’m leaving left id rather wait another place so I don’t have to hear the condescending voices of the the three behind glass I’m sure are great ppl just a rude when the patients are not at the window . Remember your in a fish bowl every one can...

No semblance of privacy. Triage nurse sits at the same counter as receptionist, meaning you have to explain your symptoms and medical history in depth in front of the entire waiting room. Every other ER I’ve been to provides a confidential environment to discuss this.

The particular triage nurse on duty when I visited was incompetent. I told him the exact name of my condition (formally diagnosed by a previous doctor) and he had no idea what it was. Later, another patient walked in who happened to be a nurse about to start working in a few days at the same facility. He and the triage nurse seemed to hit it off. This patient (as a medical professional himself) said that his symptom didn’t seem like a big deal and was probably nothing, but he wanted to get it checked just in case. Valid move on his part, but could probably wait a bit more than some of the other patients who’d been there for longer while visibly suffering. Guess who’s taken in within 5 minutes — the triage nurse’s new buddy.

Just to reiterate, the fact that I was even able to hear their conversation is astounding. I made no effort to eavesdrop. But unless you’re covering your ears and yelling to drown out the noise, it’s not like you can selectively turn your ears off.

Don’t go here unless you want to broadcast your personal details to everyone in the waiting room, to only be ignored so the triage nurse can suck up to...