Practice Type: Specialty Care

Our Diagnostic & Wellness Center for Women encourages women to take a proactive approach to their breast health. We offer state-of-the-art technology along with a network of highly qualified experts to ensure accurate screening and diagnostic breast imaging in a comfortable and tranquil setting.

We encourage women to follow the American Cancer Society guidelines for detection (see below). We also stress the importance of monthly breast self-examinations.

Digital Mammography

Our Diagnostic & Wellness Center uses advanced digital mammography equipment that is safe and utilizes low-dose radiation to produce high-quality images.

In digital mammography, an image is captured using a specially designed digital detector. The detector electronically sends the converted X-ray information to a computer. The radiologist can then review the digital mammogram on a high-resolution computer monitor.

Diagnostic Ultrasound

The use of ultrasound is an excellent supplemental tool for evaluating breast abnormalities after a mammogram. Ultrasound plays a vital role in the evaluation of signs and symptoms of a breast lump or other problem discovered by you or your healthcare provider.

Stereotactic Needle Biopsy and Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy

Stereotactic and ultrasound-guided biopsies are sophisticated, nonsurgical procedures that are performed by one of our board-certified radiologists with the assistance of our highly trained technologists. These procedures sample suspicious breast tissue with pinpoint accuracy to determine if cancer cells are present.

Breast MRI

Pacific Medical Centers offers magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at our Beacon Hill location. Breast MRI is a radiation-free procedure that uses a magnetic field and results in hundreds of high-resolution, cross-sectional images. Breast MRI may be recommended to identify breast cancer not detected through other means. Breast MRI is an excellent tool used for women who are at high risk for breast cancer. It is not a replacement for mammography or ultrasound, but rather a supplemental tool.

We have also been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. We encourage all women to follow the American Cancer Society guidelines for early detection and to talk to your doctor about the best screening program for you.

• Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms (x-rays of the breast) if they wish to do so.
• Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
• Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years, or can continue yearly screening.
• Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live 10 more years or longer.

Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast changes to a health care provider right away.

Women who are at higher risk for breast cancer, should have a screening every year. When to start screening is based on your personal risk factors. Women may be at a higher risk for breast cancer when there is a family history of breast cancer, previous breast biopsy with abnormal cells, and or have dense breasts.

Talk with a health care provider about your risk for breast cancer and the best screening plan for you.

These guidelines are adapted from the American Cancer Society (ACS).

You can now schedule your mammogram online with MyChart.

Meet our team of experienced radiologists.

Radiology: MRI, CT and Ultrasound

PacMed provides MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography) and ultrasound services in partnership with Inland Imaging, located at our Beacon Hill clinic.  Learn more about our Inland Pacific Imaging radiologists.

Radiology: Safety

If you’re concerned about the radiation from medical tests you can get more information at RadiologyInfo.org

Information for patients on preparing for CT and MRI scans

As part of our full array of health care services, Pacific Medical Centers offers both screening and diagnostic imaging provided by Inland Imaging. These skilled technologists and trained radiologists provide the detailed images and professional evaluation needed to make the best possible decisions for your care. PacMed Imaging features state-of-the-art equipment, accredited by the American College of Radiology.

Our outpatient imaging services are timely and flexible. We offer fast turnaround. Urgent findings are triaged, and reports can be phoned or faxed per physician request.

We are accessible to patients. We offer same-day appointments for digital X-ray and urgent exams for ultrasound, CT and MR. Patients can access reports online through MyChart and can request images on a CD.

We are professionals. Registered technologists perform our studies in a professional, compassionate clinical setting.

Our radiologists who review and diagnose all imaging exams have subspecialty fellowship training, including:

• Body imaging
• Breast imaging
• Neuroradiology
• Nuclear medicine
• Orthopedic radiology
• Pediatric radiology
• Thoracic radiology

Available services include:

Screening Mammography
Screening mammography is available at our Canyon Park clinic and our Diagnostic & Wellness Center for Women.

Diagnostic Ultrasound
Abdomen; Renal and postvoid; Pelvis; Obstetrics (first trimester; second trimester anatomy; third trimester follow-up growth, fluid, position, etc.); Transplant liver and renal; Visceral Doppler; Thyroid; Scrotum; Abdominal wall for hernia; Soft tissue extremities non-vascular for masses

Advanced Imaging
CT, MRI, and ultrasound are available at PacMed Beacon Hill and Canyon Park locations. Diagnostic X-ray exams are available at all clinic sites.
PacMed also offers nuclear cardiology and a state-of-the-art cardiovascular lab.

We also provide breast imaging services.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

• MRI brain, orbits, pituitary, internal auditory canal (IAC)
• MRI soft tissue neck
• MRI cervical, thoracic and lumbar sacral spines
• MRI abdomen: MRCP, MR urography, MR liver, MR kidneys, MR enterography
• MR pelvis: MR uterus, cancer staging for uterine and cervical cancer, MR defecograph, MR urethra, MR bladder and prostate
• MRI extremities
  • MRI arthrography (insurance restrictions may apply)
  • MRA brain and MRV brain
  • MRA neck vessels
  • MRA chest, abdomen, pelvis
  • Aorta and peripheral runoff
  • MRA extremities

Computed Tomography Exams (CT)

• CT brain, sinus, orbits, temporal bones, and TMJ
• CT neck
• CT chest: CT pulmonary angiogram, CT aorta, CT chest, low dose lung cancer screening
• CT abdomen: multiphase liver CT, pancreas CT, renal mass CT, adrenal CT
• CT angiograms (CTA): brain, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, aorta, SMA or AAA
• CT enterography
• CT urography: CT KUB or CT IVP
• CT spine
  • Diagnostic cervical, thoracic, lumbar sacral spines
  • Therapeutic exams (insurance restrictions may apply)
  • Lumbar epidural steroid injections
  • Lumbar nerve root blocks
  • Lumbar facet joint injections
  • Sacroiliac injections
• CT extremities
  • Shoulder, elbow, hip, wrist
  • Arthrogram joint injection

Your skincare is our passion.

The PacMed Dermatology team includes board certified physicians, who can see adults and pediatric patients.

Our dermatologists specialize in conditions involving the skin, hair and nails. They provide comprehensive care to the Seattle area, including our Canyon Park (Bothell), First Hill, Northgate, Totem Lake (Kirkland) and Renton communities. Our providers are multilingual and can see patients who may speak Mandarin, Vietnamese and French.

To locate a dermatology doctor near you, visit our provider pages:

• Susan Leu, MD, FAAD
• Melinda Liu, MD, FAAD
• Tien V. Nguyen, MD, FAAD

To schedule an appointment, please call 1.888.472.2633.

Dermatologists diagnose and treat contact dermatitis and other allergic and non-allergic disorders, and skin conditions related to infectious diseases.

We currently offer the following dermatology services:

• General Dermatology: including but not limited to acne, alopecia (hair loss), rashes (e.g. eczema, contact dermatitis, dermatophytosis, psoriasis, and rosacea), common skin infections, benign growths (e.g., seborrheic keratoses), and precancerous growths (e.g., actinic keratoses)
• Skin Cancer: evaluation of warts and moles, assessing and treating melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, etc.)
• Medical Dermatology: some of our providers have specialized medical dermatology interests, such as diagnosing and treating hidradenitis suppurativa, fibrosis of the skin, transgender dermatology & LGBTQIA/non-binary skin care
• Pediatric Dermatology: diagnosing and treating common childhood skin conditions, including acne, eczema, warts & other skin infections, etc.

At Pacific Medical Centers, our dermatologist diagnoses and treats these conditions as well as skin cancers including carcinomas and melanoma, the most serious cancer of the skin.

If you notice a change in the size, shape, color, or feel of an existing mole, it’s important to see a dermatologist as soon as possible. Dermatologists are best qualified to evaluate and treat skin cancer because they receive extensive medical training geared to the diagnosis and treatment of all types of skin cancers.

Whatever your condition, our dermatologist provides comprehensive treatment of skin cancer and skin, hair, and nail disorders.

Pacific Medical Centers is pleased to offer da Vinci® robotic surgery to patients in our Urology department. With this minimally invasive technology, patients can get back to their lives quickly—in days rather than weeks. And that means a faster return to work, school, hobbies and other activities.

Unlike open surgery, a procedure using the da Vinci system requires only very small incisions, so scars are minimized. Because the surgery is less invasive, patients report better pain control. They also experience a lower risk of infection, minimized blood loss, a reduced threat to nearby nerves and organs, and fewer postoperative complications.

PacMed uses the da Vinci robotic surgical system. This sophisticated system uses a high-definition, 3-D camera. This gives the surgeon a magnified, high-resolution 3-D image.

During surgery, the surgeon’s hands do not enter the patient. Instead, the surgeon sits several feet away at a specialized console and maneuvers tools remotely. The surgeon creates several “keyhole” incisions, through which the camera and tools are inserted. The system cannot move or make decisions on its own; the surgeon is in charge of every action.

What are the benefits of robotic surgery?

Consultations and Locations

Your surgeon and professional staff will discuss your procedure with you and answer your questions. Surgeries are conducted by PacMed providers at either Virginia Mason Medical Center or Swedish Medical Center.

General Surgery/Colon, Rectal and Anal Surgery:

You can read more about General Surgery and Colon, Rectal and Anal Surgery on their webpages. PacMed surgeries using the da Vinci robotic surgical system include:

• Inguinal hernia
• Incisional hernia
• Rectopexy
• Colectomy

Urology

Urology consultations are offered at our First Hill, Canyon Park and Renton clinics. You can read more at the Urology web page. PacMed urological surgeries using the da Vinci robotic surgical system include:

• Kidney, prostate and bladder cancers
• Cystectomy (removal of all or some of bladder)
• Nephrectomy (removal of the kidney)
• Partial nephrectomy
• Prostatectomy
• Pyeloplasty (repair of kidney obstruction)

All of our surgeons are board certified or board eligible in their specialty and surgical subspecialty. In addition, all have specialized training in da Vinci robotic surgery. Dr. Pick completed a two-year fellowship in Endourology, Laparoscopy and da Vinci Robotic Surgery.

Pacific Medical Centers has in-house, board-certified ophthalmologists. Among these specialists, we have a cornea and refractive surgeon. Our specialist has extensive training, which includes a fellowship focused solely on the diagnosis and treatment of corneal diseases and advanced refractive surgery techniques, including LASIK. This is in addition to the completion of a three-year ophthalmology residency approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This level of training allows our specialist to diagnose and treat a broad range of eye conditions.

Ocular Anatomy

The cornea is the clear window of the eye. It is composed of five layers that work to maintain the cornea’s transparency, shape, and thickness to allow it to properly focus light as it enters the eye.

Some conditions and diseases that should be seen by a corneal specialist include:

Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy
Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy is an inherited disease that causes progressive swelling of the cornea and cloudy vision. As the eyes age, the defective corneal endothelial cells are unable to keep the cornea clear. Fortunately, a partial corneal transplant, called a Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK), can successfully replace the inner cornea layer with donor endothelial cells to restore function of the cornea.

Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea becomes progressively thinner. The abnormal corneal shape causes increasing astigmatism and near sightedness, and in severe cases, the cornea can become cone shaped. Some cases of keratoconus may stabilize, requiring only glasses or rigid gas permeable contact lenses. More severe cases may require cornea transplant procedures called a Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK) or Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK). Newer treatments of collagen crosslinking are currently undergoing research and may slow the progression of keratoconus in select cases.

Dry Eyes
Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common ocular conditions affecting patients. The normal tear film functions to create a smooth interface over the corneal surface to focus rays of light. A healthy tear film provides nutrients and oxygen to the cornea and protects against infections. With dry eyes, the tear film is unstable, causing symptoms ranging from mild irritation to constant foreign-body sensation and blurry vision. Certain drugs, medical conditions and increasing age cause a decrease in baseline tear film production. Blepharitis, which is a common inflammation of the eyelid’s oil glands, may also contribute to dry eye syndrome. These oil glands secrete an essential lipid layer to prevent rapid evaporation of the tears.

Treatment begins with using over-the-counter artificial tears. Thicker lubricating ointments or gels can be used before going to bed. Punctal plugs can occlude the tear drainage holes, helping to prolong the actions of tears. Prescription medications are sometimes indicated in severe dry eyes.

Corneal Infections
Bacterial and viral infections are common pathogens that may cause corneal ulcers. Herpes Simplex Virus is one of the most common recurrent infections of the cornea, often requiring long-term treatment. Varicella Zoster Virus, which causes shingles and chicken pox, may also infect the eye or eyelids. Adenoviral viruses are the cause of common pink eye infections; however, certain virus strains cause a more severe infection called epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.

Bacterial infections of the cornea are commonly due to poor contact lens hygiene or trauma. These can result in painful corneal ulcers and scarring, which require prompt treatment with proper antibiotic eye drops. In severe cases, a cornea transplantation may be needed.

The American Cancer Society estimates that the lifetime risk for developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 20, with both men and women being at equal risk.

Symptoms

• Change in bowel habits
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
• Persistent abdominal discomfort
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chronic fatigue

What you can do

• Get screened at age 50, or sooner if you are at higher risk
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Adopt a physically active lifestyle
• Eat a healthy diet
• Stop smoking
• Limit alcohol intake

When found early, colorectal cancer is easier to treat and highly curable. So why do thousands of cases in the United States go undiagnosed each year, often resulting in premature death?

With proper screening, colorectal cancer can be detected early. Screening can also help eliminate pre-cancerous polyps that could become cancerous if left to grow.

The American Cancer Society recommends that people age 45 or older be screened for colon cancer. One important screening test is a colonoscopy. This 15- to 30-minute test enables a doctor to look inside the entire large intestine and into the rectum through a long, flexible, narrow tube with a light and tiny lens on the end. The physician can see things such as abnormal growths and inflamed tissue. While the test is most often used to look for early signs of colorectal cancer, it is also used to look for causes of unexplained changes in bowel habits and to evaluate symptoms like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and weight loss.

At Pacific Medical Centers, patients can call 1.844.66COLON (1.844.662.6566) and schedule an appointment with one of our gastroenterologists to discuss colonoscopy and other methods of screening for colon cancer.*

Our physicians meet with patients at five of our conveniently located clinics. Procedures are performed at the Pacific Medical Center Endoscopic Ambulatory Surgical Center, located at our offices on First Hill in Seattle and in Bellevue.

*Always check with your insurance provider to find out if you need pre-authorization or to determine the level of coverage your carrier provides for colonoscopy.

Source for statistics: American Cancer Society

Clinic Locations

Canyon Park
1909 214th Street SE, Suite 300
Bothell, WA 98021

First Hill
1101 Madison St, Suite 301
Seattle, WA 98104

Northgate
10416 – 5th Avenue NE
Seattle, WA 98125

Renton
601 South Carr Rd, Suite 100
Renton, WA 98055

Totem Lake
12910 Totem Lake Blvd NE, Suite 101
Kirkland, WA 98034

Expert, comprehensive care for colon and rectal disorders

We understand how uncomfortable it can be to discuss your colon and rectal health. PacMed’s Colon, Rectal and Anal Surgery specialty offers specialized care for a variety of conditions, from our experienced surgeon, Dr. David White.

Dr. White sees patients at our Canyon Park, First Hill, Northgate clinics. As an experienced physician, he can care for your general and more specific colon, rectal and anal surgery needs.

Types of Conditions Treated

• Colon and Rectal Cancer
• Hemorrhoids
• Fecal Incontinence
• Anal Fistula
• Anal Fissure
• Crohn Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Rectal Prolapse
• Pilonidal Disease
• Diverticulitis

Colon and Rectal Surgery
Colon and rectal surgery can treat a variety of conditions affecting the colon, rectum and anus. This surgery can give our patients the opportunity to live their best lives.

Common procedures include:

• Laparoscopic colectomy (removal of part of the colon)
• Laparoscopic rectal resection
• Colonoscopy
• Hemorrhoidectomy
• Stapled hemorrhoidopexy
• Fistulotomy
• Endorectal advancement flap
• Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT)
• Parastomal hernia repair
• Stoma creation (ileostomy, colostomy)
• Ventral mesh rectopexy (for rectal prolapse)
• Altemeier procedure (for rectal prolapse)
• Removal of anal lesions
• Lateral internal sphincterotomy
• Botox injection (for anal fissure)
• Sacral nerve stimulator placement (for incontinence)

Integrated Care We offer a broad spectrum of specialty care services, located in our clinics alongside primary care. Because health issues are often interconnected, we make sure that your primary and specialty care teams are also connected. Our providers work closely together to ensure that your needs are met. You’ll feel confident that you always have a team of experts looking out for you.

Contact Us
Call 1.888.4PACMED (1.888.472.2633) to schedule a convenient appointment.

PacMed is proud to offer the state of the art in cataract surgery. Our surgeons are experienced in phacoemulsification and also offer femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (LenSx).

Cataract surgery is a great opportunity to treat your astigmatism with advanced technology such as the toric astigmatic correcting intraocular lens or LenSx. We also offer multifocal intraocular lenses for the treatment of presbyopia.

Contact Us

If you have been told you have cataracts and are interested in making an appointment with one of our surgeons, please call 206.505.1350 or make an online appointment.

Cardiology is a specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the heart and blood vessels. Health problems involving the heart are very common. In fact, a recent study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation found that more than 50 percent of men and nearly 40 percent of women in the United States will develop coronary vascular disease in their lifetime.

Cardiologists at Pacific Medical Centers work to prevent heart disease as well as to treat it. Your cardiologist may conduct a variety of cardiac tests to gain important information about your heart and circulation. For example, you may have an exercise tolerance test that involves walking or jogging on a treadmill. This test can detect heart disorders that could be missed while you are at rest. Another common test is an echocardiogram that takes sound wave pictures of your heart. There are no side effects or pain involved. This test can provide a wealth of information about the four chambers of your heart, problems with your heart valves and the strength of your heart muscle. These and other noninvasive diagnostic ultrasound procedures are performed at our cardiovascular laboratory.

Pacific Medical Centers also offers a new state-of-the-art nuclear cardiology lab where we perform both treadmill and non-treadmill stress testing with the latest imaging techniques.

After the problem has been diagnosed your cardiologist will develop a treatment plan and work with your primary care provider to manage your ongoing healthcare needs. Whether this includes medication, lifestyle changes or surgery, your cardiologist will be a primary member of your healthcare team.

You will see instructions for accessing your session in your appointment confirmation. Thank you for your understanding.

Behavioral medicine is a broad term that includes relationship issues, behavioral problems, anxiety, stress, memory disorders, depression, and a range of other disorders. It is important to know that even people with good mental health occasionally need help to cope with problems.

At Pacific Medical Centers, experienced professionals provide comprehensive outpatient care to patients. Your provider will work with you to design an individual treatment plan.

Our services include:

• Adult psychiatry
• Couples therapy
• Family therapy
• Individual counseling including child, adolescent and adult
• Medication management
• Psychiatric evaluation
• Psychotherapy

Having Trouble Sleeping?

When you have insomnia, you can’t get reliable, restorative sleep. But there is hope. One treatment option is called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). Once you have your insomnia under control, you can participate in daily life more fully and do the things that bring you joy.

CBT-I is a safe, structured approach to treating chronic insomnia, without the use of prescription medications. With CBT-I, you meet regularly with a behavioral health therapist. You work together to understand and overcome the underlying issues that are keeping you awake.

Many studies show that CBT-I can create durable change. We have therapists who are trained in CBT-I. To learn more, please make an appointment with your PacMed primary care provider.

At this time, our Behavioral Medicine Team is not accepting new patients. If you are a returning patient, call 1.206.621.4045 to schedule an appointment.