News Archive
Eastside Specialty Center expands, changes venue
UW Medicine’s relocated and expanded Eastside Specialty Center, which opens Monday, Feb. 24, has undergone a transformation to improve patients' experience and to offer more services.
Eastside- Eugene Lang
The new 33,000 square-foot facility brings together more than 40 specialists, doubling the providers at the former location. Cardiology, gastroenterology, sports medicine, vascular surgery, occupational therapy and other services have been expanded; new areas of specialization include audiology, dermatology, endoscopy/colonoscopy, neurology, and urology, as well as allergy, ENT (ears, nose, and throat), and urgent care.
The new space includes an on-site pharmacy, infusion services and free parking.
“Our new location allows us to better serve Eastside families,” said Dr. Eugene Yang, medical director of the Center and a UW Medicine cardiologist. “We want to give people access to the advanced care they would typically have to go into Seattle to find.”
Patients can access on-site MRI, ultra-low dose CT, and 4D (3D in real-time) ultrasound. A new, online communication system will allow for speedy return of image interpretation reports, and all images will be read by two radiologists.
The new space gives patients more control over their care experience. Exam check-in stations will soon be located throughout the lobby, where patients can independently sign in for their appointment and go directly to their exam room. Separate hallways for providers and patients minimize patient disruption.
ESC-first floor
Aesthetics also play a role in the new space. Patient areas feature nature photography and are color-coded to help with wayfinding, while art from different cultures, such as a beaded tunic and calligraphy-adorned panels, lines the walls. The color palette is calming yet invigorating, reminiscent of a spa or yoga studio.
Patients will have access to advancements in care through ongoing clinical trials conducted by UW Medicine physicians at the new space, the UW Medical Center – which operates the Eastside Specialty Center – and other UW Medicine facilities. The Center will also host community events and educational programs for local providers, Yang said.
“Patients here have access to all UW Medicine services,” Yang said. “If a service isn’t offered at our Eastside location, we’ll be able to quickly and easily connect patients to care opportunities elsewhere within the UW Medicine system. For the first time on the Eastside, we’re able to unify expert care, education opportunities, and clinical research.”
The Eastside Specialty Center will hold an open house from 1-3 p.m. May 17. The center's address is 3100 Northup Way in Bellevue. Members of the news media and the general public are invited.
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News editors: To interview Dr. Eugene Yang, please contact Susan Gregg (206.616.6730, sghanson@uw.edu)
or McKenna Princing (206.221.9394, mckennap@uw.edu).
Learn more about UW Medicine.