The following are frequently asked questions in the Rheumatology Department. If you have further questions or would like more information, please call our Hospital & Seattle Medical Center at (206) 223-6824. 

  1. What services are offered by the Rheumatology Department?
  2. Does the Rheumatology Department work with any other departments at Virginia Mason?
  3. Who are the physicians in the Rheumatology Department and where do they practice?
  4. How do I refill my medication?
  5. What should I do if my medication has no refills?
  6. What are my parking options at the Seattle Main Clinic?
  7. Why do I have to do lab work so often?
  8. What are signs that I should contact my rheumatologist?
  9. How often should I visit my rheumatologist?

1. What services are offered by the Rheumatology Department?
The Rheumatology Department at Virginia Mason offers services in four locations in the Puget Sound area: Hospital & Seattle Medical Center, Virginia Mason Federal Way Medical Center, Virginia Mason Kirkland Medical Center and Virginia Mason Lynnwood Medical Center. View our services.

2. Does the Rheumatology Department work with any other departments at Virginia Mason?
In the Rheumatology Department, the diagnostic and therapeutic work is done in close connection with orthopedic, pulmonary and rehabilitation specialists, as well as at the Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI). 

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3. Who are the physicians in the Rheumatology Department and where do they practice?
Virginia Mason's rheumatologists diagnose and treat patients in four locations: Hospital & Seattle Medical Center, Federal Way Medical Center, Kirkland Medical Center and Lynnwood Medical Center. Meet our providers.

4. How do I refill my medication?
Contact your pharmacy for medication refills. For medications that require physician approval, call our office at (206) 223-6824.

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5. What should I do if my medication has no refills?
Contact your pharmacy to have a refill authorization submitted. It's important to stay up-to-date with your required lab work.

6. What are my parking options at the Seattle Main Clinic?
Parking at the Hospital & Seattle Medical Center

7. Why do I have to do lab work so often?
Lab work allows your provider to review your progress and to catch potentially harmful trends. Certain medications require careful monitoring. Your provider will inform you about how often lab work should be performed. Certain medication prescriptions will only be refilled after the review of your lab work results.

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8. What are signs that I should contact my rheumatologist?
Contact your provider if you develop fever, chills, swelling, hot joints, open sores or cold symptoms. Call 911 immediately if you develop shortness of breath, chest pain or blurred vision.

9. How often should I visit my rheumatologist?
Your provider will inform you how often to return to the clinic. If you develop symptoms that require an earlier appointment, contact your clinic. It is important that you follow the directions for follow-up visits with your provider and provide at least 24-hours notice for cancellations.

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