Sleep Medicine Associates

Was referred to clinic for severe chronic insomnia, did 3 trials of the overnight home apnea monitoring, all of which were invalid because I couldn’t fall asleep while wearing the equipment. Each time, the person evaluating the data ignored the completed questionnaire which stated that my «time asleep» was 0 hours and said brightly, «Oh, good — you didn’t have any apnea episodes while you were asleep!» (which actually was technically correct since I was never asleep.)
Ultimately saw Dr. Fine, tried multiple treatment options over 3+ years with little to limited success. Appointments were never available in the time frame when I was supposed to return, always ended up being several weeks later. Getting prescription refills authorized within several days was also problematic. No one paid any attention to the questionnaires I filled out each time I came in to be seen. Was having multiple mini-​blackouts daily, which were apparently micro-​sleep episodes — embarrassing at work, potentially fatal when driving. After 3 years I realized that I had worse sleep problems than I had been experiencing when I first came in for treatment. Dr. Fine’s proposal was that I do new trials of each of the medications that I has already failed treatment on, because «sometimes recycling medications can be useful.» I terminated care.
Have since been successfully treated by a different physician, who was confident that he could improve my situation since I had never been tried on any of the first line sleep medications. (He also said that I couldn’t drive until the micro-​sleep episodes stopped so I wouldn’t kill anyone, but I certainly understood that.)

It will take you 3 months (literally– not an exaggeration) to get in, if you are an existing patient, even if it is an urgent issue. Why they don’t hire more staff or figure out how to get patients in in a reasonable amount of time, I do not know… But it’s hella frustrating.

The staff here are really helpful and considerate, which is amazing since they deal with sleep deprived patients like me. They have good bed side manner and answer questions and spend time with you.
I recently had an overnight sleep study; with the sleep number bed, private bathroom/​shower, and attentive and considerate tech/​staff I felt like I was stay at a nice hotel versus a clinical study office.
Parking on the street is kind of a pain, so take transit or if you can afford use the attached parking garage (prices cheaper than what you normally find for downtown).

The technician I had was great. I want to say his name was brian. Dr Stolz was pretty good when we had my first visit where we went over history. The facility was amazing. The Temperpudic bed was way nicer than the bed I have at home. The room was painted nice and they even had pictures hanging on the walls. A TV, desk, and chair even furnished the room. For those of us who had stuff to do in the morning they even had a bathroom fully equiped with a shower. My dad had one done not long ago and he said all that was in the room was a bed and the monitoring machine.
Now you may ask why this review is just A-​OK. Well like others I had scheduling issues. My first appointment went off without a hitch. Then I couldn’t get an appointment for over a month. I selected the first appointment I could get. That day roles around, I leave my apartment, bag in hand and headphones on. I walk the 40 minute walk to the sleep clinic. When I call to ask exactly how to get in their after hours a technician answers (mind you is 7:45, the time I was asked to show up) and her response is who is this. After I tell her who I am she goes «Oh Ian, we were just about to call you, we cancelled your appointment because our technician didn’t show up. Someone will call to reschedule.»
Two weeks later, still no call. I go ahead and call them. The next available appointment was weeks later. In between that time and the new appointment they also called me to reschedule the follow up after we had set a date for a month after the test. They said something was wrong with their scheduling system and the doctor would not be available. If I wanted my results within a couple of months I would have to see the physicians assistant. Not something I was too happy with from past experience with P.A.‘s at doctors offices.
We will see what happens from there.

After my surgery with Dr. Knapp at Swedish Hospital, I decided to do my follow-​up sleep studies with Swedish as well. (See my less-​than-​happy review of Harborview Sleep Clinic.)
Appointments are much easier to get, but like Harborview, they’re more likely to be with a PA or NP. The PA I saw was incredibly on top of things and well informed, so I didn’t miss that I wasn’t seeing an MD. You’re also required to fill out quite a comprehensive survey of your sleep habits and problems — conveniently online.
Sleep study appointments are also easier to schedule. You can also go home with equipment that does a screening for sleep apnea. It’s a quick yes/​no test, but won’t give you any details.
The techs are friendly and efficient, no real difference there from Harborview.
Best part: If you’re a late-​shifted sleeper that’s fine. You can go to sleep when you usually do, and wake up when you usually do. That makes a lot more sense to me than trying to cram in your usual sleep time in the 11pm to 6am window Harborview requires. If you’re a 2am to 9 am sleeper, that’s 3 hours they never see, and 3 hours you’re just wasting in bed.
So if your insurance will cover it – go with Sleep Medicine Associates!

These folks were great. When it comes to medicos, I tend to use them a lot less than the average person. But I am a big believer is sleep being the basis for a lot of ones well being in life. I think they did a great job with me. The staff is very friendly, the technicians are knowledgable, and the results are very useful. I’ve been using a CPAP machine since I went here, and it has made a huge improvement in my life.
Thanks Lisa D. for the info about the bill — mine also covers 90% but I’m a little surprised how big it is. That said — sleeping well is priceless, so I really don’t begrudge them for having to charge what they do. It’s worth it. Definitely CHECK WITH YOUR INSURANCE before you go. And then, even if your insurance isn’t awesome, just make it happen to go anyways. I could have used this about 5 years ago, and it probably would have made a huge difference in my life.

My primary care physician sent me here after years of insomnia issues. My first appointment was to go over history and chat with the doctor. We decided on a sleep study so I came back and spent the night. The room was lovely, had a TV, its own bathroom and a nice hotel (not hospital) feel. My technician (I believe her name was Linda) was wonderful, friendly and attentive. My doctor is knowledgeable & friendly. A great experience here.
A note of warning: Have AWESOME insurance when you come here. My bill was 4K, thankfully I was only liable for 10%.

I have been a patient at the sleep institute for years and they have been wonderful. They have gone the extra mile for me and getting me my medication and my doctor has always been amazing. Their office is not disorganized, I’ve never had an issue and at one point I was visiting at least once a month for medication checkups. I am guessing Leslie S is just upset that her flakiness was punished.

I have had a MISERABLE time dealing with these folks. Their office seems terribly disorganized. I had to cancel an appt because I was was dealing with a major health problem that came on suddenly.
We rescheduled. Then they left me a msg last night, moving up my appt two hours earlier in the morning and changing my doctor. They cited that they messed up with the scheduling and scheduled me for the wrong kind of appt. I didn’t get the msg and was penalized for missing the appointment.
I was told two strikes and you are out with this dr (Dr Stolz) — although no one told me about this policy and their website says nothing of this. I tried to explain the circumstances to the person I spoke with on the phone and she wouldn’t listen to me.
I am so angry and upset about this. Health care is hard enough to deal with, without having to deal with jerks like this. I went through all this preparation for this appt — filled out all these online questionaires, as well as hard copy forms.
I’ve had more than my share of dealing with doctors and the healthcare industry and I am absolutely appalled at how they treated me. I expect so much more from Swedish. I wish I could give them negative stars.