Healthcare, Olympia vs. Tacoma (Seattle, Lacey: find a job, school, income)

[fluffydelusions]

Can anyone tell me which of these cities offers better healthcare options? Thanks.

[SantosLHalper]

That is a tough question to answer. I haven't been overly impressed with healthcare in this area (Olympia/Lacey). I was even told by a doctor once that if I wanted cutting edge medical care, I'd have to go to Seattle. That bothered me quite a bit, but I think it's pretty typical for Olympia. Not sure why it is that way, if people have low expectations of care, but find a lot of providers just haven't updated their facilities and don't think most people who live here mind that. It's just part of the culture here. I see one specialist in Tacoma and was very impressed by his practice, his staff, level of service and his facilities. I can't speak for whether overall healthcare is better in Tacoma, but I'd kind of hope so. Just my two cents.

[pnwguy2]

Seattle is one of the best healthcare centers in the country, with both the UW complex, and Swedish, which is generally known as among the best. But most will direct you to centers that can best handle your issue.

As for health plans, WA offers the Apple Plan, (medicaid), for those who fall below certain income levels.

[amaiunmei]

I was even told by a doctor once that if I wanted cutting edge medical care, I'd have to go to Seattle.

The singular Trauma I medical school for several states is in Seattle. That means the medical networks are in Seattle; the people that will help you find a job are in Seattle.

It is also worth mentioning that due to the amount of debt that medical providers tend to have after graduation, it becomes a powerful incentive to stick near the area where people make the most money (which is Seattle, far and away). This is an issue that affects most non-urban areas, because doctors/nurses/medical professionals tend to stick with high-net-worth areas where it is easier to find work (like all other professionals).

Tacoma is starting to gentrify, which means the financial demographics will change and are changing. How that affects the medical climate of the area remains to be seen.