Madigan Army Medical Center: Emergency Department

Mar 2024

Ophthalmology. I have had the best care by Doctor Clabeaux and Doctor Cardinale also. I can see much better after my first of my cataract surgeries..one so far. I have so much appreciation for them...Doctor Clabeaux because he got my case, he is personable and listens. I can't say enough good things about them and ALL of the staff I've come across there. Other clinics previously also...podiatry and others. The most caring place and what gifts I have received from this hospital.

Feb 2024

Half writing to review, half just putting info out so someone on the internet can find it. The GOOD: Amazingly caring, patient, competent staff. A shiny spotless clean facility. Highly competent doctors. People who go above and beyond to be proactive and thorough. (Our experience is with internal medicine, and several specialist departments. Note - many of the negative reviews are about admin/phone experiences or the ER, which we haven't encountered.) Some of the best medical care I've witnessed in my life. Less important but nice perks: there are 2 swans living in the hospital pond! The cafeteria is CHEAP and decent (my meal was under $3.) The BAD: Website and Phone systems. Information communication, wayfinding. I am a civilian with a military affiliated family member. It was impossible to find accurate basic info by phone or online regarding what info is required to gain access to JBLM to accompany my relative to a major surgery. Don't bother with Madigan's website, don't bother calling. The patient portal is also a horrible mess and we couldn't even register for it. Once you're in Madigan, get the direct contact info of helpful people. THE INFO: getting into JBLM/Madigan as a Civilian: IF YOU NEED A TEMPORARY PASS to go on/off-base unaccompanied, such as accompanying a person who has surgery and must stay overnight: Go to the JBLM Visitors Center WITH a sponsor who has military ID Open 5am-10pm daily Bring with you: 1) A sponsor with military ID must be present to vouch for you. They have to share their social security or DoD ID number. 2) Original physical printout of car registration and insurance coverage of the vehicle you're using. 3) Your own driving license. An EDL is ok, if it's non-EDL you may also need additional ID such as a passport. 4) Your own SSN 5) The temp pass is good for varying amounts of time depending on circumstances. If you are going to regularly accompany or visit someone over a long period of time, once you are inside Madigan, talk to the staff about doing paperwork done for a 2 yr temporary JBLM ID card. NO SPONSOR AVAIlABLE - EMERGENCY ACCESS? The visitors center "take a number" machine has an option for "MAMC Emergency." I haven't used this option so can't report experience. You'd need the above documentation for yourself and vehicle, & could get access (no on/off base privileges) without a sponsor being there.

Nov 2023

Went to the ER on Wednesday,11/07/23 at 0420, with intestinal bleeding. Was seen by an RN immediately - before I even got my jacket off. Was seen by ER MDs and a Gastroenterologist and administered a CT scan within two hours. Overnighted in 6 North, and released the next day. The cause of my symptoms was thoroughly explained, as was the prognosis that the symptoms would clear without medication or intervention. The Gastroenterologist was right on. Thank you ER staff, Gastro staff, CT tech, and 6 North staff. I am very, very grateful. R. Egan USAF Ret