Dr. Joanne Thambuswamy, MD

As my primary care provider at the Lake Stevens Optum location, Dr. Thambuswamy weaponized my disabled parking needs against me in order to guarantee I would come in to see her every 6 months by only allowing me a temporary disable parking permit that must be renewed ever 6 months. Previously, I had a permanent disabled permit for ten years from a previous doctor, as my disability is permanent. She confirmed to me that this was her own personal policy and not something Optum forced on her.If you are a disabled patient, DO NOT GIVE JOANNE THAMBUSWAMY YOUR BUSINESS. She will use your disability needs against you.

Always joyful as well as empathetic. She understands why I'm visiting and takes time to help solve my health complaints.I'm thankful to have found her. Myself being retired, she has helped me with broken bones, asthma, arthritis, and more, offering options for a path to better health. I've never left an office visit frustrated.

If you want a compassionate and a highly educated doctor on both women's care and LGBTQA+ Dr.T is your person!

A fellow reviewer seems to have had a similar experience. After 2 annual well-visits, it’s clear she’s not the doctor for me. Both visit left me feeling patronized & unheard. If I have a negative experience on a first-time visit, I try to give the provider the benefit of the doubt- realizing they’re human. It’s worked in my favor in the past. Not w/ Dr Thambuswamy. She isn’t positive/encouraging. I found her bedside manner to be very rigid, insensitive, and ironically overtly judgemental. I don’t think she’s appropriate for people middle-aged/older with complex medical considerations. Her lack of experience in this area is quite apparent, but fits the for-profit model of Everett Clinic well based on her recommendations during a visit. Although I am happy the LGBTQ community has someone who will treat them, & be sensitive to their issues. Yet I struggle to get correct estrogen for meno. I think she has an inner bias in other areas, however. My experience- arrogance & inexperience

Dr. T is a really good doctor who actually listens to her patients. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and also practical. She doesn’t want to put you on a whole lot of medications for every symptom, but rather treats you in a holistic way that promotes better overall health. I’ve had nothing but good experiences with her for the 2 years I’ve been seeing her.

First, my only frustration is that TEC seems to toss her more patients than is reasonable, so scheduling is sometimes hard. Dr T does an incredible job of making me feel heard, and will spend the extra time explaining things and offering solutions to my problems. Never once have I felt rushed or like she didn't care. Her bedside manner is top notch.