Pioneer Square Clinic serves everyone - not just homeless. Because they *do* tend to have a lot of folks come through who are in need of help, asking questions about where you slept the night before and making sure you have access to a phone (or other basic necessities - and yes, a phone is a necessity in today's world) is asked because they're concerned - NOT because they making an assumption that you're a bum!! As a survivor of DV who, in the past, spent a few nights without a roof over my head, I find it comforting to know there are people who care. The clinic also has a social worker on staff right there at the clinic to help you out if you do need help with anything - housing, food, clothes, etc.
I recently switched to the Pioneer Square clinic because it's closer to my condo than having to go up to the main Harborview clinic. And yes, it's a much different environment than the traditional 'family' doctors office.... but, I've been to the Pioneer clinic 5 times now and never had to wait more than 5 minutes to be seen. The doctor I see is AMAZING and really knows what she's talking about (she also actually listens to me and remembers my concerns the next time I come in!), What really impressed me was that when I asked my Dr how long she planned on staying at the clinic (she's currently a resident) she said she still had 2 1/2 years in her residency, but she was hoping they'd let her stay on at the Pioneer clinic after her residency!!!
Oddly enough, it's the one place I wouldn't mind if I had to wait - between the really, really nice security guard who sits in the waiting room at a desk and all the older gentlemen who seem to have an endless stream of interesting stories about everything from wartime to 70s protests to 1000 and 1 other things.
All in all, the clinic is wonderful. The doctors are the most up-to-date I've met in the Seattle area, and have no qualms about getting you to a specialist if they think you might need it (no matter what your insurance). The staff and nurses are extremely friendly and helpful - some of the nicest nurses I've ever met in fact. The security guys are just super great - and very patient and cool given that I'm sure they have to deal with a lot of issues throughout the day... and the clientele at the clinic are for the most part very nice and enjoy telling their stories if you're willing to listen. read more