SCCA/University of Washington Medical Center

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance offers a bold and innovative approach in the prevention, treatment, and cure of cancer. Combining the talents, expertise, and resources of three world-renowned institutions—Fred Hutch, Seattle Children's, and UW Medicine—we are able to offer our patients unprecedented survival rates. Our collaborative, cross-disciplined approach makes us one of the groundbreaking healthcare organizations that consistently lead the world in discoveries and breakthroughs for treating and curing cancer. We surround our patients with a remarkable team of scientists, researchers, doctors, nurses, social workers, clinicians, and therapists—dedicated professionals who care about our patients and their loved ones and who all share the same goal of offering the best possible outcome for better, longer, richer lives.

Location and Contact

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance at the University of Washington Medical Center
1959 NE Pacific St.
Seattle, WA 98195
T: (206) 288-SCCA (7222) 
Website: www.seattlecca.org/
Patient Resource Guide

Helpful Phone Numbers

• Appointments for New Patients: (855) 557-0555 (toll-free)
• Reach a Patient: 
• Visiting Hours: 
• Request Medical Records: (206) 288-1114 / (206) 288-1035 (fax) 
• Billing Questions: (206) 598-1950 / (866) 298-2825 (toll-free)

Cancers Treated

Adult

Directions

Driving

Flying

Airports

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. We strive to provide each traveler at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with a comfortable, safe and easy experience.

Location & Contact
17801 International Blvd
Seattle, WA 98158

Getting to and From the Airport

Getting Around Seattle

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) offers a free shuttle service serving our main locations. The area is also served by taxis and public transit options including buses, light rail, streetcars, and ferries.

Ground Transportation

SCCA Free Shuttle

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance offers free shuttle service between the SCCA outpatient clinic on Lake Union, University of Washington Medical Center, and Seattle Children's Hospital. The shuttle also serves SCCA patient housing. Shuttle hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shuttles do not run on the weekends or on holidays. 

Taxi Cabs

• Orange Cab: (206) 522-8800
• Yellow Cab: (206) 622-6500
• Far West: (206) 622-1717
• North End: (206) 363-3333

METRO Transit

Metro Transit is your "go to" agency for public transportation throughout King County. We are popular locally and admired nationwide for our innovative transit services, pioneering green practices, and visionary approach to meeting the transportation needs of the county's growing population. Metro's many services, choices, and support connect people with communities and help make life a little better for everyone.

Routes near the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance main clinic are 70, 71, 72 and 73. These buses all stop on Fairview Avenue North and run between downtown Seattle and the University District. Metro also offers taxi scrip and runs an Access Bus for people who can't use regular bus service.

Location & Contact
T: (206) 553-3000

South Lake Union Streetcar

The South Lake Union Streetcar makes 11 stops along a 2.6-mile line that runs from the Westlake Center area in downtown Seattle to Fairview Ave N and Campus Drive, just west of the SCCA clinic. The Streetcar runs at 15-minute intervals from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays and holidays.

Location & Contact
T: (206) 553-3000

Washington State Ferries

Ferries run between Seattle and Bainbridge Island, Whidbey Island, the San Juan Islands, Bremerton, and Kingston. You can take your car or walk on.

Location & Contact
T: (206) 464-6400

Travel Assistance 

Volunteer drivers, gas vouchers, and free or discounted tickets are some of the ways cancer patients can get help traveling to treatment centers, getting to doctor visits, and running essential errands. Medicaid covers some travel costs for eligible patients.

Nationwide, the American Cancer Society (ACS) Road to Recovery Helps connect patients with volunteer drivers in your area. For details see Road to Recovery or call (800) 227-2345.

For Patients Covered by Medicaid

Certain transportation costs may be covered under Medicaid, the state-federal partnership that pays for health services for low-income people.

Long-Distance Travel

The Angel Bus

The Angel Bus provides gas cards, commercial ground transportation, and volunteer drivers for non-emergency long-distance ground transportation to patients in need so they can access essential health care appointments. The typical trip is 70-250 miles one-way.

Location & Contact
T: (800) 768-0238

Bolt Bus

The Bolt Bus serves only Bellingham (WA), Seattle, Portland (OR), and Vancouver, BC, at low cost.

Location & Contact
T: (877) 265-8287

National Patient Travel HELPLINE

This helpline lists more than 40 air transportation options for patients throughout the nation. It also provides non-emergency long-distance ground transportation for financially strapped ambulatory patients traveling for treatment. Air transport options include commercial airline programs and nonprofit organizations, such as AirLifeLine, Angel Flight, and the Corporate Angel Network.

Location & Contact
T: (800) 296-1217

Parking

Validation for reduced-rate parking is available for medical center patients and their visitors. Get a validation sticker at the nurses' station to reduce your cost.

The SCCA and the UWMC garages (Surgery Pavilion and Triangle) offer same-day reciprocal parking. Bring your receipt from a participating garage to your next same-day appointment and it will be honored.

Directions

To UWMC Surgical Pavilion Garage

• This garage is located under the Surgical Pavilion and is primarily for surgery patients and visitors.
• Enter from NE Pacific Street, and turn left at the stop sign after passing the Emergency Department entrance. Veer left into the Pavilion Parking Garage. Height restriction is 6'7" on levels 2 and 3; 9'6" on level 3.
• Garage hours are 6 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday. It is closed on weekends. Pay as you leave. After hours parking is NOT available.
• Take garage elevator up to third floor.

To UWMC Triangle Garage

• This underground garage for patient and visitors is accessed from NE Pacific Place off of Pacific Street, across the street from the medical center. (Garage height restriction is 6'8".)
• Parking staff work from 6 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Pay as you leave. Parking is free on Sundays. After-hours parking is available.
• A pedestrian tunnel under NE Pacific connects the garage to the third (main) floor of the medical center. 

Shuttles and Transit

• SCCA free shuttle: See the schedule for our shuttle, which serves UWMC, SCCA at South Lake Union, Seattle Children's, Pete Gross House, and SCCA House.
• Bus service: The UW campus is served by several public transit systems. See trip-planning help.
• Transportation options: Other ways to get around include volunteer drivers, taxis, and airport shuttles.
• Light rail: The light rail begins and ends at the UW Station with nearby stops at Capitol Hill and Westlake stations.

Lodging

UW Medicine Affiliated Facilities

The Collegiana

UW Medical Center is pleased to make available to patients and families more affordable lodging for both short and long term stays during their care at the medical center.
The spacious, quiet rooms with private baths at our Hospitality House (The Collegiana) are located three blocks from UWMC-Roosevelt, with nearby access to UWMC via a free shuttle. The Collegiana has free internet access, free laundry and a full kitchen in the common areas. Whether you are a patient receiving care at UWMC, family or caregivers for a hospitalized patient, we welcome you. Inquire about cancellation policies.

• Reservations and check-in times must be pre-arranged. Please call between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday-Friday, or between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm on Saturday.
• Nightly rates start at $74 plus tax
• Weekly rates start at $448 plus tax
• Monthly rates start at $1470
• Less than one mile from UWMC
• Free Shuttle to UWMC and partner institutions
• Inquire about parking with manager
• In-room mini-refrigerators and cable

Location & Contact
4311 12th Ave., N.E.
Seattle, WA 98105
T: (206) 732-3200

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) House

The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance House features the following:

• 80-unit housing facility located close to SCCA
• Rates from $80 to $134 per night (tax-free)
• Discounts for monthly stays
• Fully furnished rooms with kitchenettes
• Large common kitchen and dining room
• Exercise room
• Resource center and library
• Media room
• Children's room
• Internet access
• Secure garage and parking
• Free shuttle service

Location & Contact
207 Pontius Ave., N.
Seattle, WA
T: (206) 204-3700

Hotels

Hotel Nexus

This hotel has the following features:

• Hospital rates from $99
• Discount Code is: UWMC70
• Free parking
• Frequent shuttle service to/from UWMC and NW Hospital (arrange with hotel)
• Complimentary hot breakfast
• Saffron Bar and Grill
• Inquire about pet policy

Location & Contact
2140 North Northgate Way
Seattle, WA 98133
T: (206) 365-0700 / (800) 435-0754

Extended Stay America Northgate

This hotel has the following features:

• Special corporate rate code: EAWMC
• Studio suites from $84 per night
• Studio suites from $650 per week
• Double suites from $750 per week
• Fully furnished and equipped kitchens
• Dial-up data port in every room
• No shuttle, free parking
• Pet friendly - fee

Location & Contact
13300 Stone Ave., N.
Seattle, WA 98133
T: (206) 365-8100

Hotel Deca

This hotel has the following features:

• Rates from $145
• One block from UWMC Health Sciences Shuttle
• Complimentary Parking
• Waived Facilities Fee
• Onsite Cafe and Full Service Restaurant

Location & Contact
4507 Brooklyn Ave., N.E.
Seattle, WA 98105
T: (206) 634-2000 / (800) 899-0251

Watertown

This hotel has the following features:

• From $199
• Free parking, shuttle service
• Across from UWMC-Roosevelt
• Less than one mile from UWMC
• Microwaves and refrigerators in all rooms
• Large fitness center
• All rooms non-smoking

Location & Contact
4242 Roosevelt Way, N.E.
Seattle, WA 98105
T: (206) 826-4242 / (866) 944-4242

Silver Cloud Inn (University Village) 

This hotel has the following features:

• From $179
• Shuttle to UWMC- free parking
• Refrigerators and microwaves
• Complimentary breakfast
• Indoor pool, spa and fitness facility

Location & Contact
5036 25th Ave. N.E. 
Seattle, WA 98105 
T: (206) 526-5200 / (800) 205-6940

Quality Inn & Suites

This hotel has the following features:

• Hospital rates offered at a 15% off discount from best available rate all year round
• Complimentary shuttle services to medical center *reservations required
• Complimentary full hot American breakfast
• Discounted parking fee
• Complimentary high speed internet

Location & Contact
618 John St.
Seattle, WA 98109
T: (206) 728-7666

Talaris Conference Center

This hotel has the following features:

• From $149
• Standard rooms & apt. suites
• 18 acres in park-like setting
• Near UWMC & University Village
• Complimentary WiFi & breakfast

Location & Contact
4000 NE 41st
Seattle, WA 98105
T: (206) 268-7000

First Hill Apartments

This hotel has the following features:

• One & two bedroom ($139-$179)
• Full kitchens and living rooms
• Shuttle to HMC - can connect to Health Sciences shuttle

Location & Contact
400 10th Ave. 
Seattle, WA 98122 
T: (206) 621-9229

Residence Inn University District

This hotel has the following features:

• Hospital rates from $179
• Suites with kitchens
• Free breakfast
• One block from UWMC Health Sciences Shuttle
• Parking $20 per day
• Pet friendly - Inquire fee

Location & Contact
4501 12th Ave. N.E. 
Seattle, WA 98105 
T: (206) 322-8887

University Motel Suites

This hotel has the following features:

• Nightly rates from $135
• Weekly rates available
• No shuttle service
• One- and two-bedrooms with kitchens
• One mile from UWMC

Location & Contact
4731 12th Ave., N.E.
Seattle, WA 98105
T: (206) 522-4724 / (800) 522-4720

Residence Inn by Marriott

This hotel has the following features:

• Rates from $329
• Rooms with fully-equipped kitchens
• Shuttle to SCCA, 2.5 miles from UWMC
• Complimentary buffet breakfast
• Coffee and dessert each evening
• Parking $31 per day

Location & Contact
Seattle-Lake Union
800 Fairview Ave., N.
Seattle, WA 98109
T: (206) 624-6000 / (800) 331-3131

The Baroness Hotel

This hotel has the following features:

• From $139
• Fully equipped kitchens
• Twin, queen & king suites
• Parking - $24 for 24 hrs.
• No shuttle

Location & Contact
1005 Spring Street 
Seattle, WA 98104 
T: (800) 283-6453

The Inn at Virginia Mason

This hotel has the following features:

• From $139
• Grab and Go offerings
• Parking- $24 for 24 hrs.
• No shuttle

Location & Contact
1006 Spring Street 
Seattle, WA 98104 
T: (800) 283-6453 / (206) 583-6453

Your First Appointment

What to Do in Advance

• Transfer your medical records, which may require a Release of Information form. Your patient care coordinator will contact your other health care providers to get your pertinent medical records, which may include pathology slides and results of imaging scans and tests.
• Check your insurance coverage or investigate other ways to pay for your care. You will be asked to sign a financial consent form at registration.
• Arrange to have someone accompany you, for support and to take notes to help you remember new information.
• Learn about treatment options for your disease.
• Know our guidelines to protect patients, such as alerting staff when you have cold symptoms. We also ask that you not smoke, wear fragrances, or bring fresh flowers, weapons, or illegal substances to any Seattle Cancer Care Alliance clinic.
• Complete a living will and power of attorney for health care, which let you state your wishes regarding your care and appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to. Bring copies if you want these placed in your medical record.

Planning Your Seattle Stay

• Check the itinerary we send you, with the times and locations of your appointments, so you'll know where to find your clinic.
• Plan for travel, including a ride from the airport.
• Reserve housing if you'll need it.
• Get a visa if you need one.

*If you need an interpreter for yourself or a family member, we will arrange it.

What to Bring

• Comfortable clothing and shoes. Wear them to your first visit.
• Financial information: Your insurance information, photo ID, referral from primary care provider if required by your insurance company, and money for parking. For information on insurance coverage and financial assistance, see Insurance and Billing.
• Medical information: List of your current medications (prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements) and any medical history form you've been asked to fill out.
• Questions for your doctor. Here's a sample.
• A friend for support and a notebook and pen to take notes during your appointments.
• A book, computer, music player, or handwork to pass the time between appointments. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the clinic.

Insurance

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance is working to ensure all cancer patients have access to the care that will offer them the best possible outcome for their disease. We feel passionately that the first question you have when faced with a diagnosis isn't what care your plan covers, but rather where you can receive the best care. SCCA is working with its partners in the public policy and advocacy sectors to ensure that all patients, regardless of their financial situation, have access to the quality of care and personalized service they deserve.

SCCA accepts most national private health insurance plans and Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people who are age 65 and older or who are disabled. We also accept Medicaid insurance for patients from Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho.

Every advantage counts when you're fighting cancer. Is SCCA covered on your health insurance plan?

Your Insurance Coverage

Everyone's insurance is different, so ask your insurer about your plan. Is SCCA in your network? Are there deductibles or co-payments that you will have to pay yourself? The amounts will be lower if SCCA is in your health plan's network.

Ask your insurance provider if your health plan contracts with the organizations that would provide your care here: SCCA, University of Washington Physicians (the practice group for the doctors who will take care of you), UW Medicine, and Seattle Children's. If you need care that is only available at SCCA, an insurer may agree to cover your treatment here.

Help Understanding Insurance

A Patient Financial Services (PFS) coordinator can assist you with understanding your insurance benefits. Call (206) 288-1113 or toll-free at (800) 804-8824 and ask to be transferred to a PFS coordinator. Or contact your SCCA clinic scheduler to arrange an appointment with a PFS coordinator.

If you are receiving a stem cell or bone marrow transplant, you can schedule a meeting with Patient Financial Services as part of your pre-transplant consultation. Transplant patients sometimes conduct fundraising as part of their financial planning.

Estimating Costs

To find out the estimated charges of a recommended treatment plan, call (206) 288-2080.

Many insurance companies limit payments to "usual, customary, and reasonable" (UCR) fee schedules. Our charges may differ from insurance companies' UCR allowances; you are responsible for payment regardless of your insurer's UCR limits.

Pre-Authorization for a Service

Health insurers often require pre-authorization for certain services, including CT, MRI, and PET imaging; chemotherapy; radiation therapy; and bone marrow transplants. We will work with you to get pre-authorization from your insurance carrier for services we provide. However, this may not be possible if services are ordered and provided in less than a 48-hour window.

In those situations, we recommend that you contact your insurance carrier for pre-authorization. If your insurance company fails to pay due to lack of pre-authorization, you will be financially responsible for payment.

Contact your primary care doctor's office for a referral to SCCA if your insurance plan requires a primary care provider referral before you can be treated here.

If You are Uninsured

If you don't have insurance, an SCCA financial counselor will work with you to find out if you qualify for financial assistance or Medicaid, a jointly funded, federal/state health-insurance program for low-income people.

SCCA directs patients without insurance to their state-specific Health Care Exchange. Washington residents can use Washington HealthPlanFinder to choose a plan based on cost, coverage, convenience, or any other factors that are important to you. Under the federal Affordable Care Act, insurance companies cannot deny coverage to people with existing conditions.

Clinical Trials

Coverage for treatment received as part of a clinical trial varies among health insurance companies. For Medicare beneficiaries, treatment received in clinical trials is covered, with some restrictions. If a clinical study is part of your treatment plan, you can use our worksheet to figure out your insurance coverage for clinical trials. If you have questions, call (206) 288-1113 or toll-free at (800) 804-8824.

Help Paying for Care

Financial assistance is available to Washington residents based on family need and SCCA resources. An SCCA financial counselor can help you with the applications for financial assistance or public insurance programs such as Medicaid. These programs may help you with your current and future health care bills. Please ask your scheduler for an appointment with a financial counselor or contact one directly at (206) 288- 6226 or toll free at 1 (800) 304-1763, option 3.

Services and Amenities

Your health care team is just one part of the support network you'll find at SCCA. We offer extensive resources to help patients, families, and caregivers.   

During Your Care

Your team is here. You'll have a personal health care team led by an expert doctor for your disease, with a nurse who manages your care, and a patient team coordinator who serves as your scheduler and first point of contact. This page will help you understand what to expect -- and lists self-help resources.

Amenities

Free Wi-Fi, a bistro, gift shop, playroom and a resource center are available and easily accessible at our South Lake Union location. This list include a few of our services, a full list of amenities is available here.

Red Brick Bistro and Espresso Bar

The Red Brick Bistro and Espresso Bar is in the cafeteria, located on the second floor, is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. View menus on clinic monitors. For weekend and after hours, please ask your care team for recommendations.

Shine Gift Shop

Our specialty stores sell gifts and products including apparel, jewelry, books, housewares, games, oncology items and specialty skin care products. We offer an expanded oncology product selection at our Shine store, located next door to SCCA House, 207 Pontius Ave., N., Suite 101. The Gift Shop is located on the first floor of the South Lake Union Clinic.

Locations & Contact

• Shine: (206) 288-7560
• Gift shop in SCCA clinic: (206) 288-8270

Sanctuary

The sanctuary is open for quiet time, for prayer and meditation and for reflection that can be vital to well-being and  wholeness. Located on the first floor of the clinic.

Resource Guides

Patient Resource Guide

Our patient resource guides includes more information about housing, emotional support services, directions, where to call about medical problems, and more. Download the guide here.

Support Groups

Facing the challenges of cancer can leave you feeling overwhelmed, frightened, and alone. A support group can help by providing a place to discuss your feelings, share information, and talk about coping with cancer. Online social support tools are another way to get support and stay in touch with friends, family, and other patients and caregivers.

SCCA Support Groups

All SCCA support groups are free and are facilitated by SCCA staff. Groups are open only to SCCA patients and their family members and caregivers.

Support Groups for Children

See descriptions of our support groups for children with cancer, for parents or siblings of pediatric cancer patients, and for children of cancer patients.

Another resource for children is Seattle Children's Resource Line. This 24-hour service has an option for callers without a primary care provider to talk to a Seattle Children's nurse. Call (206) 526-2500.

Support Services Outside SCCA

Cancer Pathways

Cancer Pathways, formerly known as Gilda's Club Seattle, offers support groups for both men and women. There are support groups for newly diagnosed patients, caregivers, bereavement and patients living with cancer for two or more years.  Free of charge and nonprofit, Cancer Pathways offers support and networking groups, lectures, workshops, and social events in a homelike setting. Call (206) 709-1400 for more information or see a list of adult support groups as well as family support programs.

Crisis Clinic

The Crisis Clinic offers 24-hour telephone support for people who are in crisis, as well as referrals to community resources. Call (206) 461-3222 (voice and TDD).

Cancer Lifeline

Cancer Lifeline's Support Groups work to meet the needs of patients, survivors, caregivers, family, and friends. See a list of support groups at Cancer Lifeline.

Why choose use?

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance represents a union of patients and doctors, physicians and researchers, care and cures in the pursuit of better, longer, richer lives for our patients.

Above all, we exist to move patients forward, past boundaries and toward hope, beyond fear and closer to discovery. SCCA is the intersection of compassion and hard science. Where a real difference can be made today and true progress happens tomorrow. This uniquely bold and inventive approach truly sets us apart.

We treat care differently. And, because of that, we see patients differently, too. Our care combines powerful science with devoted collaboration, where boundary-pushing discovery happens--care and science working together.

It is our fundamental belief that working in partnership with our patients is essential to who we are today and in the future.