Finding a doctor in the Eastside isn't exactly hard. Finding one who actually remembers your name without looking at a chart? That’s the real trick. If you’ve been digging around for a primary care physician in the 98004 zip code, you’ve likely stumbled across Dr. Allen Geltzer Bellevue references more than once. He’s been a fixture at Overlake Internal Medicine Associates for decades.
But honestly, choosing a doctor based on a star rating is a bit like choosing a restaurant based on a blurry photo of a sandwich. It doesn't give you the full story. To really get why people stick with Geltzer—or why some find him a bit too "direct"—you have to look at the guy behind the white coat.
The Brown to Tufts to Bellevue Pipeline
Allen Geltzer didn't just appear in Washington. He’s a Rhode Island native who grew up in Providence. He did the whole Ivy League thing at Brown University before heading to Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston.
By 1995, he hit the West Coast.
He did his residency at Virginia Mason, and if you know anything about Seattle medicine, you know Virginia Mason is no joke. It's high-pressure. It’s where you learn to be efficient because the alternative is drowning in paperwork. That probably explains his "get to the point" vibe that shows up in patient reviews. He joined Overlake in 1998 and has basically stayed put since then.
Interestingly, he isn't just a clinic guy. He’s been the Vice President of the clinic and a primary care executive representative for a long time. Basically, he’s one of the people making sure the whole machine actually runs.
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That Time He Actually Saved a Life (Off-Duty)
Most doctors talk about saving lives. Geltzer actually did it on a tennis court. Back in 2009, he was playing at the Mercer Island Beach Club when a fellow player went into cardiac arrest.
He didn't wait for the paramedics.
He started CPR immediately and used an AED. He literally brought the guy back before the ambulance arrived. It’s one of those things that doesn't show up on a "services offered" list on a medical portal, but it tells you something about how he reacts when things go sideways. He doesn't panic.
What It’s Really Like in the Exam Room
Look, some people love him. Some people think he’s a bit brusque. That’s the reality of internal medicine.
If you want a doctor who will spend 40 minutes chatting about your summer vacation, he might not be your first pick. He tends to be very focused on the data. One interesting piece of his background? During his residency, he published a study on how Western Washington’s rain affects carbon monoxide suicides. It’s a bit dark, sure, but it shows a brain that is constantly looking for patterns in the environment and how they affect human health.
The Specialization Mix
He’s board-certified in Internal Medicine. That means he handles the "adult stuff"—chronic conditions, complex diagnoses, and general wellness. His practice at Dr. Allen Geltzer Bellevue locations typically covers:
- Chronic disease management (Diabetes, Hypertension)
- Preventive screenings
- Acute issues like pneumonia or those annoying upper respiratory infections
- Complex "failure to thrive" cases in older adults
He’s affiliated with Overlake Medical Center, so if you end up needing a specialist or a hospital stay, you’re already in the system. That's a huge logistical win in a city where traffic makes a cross-town referral feel like a three-day trek.
The "Real Talk" on Reviews
If you look him up, you’ll see some 1-star reviews mixed with glowing 5-star ones. It’s a wild spread.
Why? Usually, it comes down to communication style. Some patients have noted that he’s very direct—sometimes suggesting lifestyle changes (like quitting a stressful job or losing weight) as the primary treatment. For some, that feels dismissive. For others, it’s the honest truth they needed to hear.
Communication with the front office at Overlake has also been a sticking point for some people. It’s a big clinic. Sometimes things get lost in the shuffle.
The Personal Side (Yes, He Has One)
He’s not just a medical machine. He’s married to a French woman and they have two bilingual kids. When he’s not at the clinic on 116th Ave NE, he’s usually outdoors. He’s into skiing and windsurfing—which, let’s be real, are the two most "Pacific Northwest Doctor" hobbies possible.
How to Get an Appointment (and Keep It)
His main office is at 1407 116th Ave NE, Suite 200.
If you’re planning to see him, here is the move:
- Check your insurance first. He takes the big ones—Regence, Aetna, Premera—but Overlake can be picky.
- Bring a list. Because he’s efficient, he will move through the appointment fast. If you don't have your questions written down, you'll forget them the second he stands up.
- Use the portal. Overlake uses MyChart. It is 100% the fastest way to get lab results or ask a quick follow-up question without playing phone tag with a receptionist.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re considering Dr. Geltzer as your primary doc, don't just take a stranger's word for it. Call the office at (425) 990-5222 and ask if he's currently accepting new patients for your specific insurance plan. If you’re a first-time patient, request a "new patient wellness exam" rather than a specific problem visit; it gives you more time to establish a baseline and see if his communication style actually clicks with yours.
Check your recent blood work results before you go. Having your data ready allows him to dive into the "why" instead of just the "what," which is where he usually provides the most value.