Dr. Megan Debell
Family Medicine
Seattle, WA
21 years experience female
About
Bio
Dr. DeBell graduated from the University of Arizona School of Medicine. She completed her Family Medicine Residency at Swedish Medical Center.
Dr. DeBell became a doctor to help people feel their best and be their best in the world. She loves that HealthTap makes simple health care questions easier to address. It helps to catch things early! She also likes to help patients take care of and responsibility for their own health.
Dr. DeBell has devoted her career to working with the underserved, mentoring and educating. She works with several local community health centers and with the King County public health department. She volunteers with medical student volunteers at community free clinics.
Dr. DeBell has done international volunteer work in Mexico. She speaks Spanish well and enjoys caring for Spanish-speaking immigrants. (Hablo español si quieres hablar conmigo!)
Dr. DeBell has also completed training with the Center for Mind Body Medicine and uses principles of mindfulness in her work and life. She has also completed training in Functional Medicine.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Family Medicine
Integrative Medicine
Licenses
United States: Washington
Doctor Q&A
43 Answers
11 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A female asked:
My period suppose to go off today but still a little heavy, what will taking a bath do to my period?
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Bath might help pain: Sometimes periods don't follow our expectations, but taking a bath is fine to do if it appeals to you. I do not recommend washing with pressure insid... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Minor trauma: Usually due to using your hands - usually your dominant hand. If you accidentally bang your fingers against something during your daily activities, l... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Good to check again: Most urine pregnancy tests will be positive 4-6 weeks after your last menstrual period, which may be about 2 weeks after ovulation (usually about 2 we... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Change is common: It is common for the interval of a period to change over time. It is normal for a period to come every 25-35 days or so. It may be your natural cycle... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 16-year-old male asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Injury or overuse?: Pain is more of a concerning sign than making noise. If you have previously injured that elbow or if you do an activity where you hold the elbow in a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Consider preg test: I would check a pregnancy test, to make sure you are not pregnant. That said, periods are complicated and if the new pattern continues, I'd recommend... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Can be either: Swelling indicates that there is injury and the healing process has begun. The body's natural splint or cast is the swelling. Whether you need to be... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old male asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Yes - two medicines: The cream you have been prescribed contains two medicines - clotrimazole, which is antifungal, and Betamethasone dipropionate, which is a steroid (ant... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Common vs. rare: At 27 years of age, ovarian cancer is very rare. The more common cause of a positive pregnancy test is pregnancy itself. Sometimes a pregnancy can imp... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Maybe semen?: Hi Anne549 - if you haven't had unprotected sex very often, you may not recognize semen, which can cause a watery discharge for a day or so after sex.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Hemorrhoids?: A hard lump under the skin can sometimes be a hemorrhoid (swollen or clotted rectal vein). Depending on the location they can be painful or not painf... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Rib muscle injury?: If you are having difficulty breathing, or if the chest pain is constant, consider medical attention. If not, sounds like you may have sprained a rib... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Can be normal: Periods are often irregular or unusual for the first year after a delivery. The birth control method that you choose can also change your periods. I... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
ER visit: If the pain is unbearable, it needs to be evaluated. I'd recommend an ER or an urgent care with imaging possibilities, or at the very least, consultin... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Cycles can change: It is common for the interval of a period to change over time. It is normal for a period to come every 25-35 days or so. Sometimes people expect it t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
General health?: Sometimes vision changes can be caused by high or low blood sugar - it is important to be tested for diabetes. Also, sometimes thyroid disease can cau... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Depends: Antibiotics should only affect your period if you are on birth control pills or other hormonal contraceptives. If you are not on hormonal birth cont... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Pregnancy?: You need a pregnancy test. Even if you had a period in August, sometimes you can have a light period even though you have conceived. Other causes fo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Vaginal strength!: Your problem is very common after childbirth, called stress incontinence. Muscles of the pelvic floor get weak with childbirth. You can notice how the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Avoid carbs: The most common cause of elevated liver enzymes is called non-alcoholic fatty liver. It helps to avoid carbs. Avoid sugars (especially fruit juice, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Infection? Hormones?: Period timing is very complicated. A change in the cycle is good to have evaluated. Some things that can cause more frequent periods are infections li... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Certainly!: Diabetes is caused by higher blood sugars, which can be caused by high sugar intake. For healthy weight gain I'd recommend healthy fats like olive oi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
See a doctor: Tick bites can cause Lyme disease and early treatment is important. See a doctor and ask about doxycycline. The classic rash is target shaped with a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Stress management: If the pain is only associated with anger, it is could be due to stress. Stress can cause an increase in adrenaline which causes blood vessels to con... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Hot packs and visit: A stye is a mild infection of the lubricating gland at the base of an eyelash, usually appearing as a red angry bump on the eyelid. I recommend avoid... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A male asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Best to wait: I'd recommend waiting 24 hours after any surgical procedure or day procedure where you are sedated. The medicines used for endoscopy may interact wit... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Get help.: If you are having chest pain or head pain that is different than usual, I'd recommend evaluation. If it is a situation that you have experienced bef... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Not the same: Betadine is based on Iodine and Chloroprep is Chlorhexidine, a different chemical. It is also possible that you are allergic to tape or latex which i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
General symptoms...: There are a lot of things that can cause these general symptoms. If your urine is concentrated and you are constipated, make sure you are drinking LO... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
General health?: Sometimes vision changes can be caused by high or low blood sugar - it is important to be tested for diabetes. Also, sometimes thyroid disease can cau... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Infection? Hormones?: Period timing is very complicated. A change in your cycle is good to have evaluated. Some things that can cause more frequent periods are infections l... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Cook and wash: Pregnant women are more at risk because their immune system goes into a bit of hibernation in order to avoid rejecting the growing babe as "foreign". ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Type of Herpes Test: Hi Ryan - Sometimes a yeast infection and a Herpes or HSV infection can cause similar symptoms of irritation in the genital area. The nurse is being ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old male asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Elimination diet?: Sometimes a subtle food intolerance can cause gas. Consider an elimination diet where you eliminate dairy, wheat, soy, nuts, citrus, for three weeks ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Ouch! No way!: The vagina is naturally acidic (like a lemon), and adding a stronger acid will only irritate the delicate lining. The "tightness" of your vagina is mo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old male asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Nope - not absorbed: Rubbing your body with olive oil will not make you fat - it is an excellent moisturizer.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Anxiety disorder: Trichotillomania , or compulsive hair pulling, is an anxiety disorder. Seek help from a primary care doctor experienced in mental health concerns or a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Good to check: Most urine pregnancy tests will be positive 4-6 weeks after your last menstrual period, which may be about 2 weeks after ovulation (usually about 2 we... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Sounds ok: When you lose weight, it is common to start to notice your veins in your abdomen, especially if your skin is pale. It's hard to say more about a ting... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Topical medicine: If you don't have any warning signs like redness or swelling in the area or pain radiating to nearby parts of the body, you can use topical pain medic... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Likely fine...: Sometimes food we eat appears different or unusual coming out the other end. I would watch and wait - if the mucus-appearing stool continues, or if o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Yes!: I recommend soft belly breathing. One of my heroes, Dr Jim Gordon, talks about it here: https://vimeo.com/37976492; also you can check out the apps He... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:
Dr. Megan Debellanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Second opinion?: With weight loss and nausea, I'd recommend a second evaluation. Perhaps you need an ultrasound or CT scan to look at your stomach. Ketones and bilir... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
2
Recommendations
55
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Debell is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Jul 24, 2015
My penis hurts call video
HealthTap member
Thank you, your quick reply made me feel good!
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful!
HealthTap member
Your answer was very helpful! Thanks :)
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
University of Arizona College of Medicine
Graduated 2002MD
Residency
SWEDISH MEDICAL CENTER
Awards
Top Doctor, Third Place, Seattle Region - Spring
2015
Top Family Physician, First Place, Washington - Spring
2015
HealthTap Founding Doctor
Affiliations
Swedish Medical Center
King County Public Health
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