The 5 Best Allergists in Washington
Board-certified allergy & asthma specialists in Seattle, Spokane, Everett.
If over-the-counter antihistamines aren't cutting it anymore, a board-certified allergist-immunologist can pinpoint exactly what you're reacting to and build a treatment plan — including immunotherapy that can reduce your sensitivity for good. Our editors researched allergists across Washington and curated the five standouts below based on board certification, affiliations, peer recognition, and patient reputation. Before your visit, check today's pollen levels in Washington so you can tell your doctor what was in the air when your symptoms flared.
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Leonard C. Altman, MD
Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center / UW Medicine
Seattle, WA
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyFellow of the AAAAIClinical Professor of Medicine, University of WashingtonAffiliate Professor of Oral Biology and Environmental Health, UWDr. Leonard C. Altman received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and has been affiliated with University of Washington research programs since 1975. He joined Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center in private practice in 1984 while maintaining active participation in basic research, and serves on the board of the ASTHMA, Inc. Research Center. He holds dual academic appointments at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
Areas of focus: Asthma · Allergic disease · Clinical immunology research
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Lily Li, MD
UW Medicine / Harborview Medical Center
Seattle, WA
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyAssistant Professor, Division of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, University of WashingtonDr. Lily Li is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Allergy & Infectious Diseases at the University of Washington and practices at Harborview Medical Center. She completed her fellowship at Brigham and Women's Hospital and her research focuses on the clinical impact of reported drug allergies on physician practice patterns and patient outcomes, including NSAIDs and immune-mediated drug allergies.
Areas of focus: Drug allergies · Urticaria and angioedema · Anaphylaxis · Food and environmental allergies · NSAID allergy
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William T. Nguyen, MD
Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center
Seattle, WA
Board-certified in Adult and Pediatric Allergy, Asthma & ImmunologyFellow of the AAAAIDr. William Nguyen joined Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center in 2022, bringing over 20 years of clinical experience. He trained at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the University of Tennessee–Memphis, and was previously recognized in Dallas Magazine's 'Best of' in Allergy and Immunology. He was named a 2024 Seattle Met Top Doctor.
Areas of focus: Asthma · Indoor and outdoor allergies · Eczema · Food allergies
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Steven M. Kernerman, DO
Spokane Allergy & Asthma Clinic
Spokane, WA
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyBoard-certified in Internal MedicineFellow of the AAAAIFellow of the ACAAIDr. Steven Kernerman received his medical degree from Des Moines University and completed both his internal medicine residency and allergy/immunology fellowship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. He joined the Spokane Allergy and Asthma Clinic in July 1992 and has practiced in eastern Washington for over three decades, providing board-certified adult and pediatric allergy care to patients throughout the region.
Areas of focus: Adult and pediatric allergy · Asthma · Immunotherapy · Venom allergy
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Paul T. McBride, MD
Optum Care Washington (Everett Clinic)
Everett, WA
Board-certified in Allergy & ImmunologyBoard-certified in Internal MedicineFellow of the AAAAIDr. Paul T. McBride graduated from the University of Utah School of Medicine in 1982 and has over 40 years of experience in allergy and immunology. He practices at Optum Care Washington's Everett Clinic and is affiliated with Providence Regional Medical Center Everett and UW Medicine-Harborview Medical Center. He was named a 2025 Seattle Met Top Doctor in Allergy & Immunology.
Areas of focus: Allergic rhinitis · Asthma · Drug allergies · Immunotherapy
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How we chose the best allergists in Washington
Our editorial team researched allergy and immunology specialists practicing across Washington and selected these five based on:
- Board certification in Allergy & Immunology (ABAI)
- Hospital and academic affiliations with respected medical centers
- Peer recognition, including Top Doctor awards and professional society roles
- Practice reputation and years of experience treating allergy and asthma patients
- Geographic spread across Washington's major metro areas
These listings are editorial picks, not paid placements or medical endorsements, and we have no financial relationship with any provider listed. Physician availability, insurance participation, and credentials change — always verify directly with the practice before booking. This page is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a good allergist in Washington?
Look for board certification in Allergy & Immunology, hospital or academic affiliations, and an established practice. Every allergist on this list was vetted against those criteria.
Do I need a referral?
It depends on your insurance plan, not the state. Most PPO plans let you book directly; HMO plans usually require a referral from your primary care physician.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
A list of your symptoms and when they occur, your current medications, your insurance card, and any relevant medical records. A symptom diary matched against local pollen counts is especially useful for diagnosing seasonal allergies.
Track Washington pollen before your visit
Allergists can diagnose you faster when you know which days your symptoms flared and what was in the air. MyPollenPal tracks daily tree, grass, and weed pollen levels for cities across Washington.