Independent health care growing in Northwest Montana

There’s growing demand among patients for more choices in health care, and many providers in Northwest Montana are answering the call.

From independent doctor groups to a range of direct primary care physicians, this corner of Montana is seeing a rise in providers forging their own paths.

Many of these providers have chosen to venture into entrepreneurship based on feedback from patients: personalized care is valued, health insurance is frustrating and accessing care in a timely manner can be challenging.

Dr. Marisa Hoyne is among the local providers who have taken the leap. She started Kalispell Direct Care to give her patients more one-on-one time while also fulfilling her ambitions as a physician. While it took time to learn how to balance being a business owner and a doctor, she has found a sustainable model through direct primary care.

“It’s been interesting. I honestly never expected to do this — I thought I’d be employed by someone else forever,” Hoyne said.

As physician-owned practices nationwide have declined significantly in recent years — from 76% in the 1980s to just 35.4% in 2024 — Northwest Montana may be setting a trend toward a return to more independent health care options.

Thanks for reading, and as always, thank you for supporting local journalism and the businesses and organizations building a stronger, more vibrant Montana.

Matt Baldwin is the Regional Editor of Hagadone Media Montana.