Local specialty care on the Hi‑Line reduced patient travel by 305,504 miles
In 2025, Logan Health continued its commitment to expanding specialty care across north‑central Montana. This effort is already making a meaningful difference for rural patients. By offering high‑quality, specialty services in Chester, Conrad, Cut Bank and Shelby, Logan Health helped patients avoid a combined 305,504 miles of travel. Without these local services, many patients would have needed to drive to Great Falls, Kalispell or Whitefish to access specialty services.
For many rural families, long‑distance travel is more than an inconvenience. It can mean missed work, increased fuel costs, the challenge of coordinating childcare, dangers of winter driving or very limited transportation options, especially for older adults and those without reliable vehicles, resulting in delayed access to the care they need. By prioritizing regional access to care, Logan Health is helping ensure that rural residents receive world‑class medical expertise without sacrificing time, safety or affordability.
Over the past year, Logan Health expanded and strengthened multiple specialty offerings across the region, giving rural patients access to services that once required hours of travel. These specialties include:
- Cardiology
- Colonoscopy and endoscopy
- Dermatology
- General Surgery
- Obstetrics & gynecology
- Orthopedics
- Sleep Medicine
- Telehealth‑supported specialty consultations
Each of these offerings reflects Logan Health’s mission to strengthen rural access to care through strategic partnerships, expert recruitment and continuous investment in regional clinics.
Leaders across Logan Health have highlighted both the practical and emotional impacts of improved local access.
President at Logan Health in Conrad and Shelby, Vicki Newmiller, said access to quality medical care, whether specialty services or everyday primary care, should not be determined by a patient’s location.
“For rural families, having care close to home means fewer miles on the road, less time away from work and school, and greater peace of mind,” she said. “We are deeply proud to care for our neighbors and to strengthen the health of our local communities.”
Cherie Taylor, President of Logan Health Chester and Cut Bank, emphasized the invaluable impact of local access to care, adding, “Every mile a patient doesn’t have to travel matters. Local access to care not only saves time and expense for rural families, but it also improves continuity by allowing patients to build lasting relationships with their care teams. We’re committed to delivering equitable care that keeps patients connected, supported and close to home.”
According to Logan Health Executive Director of Regional Operations Rhonda Tallman, “Investing in local clinics helps expand services, strengthens the Hi‑Line and ensures rural patients continue to receive the care they need close to home. These programs are an important part of our long‑term vision for strong, sustainable rural health care.”
Throughout the Hi‑Line, patients are already feeling the difference. Less time on the road means more time at home, faster follow‑up appointments and better long‑term outcomes.
The 305,504 miles saved represent far more than fewer hours on the road; they symbolize greater health equity for rural Montanans. Logan Health remains committed to continually evaluating which services can be brought closer to home on the Hi‑Line, making exceptional care more accessible within the local communities it serves.