Billings Clinic and Logan Health are now officially uniting as one health system in Montana and Wyoming.
Billings Clinic and Logan Health announced Wednesday they have signed a non-binding letter of intent to explore uniting the two organizations into one integrated, independent, Montana-based health system, according to Zach Benoit, Billings Clinic Community Relations Manager.
“Our two organizations have a lot in common, as independent, physician-led health systems with deep roots in our communities and a commitment to rural health care. The health needs of our rural communities are unique, and we are excited to explore ways to serve our patients’ greatest challenges and raise the bar for health care in Montana and Wyoming together,” said Clint Seger, MD, Billings Clinic CEO.
Health systems across the country are facing unprecedented post-pandemic challenges, including increased expenses, workforce challenges, accelerating technology investment needs, and the urgent need to achieve health equity and that includes both Montana and Wyoming.
Dr. Seger said the goals are well defined and achievable:
- Improving safety, quality and service
- Expanding the depth and breadth of primary and specialty care provided locally
- Providing an inter-connected rural trauma and emergency transport program
- Engaging in a more effective and impactful approach for addressing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; population health; health equity and health disparities, including underserved populations and our tribal partners
- Gaining operational efficiencies to reinvest in advancing care and services for the communities we serve
- Enhancing recruitment and retention of excellent physicians, nurses, clinicians and other key staff
- Growing medical education, research opportunities and innovation
- “Billings Clinic and Logan Health have a long history of serving our communities’ health needs. We are thrilled about our shared vision to create something transformative. We are looking forward to having conversations with our teams and communities as we focus efforts on delivering outstanding care for years to come,” said Craig Lambrecht, MD, Logan Health President and CEO.
A definitive agreement for the new, Montana-based organization is expected this spring with a goal to have all details and approvals finalized as early as this summer.
Logan Health is a not-for-profit, 622-bed health system in Montana with the main medical campus located Flathead County. More than 4,500 physicians, nurses, health care professionals and support staff work at Logan Hospital. More information can be found at www.logan.org.
Billings Clinic is Montana’s largest independent health system with more than 4,700 employees, including nearly 600 physicians and advanced practitioners in 80 specialties. Billings Clinic is the first Magnet-designated health care organization for nursing in Montana and is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. More information can be found at www.billingsclinic.com.
