Whether you’re new to Missoula or already a resident, finding the best health care providers can sometimes be a challenge.

The health care tips below can assist you in finding providers to help you maintain your health or care for existing conditions.

• Check with your insurer. Ask which doctors, hospitals, and services are covered by your health insurance plan. Once you know who they are, you can begin narrowing your search for providers.
• Ask for referrals. Your prior physicians and local friends and co-workers can all help you find the best doctors in Missoula. The Western Montana Clinic’s online physicians’ referral service is a good starting point, as well.
• Do some research online. St. Patrick Hospital, Community Medical Center, and the Western Montana Clinic all have helpful websites to help you learn more about their services, specialties, billing policies, and more. The WMC also has a great list of online resources to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare.
• Verify your physician’s qualifications. The American Board of Medical Specialties and American Board of Internal Medicine both offer free online tools to help you confirm that your new doctor is board-certified.
• Confirm fees, coverage, and estimate out-of-pocket costs. St. Pat’s, Community, and the Western Montana Clinic each provide information and contact numbers on their websites to help you get a handle on fees, insurance coverage, and estimated costs.
• Take advantage of available resources. The State of Montana offers a variety of programs to help residents find and pay for healthcare and medication.
  • The Big Sky Rx Program gives assistance to Medicare clients in paying for their Medicare-approved prescriptions.
  • The Montana Children’s Health Insurance Program offers free or low-cost healthcare to families who qualify. Their website also has an extensive list of other kid’s healthcare funding services for families in need.
  • The Montana Comprehensive Health Association offers individual health insurance policies to eligible Montana residents who are considered uninsurable due to medical conditions.

For more health care tips and to find information about state programs and policies, visit the Montana Department of Health and Human Services website.