Health Services Provided In Big Sky

The Big Sky Community Capital Improvement Plan highlights a critical insight regarding the Big Sky Medical Center's primary care market share:

“The majority of patients are visitors to the area, resulting in a high peak-time demand during the vacation seasons of Big Sky.”

This evidence challenges the argument for establishing a new facility specifically to serve the residents of Big Sky, as the current demand pattern does not support the claim of inadequate access to local primary care.

While supporters of the Big Sky Wellness District Initiative argue that they do not benefit from being part of the Madison Valley Hospital District, the reality is that the MVMC plays a crucial role in delivering essential medical services to residents across the district, including Big Sky. These services are made possible through shared tax dollars, which are vital to maintaining access to high-quality care.

Madison Valley Medical Center Services Provided In Big Sky

Primary Care and Behavioral Health

  • Dr. Brandon Allen, a Board-Certified Family Medicine physician, and Lisa Brubaker, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, deliver primary care and behavioral health services to Big Sky residents through a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) between MVMC and Bozeman Health.

  • This PSA is designed for patient convenience and to maximize community benefit, even though it operates at a financial loss for MVMC. It is structured to enhance cooperation between Critical Access Hospitals and to meet community needs.

Expanded Behavioral Health Support

  • MVMC employs Heidi Wilson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, to provide both in-person and telemedicine behavioral health services for Big Sky residents.

  • Telemedicine appointments are available throughout the week solely for Big Sky residents, and MVMC is actively working to secure space through Wellness in Action for additional in-person visits to better serve the community.

Preventive Health Screenings

  • In partnership with Healthy Is Wellness, Inc., MVMC provides biometric health screening services for the Big Sky workforce and residents.

  • This initiative launched on December 5, 2024, at the Big Sky Health Fair and includes discounted biometric screenings and comprehensive lab testing for the community.

Access to New Cutting-Edge Equipment

  • New CT equipment purchased by MVMC allows for superior imaging and cutting-edge care. Other services include: annual lung cancer screenings and calcium scoring to look for heart disease.

  • Many outside providers utilize the CT equipment at MVMC, including through the VA. Patients who utilize the service at MVMC experience short wait times, same day in many instances. Many of the CT scans performed at MVMC are prior authorized by Bozeman Health and Bridger Orthopedics.

Madison Valley Medical Center Services Provided In Big Sky

Looking ahead, MVMC's Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget includes plans for establishing an outpatient clinic in Big Sky that will offer both primary care and behavioral health services. Options for purchasing or leasing existing office space in Big Sky are under evaluation, with a preference for collaboration with local providers to ensure the best outcomes for the community.

The Madison Valley Medical Center’s commitment to serving Big Sky underscores the importance of maintaining a unified Hospital District. The shared tax dollars ensure the sustainability of these services, which benefit not only Big Sky but the entire region.