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.