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Welcome to the Billings Area
The Billings Area Indian Health Service (IHS) provides a comprehensive health services delivery system to more than 70,000 American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people in the states of Montana and Wyoming. There are six IHS service units, two Self-Governance service units, five urban programs and an administrative office in Billings, Montana.
During fiscal year (FY) 2004 the IHS user population increased by two-percent, increases outpatient workload by four-percent, and decreases the average daily patient load (ADPL) by 1.2 for inpatient.
The Billings Area clinical staff consists of approximately 54 physicians, 179 nurses, 29 dentists, and 33 pharmacists delivering health care through 3 IHS hospitals, 9 health centers, 6 heath stations and numerous health locations.
All IHS and Tribally operated facilities in the Billings Area have been successfully accredited through JCAHO or AAAHC or CMS (Critical Access) or FQHC.
The Tribes of Montana and Wyoming, in partnership with the Billings Area Office of IHS, and the Urban Programs have engaged in a comprehensive planning process to define the Health Care needs of our population and the capacity to provide that care through The Billings Area Health Services Master Plan. The Master Plan is expected to forge referral partnerships to improve access care that is currently unavailable and to improve the overall health and spiritual well being of our population served.
New programs have been initiated to improve our delivery of health care such as quality work environment; we care survey, phone service survey, and the learning center. The underlying focus is to improve the quality, effectiveness, efficiency, customer service and satisfaction of the patients served.
The goal of the Billings Area is to eliminate health disparities between AI/AN and the general population.
We encourage participation and input from our patients, employees, tribal organizations and other stakeholders.
Sincerely,
Pete Conway
Director, Billings Area IHS
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