Hospital system purchases local radiology practice

A Montana hospital is acquiring one local radiology practice and its two imaging centers, leaders announced on Friday.

Both of Helena Imaging’s outpatient locations will now join Benefis Health System and operate under the Great Falls-based provider’s name.

“Being part of Benefis allows us to offer even more consistent care for our patients,” Randy Sibbitt, MD, a radiologist with Helena Imaging, said in a statement. “It’s an exciting opportunity for us to remain in our home offices while growing with the technological and other resources Benefis is dedicating to radiology services in Helena.”

One of the locations provides MRI services, while the second offers CT, mammography, ultrasound and X-ray imaging. All of its physicians are fellowship-trained in radiology, and the group also offers expertise in neuroradiology, interventional procedures and body imaging, according to the announcement. The practice employs two rads who will both become part of the hospital system.

Benefis declined to disclose terms of the deal on Monday. The independent nonprofit system also recently opened a 4,800-square-foot urgent care center that provides imaging and other services. Benefis is the largest health system in north central Montana, with 3,400 employees and two hospitals including its main hub in Great Falls and a critical access facility in Choteau.

Marty Stempniak

Marty Stempniak has covered healthcare since 2012, with his byline appearing in the American Hospital Association's member magazine, Modern Healthcare and McKnight's. Prior to that, he wrote about village government and local business for his hometown newspaper in Oak Park, Illinois. He won a Peter Lisagor and Gold EXCEL awards in 2017 for his coverage of the opioid epidemic. 

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