Montana has no dedicated pediatric nephrology program. It is one of the starkest care gaps in the United States — the 4th largest state by area with the 3rd lowest population density, and no in-state pediatric nephrologist. All Montana children with kidney disease must travel out of state for specialized care. Primary Children's Hospital / U of Utah Health (Salt Lake City) serves as the primary destination — the only pediatric dialysis unit in the Mountain West, 550 miles from Billings. Seattle Children's is accessible for western Montana families (~550 miles from Missoula). Telemedicine through the Intermountain Health network is critical for between-visit management. Hand-curated and independently verified.
Deep Access Gap
Montana has no dedicated pediatric nephrology program — every child must travel out of state
This is one of the most significant pediatric kidney care access gaps in the 50-state project. Montana families travel 500–650+ miles one way for pediatric nephrology. Telemedicine through Intermountain Health and connections to the Billings Clinic referral network help bridge the distance, but cannot substitute for in-person specialty care.
0
Dedicated pediatric nephrology programs in Montana
UNOS + ASN Program Data
~27K
Adults estimated to have CKD in Montana
1.1M population · ~3.0% CKD prevalence
550 mi
Billings to Primary Children's (SLC) — primary pediatric referral
Driving distance
MT Medicaid
Healthy Montana Kids — dphhs.mt.gov
Montana DPHHS
Primary Destinations
Where Montana Families Go for Pediatric Kidney Care
No in-state option — these are the centers Montana children are referred to, by region.
Driving distances from Montana: Billings to SLC: 550 mi | Missoula to Seattle: 550 mi | Billings to Denver: 600 mi | Billings to Minneapolis: 900 mi. Plan for extended stays — ask each center's social work team about lodging and travel assistance before your first appointment.
In Montana
Local General Pediatric Care
Montana hospitals can manage primary care and acute stabilization, but cannot provide specialist nephrology follow-up or transplant care.
Native American Families
Montana Tribal & IHS Resources
Montana has seven federally recognized tribes and 7 Indian reservations. Native American communities in Montana have disproportionately high rates of diabetes-related CKD. IHS facilities provide primary care and are the first point of contact for specialty referrals.
Indian Health Service authorization is required before receiving care at most non-IHS facilities. Begin the IHS authorization process early — simultaneously contact your IHS case manager and the destination hospital's social work team to coordinate coverage and travel logistics.
For Adults
Adult Nephrology
Community
Support Organizations
Financial Help
Financial Assistance
MT Medicaid out-of-state coverage: Montana Medicaid may cover medically necessary out-of-state care when no equivalent in-state option exists — which is always the case for pediatric nephrology. Confirm coverage with your case manager before the first out-of-state appointment.
Education
Kidney Explorers in Montana
Request Kidney Explorers for Your School
Our interactive kidney education module is designed for elementary and middle school students. Ask your school to bring it into the classroom.
If this is a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
Go to the nearest ER for acute stabilization, then contact your out-of-state nephrology team for transfer or next steps. Do not delay acute care because of distance.
nephraware