01. History

History of Billings Clinic Cancer Center

The Billings Clinic started with the expertise of two physicians in general practice and eventually expanded into the largest practice in the region with over 250 physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners in 35 health departments. The health system started under the general practice of Dr. Arthur J. Movius in 1911. Dr. J.H. Bridenbaugh joined Movius and brought experience in obstetrics and radiology to the practice. Over the next few decades, various physicians joined the facility due to an increase in the area population and a corresponding increase in the need for medical services. A decision was made in 1907 to begin developing a new hospital. The Billings Deaconness Hospital opened on June 30, 1927, with 58 beds, 12 doctors, and 16 nurses.

Several expansions took place over the next several years allowing for more physicians and nurses to join the facility, as well as for more advanced services and treatment options to be offered. In 1972, the hospital was able to pioneer the first successful open-heart surgery in Billings, Montana. The facility eventually merged with the Billings Clinic to become one health care organization known as The Deaconness Billings Clinic. The name changed to Billings Clinic in 2005, and within the next couple of years a new emergency and trauma center, surgical center, and a new inpatient cancer care unit opened to the public. The center provided cancer care services on an inpatient and outpatient status.

The Billings Clinic Cancer Center is part of the non-profit health care organization, Billings Clinic, located in Billings, Montana. The hospital provides premium care to the citizens of Montana, Wyoming and the Western Dakotas. The Billings Clinic started with the expertise of two physicians in general practice and eventually expanded into the largest practice in the region with over 250 physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners in 35 health departments.

02. Mesothelioma Care

Mesothelioma Care at Billings Clinic Cancer Center

The Billings Clinic Cancer Center focuses on creating personalized care for all their patients through a multidisciplinary approach. They offer cancer risk assessments for those who are high risk for developing cancer, like those who have experienced past asbestos exposure. Once diagnosed, mesothelioma patients will experience collaborative care from oncologists, oncology nurses, genetic therapists, dietitians and more to ensure the best care possible. A preliminary plan is organized for each patient until the lung conference/tumor board can analyze all diagnostic findings and devise a recommended treatment plan. The physicians and support staff at the thoracic (lung) cancer program use a variety of diagnostic tools to detect cancer in patients including CT scans, bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy. These tools help physicians to determine a prognosis and recommended treatment plan.

The center features innovative technology to allow for comprehensive mesothelioma care. Specialists at the center in the Lung (Thoracic) Cancer Program are experienced in surgical procedures, chemotherapy and radiation therapy techniques to fit any patient’s needs. They also offer a variety of clinical trials, giving patients the opportunity to receive promising emerging therapies that could improve life expectancy, including cancer vaccines and gene therapy.

Billings Cancer Center also offers wellness and support programs to improve quality of life and lessen patient suffering. The offerings focus on integrative medicine, including mesothelioma treatment diet and nutrition plans, education and survivorship care programs.

03. Specializations

Billings Clinic Cancer Center Specializations

• Brachytherapy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy

04. Accreditations

Billings Clinic Cancer Center Accreditations

• Becker’s 100 Great Hospitals in America
• Truven 100 Top Hospitals
• Yale Global Health Leadership Institute Partnership
• QOPI Certified
• Commission on Cancer accreditation