Medical Tourism

MEDICAL TOURISM | A Healthcare Desination

Access to healthcare is an important factor for many of us when choosing where to live and raise a family. This is especially true in a rural state like Wyoming, where communities are separated by vast distances, and major cities are sometimes hundreds of miles away. Many communities in Wyoming are lucky to have some basic urgent and emergency services, a few primary care providers and sometimes a long-term care facility, but their citizens must leave town if they need specialty medical care.

Fortunately, this isn’t the case in Gillette and Campbell County. Campbell County Health’s system of care is among the most comprehensive in the state, with many specialty services and providers not found in most rural communities. In addition to the core services of inpatient hospitalization and emergency care, CCH has recruited specialists that provide the community with comprehensive surgical services, a cardiac cath lab, medical and radiation oncology, behavioral health, occupational health services, home health and hospice care, dialysis, and much more.

In short, many of the specialty healthcare services and medical specialists that patients need are located right here in Gillette. And, if a higher level of care is needed, CCH’s affiliation with UCHealth gives patients access to an extensive list of specialists and hospitals in Colorado. One of the many benefits of affiliation is that patients come back to their local provider for continued care.

There is a common misperception that shopping is better in the big city instead of staying local, and we all know this isn’t always true. Local businesses are owned and operated by our friends and neighbors, and they contribute to and give back to the community in ways out of town businesses can’t.

Dr. Nicholas Stamato, Susan Pillen and Ruth Kellam, RN, during Susan’s recent follow-up cardiology appointment. Susan lives in Newcastle and sees Dr. Stamato at the Campbell County Medical Group Cardiology Clinic.

That same misperception exists in healthcare. The same qualities that make Gillette an attractive place to live and work are also the things that draw quality healthcare providers to the community. In addition to the medical facilities; the city and county infrastructure, system of parks, local and regional and recreational opportunities, exceptional school system, and wide-open spaces attract healthcare providers that want to come here and stay here. Campbell County Health has become a regional medical system, and many specialists attract patients from the region, state, and surrounding states to receive care and treatment in Gillette. For example, patients receiving treatment at the Heptner Cancer Center in 2021 came from as far away as Jackson, Wyoming; Billings, Montana; and Tucson, Arizona.

Campbell County Health is not only part of the Gillette community, it also serves as a tertiary, or transfer hospital for many smaller towns in the region where a higher level of care is needed. In 2021 CCH acquired the Newcastle Ambulance Service to enable patients in Weston County to receive a higher level of pre-hospital care. The Family Clinic in Hulett opened last fall, and is part of Campbell County Medical Group’s group of specialty clinics. Wright Clinic and Occupational Health has been part of southern Campbell County for many years, and provides some specialty services like physical therapy and health and wellness screenings in addition to primary care.

Specialty medical care from providers and facilities you know and trust are right here where you live and work. Find out more at cchwyo.org.

MEDICAL TOURISM | Traveling for Healthcare

Many folks come to our unique region for tourism and all of the beautiful open ranges that represent High Country in Wyoming. At Black Hills Orthopedic & Spine Center and Black Hills Surgery Center of Wyoming, our exceptional care and superior service with fellowship-trained specialists in a physician-owned surgery center has a similar attraction. Some refer to this draw as medical tourism. While traveling for healthcare internationally has long been defined as “medical tourism”; traveling to any destination for its healthcare is also a form of medical tourism.

With the rising cost of healthcare, increased utilization of telemedicine, and demographics suggesting that Baby Boomers will only increase the need for orthopedic & spine care, we see the trend toward medical tourism to our area elevating. While cost-saving opportunities appear to be the impetus behind medical tourism, our patients are pleasantly surprised by other benefits of traveling to receive care with Black Hills Orthopedic & Spine Center. Our Mission at Black Hills Orthopedic & Spine Center is to provide the best orthopedic and spine care for our entire region, and beyond.

Black Hills Orthopedic & Spine Center, Black Hills Orthopedic & Spine Center of Wyoming, Black Hills Surgery Center of Wyoming, and Black Hills Surgical Hospital are uniquely positioned to

Brand-New Location in Sheridan Coming Soon! (307) 670-9150

provide a high-quality and low-cost medical tourism option. We’ve been privileged to care for and host patients from over 25 states, including our most recent out-of-town patient from Alaska. Our costs are significantly lower than the same procedure conducted at a traditional hospital and our surgeons are board-certified and fellowship-trained with experience that is among the best anywhere in the world. We boast cutting-edge technology such as Mako Robotic Assisted Joint Replacement technology and minimally invasive spine techniques, and our commitment to providing personal, quality care, service and safety is how we’re able to be offer each patient an award-winning healthcare experience.

The physicians at Black Hills Orthopedic & Spine Center and Black Hills Orthopedic & Spine Center of Wyoming are proud to offer cost-effective, high-quality care to the region. Our focus on patient experience, quality, safety, and cost allows us to compete with the best-of-the best in orthopedics and spine. The streamlined access to on-site imaging services, rehab specialists, hospitalists, and more, provide convenience, peace of mind and top-shelf quality at lower cost, without compromises. Our nationally recognized care not only encourages our community members to stay local, it is also the perfect destination for medical tourism patients who are looking for high-quality care and superior service with exceptional outcomes.

World-Class Care Available in Gillette & Buffalo

Serving the orthopedic needs of the Black Hills region since 1976, Black Hills Orthopedic & Spine Center of Wyoming knows and delivers what our community needs to stay strong. Monica L. Morman, MD Robert Grunfeld, MD Daniel Liechti, MD Christian Gaffney, MD, MSc Michael Kadrmas, MD Robert MacLachlan, MD Robert Woodruff, MD Mitch Grieve, PA-C Noah Forrey, PA-C Kendra Nordahl, NP-C Chyna Raulston, APRN, FNP-C Rebecca Stafford, PA-C