About Our Medical Care

PHC's patient care philosophy focuses on providing thorough, professional, affordable treatment to our patients through a team approach. Our provider teams include physicians, clinical pharmacists, resident physicians, faculty, nurses, medical assistants, and behavioral health professionals that are familiar with their patients’ medical history and current needs. We believe that this team approach allows us  to promote optimum health and well-being for our patients.
At PHC we believe that healthcare is a right and we never turn anyone away because of an inability to pay. We accept a variety of different insurance plans and we off a sliding fee scale for qualified patients. Our sliding fee scale allows us to adjust us to adjust charges for health care services based on income and family size.

Urgent Care

In addition to our regular appointments, we also have several same-day appointments available for our established patients. If you have established care with one of our providers and need urgent care, call at 8 a.m. and we will make every effort to schedule you an appointment that day.
If you are new to PHC and need urgent care, call us and we will do our best to serve you as quickly as possible. Please view our new patient forms and instructions before you arrive.
​
For after hours care, call 406-258-4789 and you will be connected with our on call provider.

HIV Prevention/PrEP & Treatment

Partnership Health Center provides comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, and treatment services. HIV rapid testing is offered as part of any routine primary care visit and is also available on a walk-in basis for established patients. We also offer pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for people at risk of contracting HIV. Insurance is not required for PrEP services.
 
The Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act provides funding to states for HIV/AIDS care. Since 1995, PHC has provided and coordinated top-quality care under the Ryan White CARE Act in Montana. The program can help with medical, dental, behavioral health, and substance misuse services. There are additional resources available. We serve 16 counties in Western Montana.
 
Please call 406-258-4121 for more information.
​For questions regarding HIV testing and PrEP, call 406-258-4418.

PHC Offers In-Clinic and Telehealth Visits for Rapid HIV Testing

PHC offers both in-office and at-home rapid HIV testing! Additionally, Telehealth visits can be arranged for patients with identified risk factors or for those unable or unwilling to come to the clinic for HIV screening. ​
Why Rapid HIV Testing?
Rapid HV testing is quick and convenient for individuals that have a concern and need to know their HIV status. PHC uses 1-min rapid HIV testing that has 99.96% accuracy in detecting HIV antibodies. ​

PrEP is available at PHC! 

What is PrEP?
​PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication people that are HIV negative and at risk for HIV can take to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use.
Is PrEP safe?
​PrEP is safe but some people experience side effects like diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. These side effects usually go away over time. Taking PrEP medication requires regular follow-ups with a provider to monitor any potential side effects that might be experienced. 
How do I get and pay for PrEP?
Individuals that have decided that PrEP is right for them would see a provider for a PrEP screening. The screening consists of HIV and STI testing and other specific labs that are necessary to ensure a person is healthy to start PrEP medication.
​
PrEP medication and follow-up care can be expensive however patients seeking PrEP services may be eligible for financial assistance through the Montana PrEP Assistance Program offered at PHC. The program is supported by the Montana DPHHS STD/HIV Division and assists patients with the costs of provider fees and labs associated with ongoing PrEP care. PHC can also assist patient with obtaining financial assistance for the cost of PrEP medication.  

To learn more about PrEP and to schedule a PrEP screening appointment, please contact our HIV Prevention and Community Health Specialist at 406-258-4418.  Click Here to Learn More About PrEP!​

PEP is available at PHC! 

What is PEP?
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) means taking medicine to prevent HIV after a possible exposure. Talk right away (within 72 hours) to your health care provider, an emergency room doctor, or an urgent care provider about PEP if you think you’ve recently been exposed to HIV.
Is PEP safe?
​PEP is safe but some people experience side effects like diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. These side effects usually go away over time. Taking PEP medication as prescribed by a provider is critical in preventing HIV infection.
How do I get and pay for PEP? 
Individuals that experience a need for PEP would need to see a provider within 72 hours of possible HIV exposure. PEP screening consists of HIV and STI testing and other specific labs. PEP usage requires follow-up with a provider and additional HIV testing after completing the course of medication.

PEP medication and follow-up care can be expensive. PHC can assist patient with obtaining financial assistance for the cost of PEP medication
 
For more information on rapid HIV testing, STI screening and PrEP/PEP and to discuss your options please contact PHC’s HIV Prevention and Community Health Specialist at 406-258-4418.
​
Additional information on HIV, STI’s, PrEP and PEP can be found via the CDC at the following link:
https://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm

STI Testing at PHC

Non-appointment STI screening services
​Established PHC patients can access STI screening services on the walk-in Nurse Nurse schedule. Patients can get a variety of STI screening performed without having to see a provider. Patients will be contacted with their screening results and only have to see a provider for follow-up and treatment for any positive screening results.
STI screening services available for established PHC patients:
  • HIV
  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia
  • Syphilis
  • Hep C
How do established patients get on the Nurse Nurse schedule for STI Screening services?
It’s easy! Established PHC patients can come via walk-in to the clinic during normal business hours, meet with a receptionist and ask to see a nurse for STI screening needs. (Note for patients: ask the receptionist you meet with to put you on the clinic Nurse Nurse schedule to ensure that you will be placed on the correct schedule for the non-appointment STI screening services you are requesting.)
 
For more information on STI screening and to discuss your options please contact PHC’s HIV Prevention and Community Health Specialist at 406-258-4418. ​

Additional Resources

Community Based Health Partners
​While STI and HIV testing services are available for established patients at PHC, persons not established at PHC and that are seeking similar services can find accessibility via the following community based health partners:
  • Gay Health Task Force (GHTF): 127 North Higgins Suite 201 Missoula, MT 59802 | Phone: 406-829-8075 | https://gayhealthtaskforce.org/
    • Services available:
      • Free 1- minute rapid HIV testing
      • Free 10-minute rapid Syphilis testing
      • Free 20-minute rapid HepC testing
      • Free condoms and lube
      • Additional information and referrals
  • The Center: 127 North Higgins Suite 202 Missoula, MT 59802 | Phone: 406-543-2224 | https://www.gaymontana.org/
    • Services available: please see website for services available
  • Open AID Alliance: 715 Ronan Street Missoula, MT 59801 | Phone: 406-543-4770 | https://www.openaidalliance.org/
    • Services available: please see website for services available