Home | Montana Arthritis Center

Your Arthritis Experts

“For the first time in a very long time…

I’m pain free.”

GETTING PATIENTS BACK IN THE GAME

Over 1/4th of Montanas age 18 years or older are diagnosed with arthritis. We are here to improve the quality of life of our patients while preventing the progression of arthritis and other aggressive rheumatic conditions.

Our key focus is improving patient outcomes. We believe if we listen to our patients and provide them with a variety of treatment options rooted in the latest medical advancements, we can help our patients return to a fulfilling, active lifestyle while preventing any further disability progression. We currently see patients in:

Great Falls, MT

via Telehealth

Conditions we treat

Our care team specializes in the practice of rheumatology which focuses on the study, diagnosis, and treatment of autoimmune disease and disorders that affect the joints, soft, and connective tissues. We treat the following rheumatic conditions:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus
Vasculitis
Sjögren’s disease
Mixed connective tissue disease
Ankylosing spondylitis
Psoriatic arthritis
Seronegative spondylarthritis
Lupus nephritis
Dermatomyositis
Polymyositis

Inclusion body myositis
Autoimmune necrotizing myositis
Scleroderma
Osteoporosis
Gout
Sarcoidosis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Relapsing polychondritis
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
And More

What our patients say about the mac:

"What a fantastic place. Super friendly and kind. Absolutely know what they’re doing. It’s all set up so well I couldn’t ask for more. I’m in such good hands here."

"I love the doctors. NP Johnson is awesome. She is straight forward, honest, friendly, and pleasant to speak with. The nursing staff is top notch. Also very friendly and informed"

"The staff here are incredibly caring and attentive. My doctor took the time to listen to my concerns and worked with me to develop an alternative treatment plan. It's reassuring to feel truly heard and validated."

"Very knowledgeable and informative. Provided me with more information than others have in the last 4 years. Bowen is great and making a real effort to resolve my pain."

"I have been going to Dr Sadra Thomas for a couple of years. I am now in remission for Ankylosis Spondylitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. I highly recommend MAC for your needs they have been great to me."

"Excellent experience. Very knowledgeable, very professional, listens extremely well and explains all options of care. It is evident Stacey CARES and she has restored my hope. Thank you"

Marilyn Tooke

03:15 08 May 23

I first met Dr. Lai, in Havre Mt. He came up there once a month for awhile. He’s a great Dr. and make’s you feel at ease. He’s been well educated. The last appointment I had I went to Stacy Johnson, and she was great too. They spend a lot of time with you, and do their best to help you. I can’t say enough good about MAC. The staff is very friendly, and the atmosphere is relaxing, and friendly too. I recommend if you need one of these kind of Doctor’s, to make an appointment with one of them, and I don’t think you would be disappointed.

vonnieb blomgren

20:34 04 May 23

I have seen Dr Lai for awhile now and have followed his moves. He seems to genuinely care about his patients and really listens to what we are saying to determine the best type of care to be given. He has validated my feelings and concerns where as other Drs give the impression that “I look fine therefore must be fine “ and just because my labs come back looking pretty normal doesn’t mean I am not having valid issues. Recently I have been dealing with Dr Bowman (in training) and he obviously has been trained by Dr Lai and seeks to provide the same kind of empathetic care! Dr Lai’s current nurse Vicky is helpful also… would definitely recommend this office.

Gary Thorson

23:11 10 Apr 23

After 10 yrs of trying to get help Dr Iie solved my mystery in maybe 45 minutes. It is satisfying to talk with his staff and not get labeled or stripped of individuality. Pain is real. He will HELP

Ed Caffrey

01:49 24 Feb 23

Hat's off to Dr Lai and the entire crew at MAC! Struggling with a chronic illness (Lupus) is no easy thing, but having Dr Lai as the "Quarterback" of my care team, that includes not only local Doctors/specialties, but also University of Washington/Seattle Doctors, has made my journey/battle one of hope, versus one of despair. From the smiles that I am met with when I check in, to the outstanding/professional care I receive throughout EVERY visit, to the willingness of Dr Lai to go beyond the routine in seeking avenues to better my condition.....simply the BEST health services that I have ever experienced.

linnette moss

22:26 26 Oct 22

Dr Lai and his team are amazing. Helpful, knowledgeable and I never feel like I’m fighting alone. The only complaint I have is they are so busy they can be hard to get ahold of.