Your Arthritis Experts

“For the first time in a very long time…

I’m pain free.”

Patient consults with nurse about Arthritis treatment

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:

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
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Mixed connective tissue disease
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Seronegative spondylarthritis
  • Lupus nephritis
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Polymyositis
  • Inclusion body myositis
  • Autoimmune necrotizing myositis
  • Scleroderma
  • Osteoporosis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Gout
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
  • Relapsing polychondritis
  • Polymyalgia Rheumatica
  • And More

What our patients say about the mac

Marilyn TookeMarilyn 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 blomgrenvonnieb 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 ThorsonGary 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 CaffreyEd 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 mosslinnette 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.
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Meet Our Team

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Photo of Montana Arthritis Center employee Dr. Richard Lai

Richard LAi

MD, MBA, FACP, FACR

Photo of Montana Arthritis Center employee Dr. Richard Lai

Richard LAi

MD, MBA, FACP, FACR

Photo of Arwyn Taffs, NP

Arwyn Taffs

MSN, ANP-BC

Photo of Kent Blakely, MD, with robot

Kent Blakely

MD, BOARD CERTIFIED RHEUMATOLOGIST