Why Montana Arthritis Center?

Because we care

Ed Caffrey's MAC Journey

After 12 years of seeing doctor after doctor, master bladesmith and Airforce Vetern Ed Caffrey was diagnosed with Lupus, kidney disease and Interstitial lung disease.

The teams at Montana Arthritis Center has allowed Ed to get back to work.

His bad days are now few and far between, and his quality of life has greatly improved since seeking treatment from the team at Montana Arthritis Center.

Don’t take our word for it:

“From the smiles that I am met with when I check in, to the outstanding and 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.”

What Is Rheumatology?

Rheumatology is a sub-specialty that focuses on autoimmune disease, the joints, soft tissues, and connective tissue disorders. Your MAC care team specializes in treating 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

What our patients say about the mac

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.

Meet our team

The Board-Certified rheumatologists at Montana Arthritis Center provide comprehensive rheumatic services. Our compassionate and highly trained care team is dedicated to creating care plans that are unique to each patient’s needs.

Click the provider’s photo to learn more!