Charis Health Primary Care and Hypermobility
About
Charis Health is a primary care Family Medicine clinic in Billings where Dr. Stewart offers a consultant practice to help manage the diagnosis and management of hEDS/HSD and classical EDS, appropriate referrals to specialists, and evaluation for the other forms of EDS with referrals to genetics if needed. We are working closely with the Shodair Genetics clinic in Helena to collaborate for better access and management of patients with Ehlers Danlos.
EDS Healthcare in Montana
Montana has no EDS Society Center of Excellence or dedicated connective tissue disorders program. The University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle is the nearest major genetics and EDS resource for western Montana patients. Patients in eastern Montana may find programs in Denver or at Mayo Clinic Rochester more accessible.
Montana's enormous geographic area and sparse specialist population create extreme access barriers for EDS patients. Even the largest cities, Billings and Missoula, lack dedicated EDS programs. Travel distances of 6+ hours to reach out-of-state specialists are common. Telehealth is essential for ongoing care.
Finding Primary Care / Internal Medicine for EDS
Look for a PCP willing to serve as your care coordinator across multiple specialists and who screens for EDS cardiovascular, GI, and neurological complications at regular intervals.