Big Sky Rehabilitation Hospital Expands Care in Billings, Montana

Big Sky Rehabilitation Hospital, previously known as Advanced Care Hospital of Montana, recently completed facility enhancements that increased its capacity to 40 private patient rooms. The medical rehabilitation hospital provides specialized rehabilitative care to individuals recovering from disabilities caused by injuries, illnesses, or chronic medical conditions.

"The expansion of rehabilitative beds allows us to meet the post-acute needs of the community that we've proudly served for years," says Jake Socha, President and CEO of Ernest Health. "The additional beds will allow us to provide specialized rehabilitative care to more people close to their homes, keeping them near their families and support systems while they receive treatment."

Previously, the hospital operated a 17-bed rehabilitation unit, limiting its ability to accommodate the increasing number of patient referrals. With the additional beds, the hospital will expand its geographic reach to ensure that more patients have access to rehabilitation services.

"Our growth allows us to extend world-class rehabilitative care to more patients and families across our region," says Aubrey Peterschick, CEO of Big Sky Rehabilitation Hospital. "We are committed to remaining a regional center of excellence by not only continuing to provide complex rehabilitative care, but also in the experience we create for our patients, families, and employees. At the heart of that commitment is our mission to deliver hope and high-quality care through human connection. Every patient has a unique story, and our team is dedicated to meeting each individual where they are, helping them regain independence, reach their goals, and move forward with confidence."

Peterschick notes that as the hospital increases its patient capacity, the team will grow alongside it to maintain personalized, compassionate care for every patient.

In addition to the facility enhancements, the hospital provides cutting-edge technology, including innovative gait-training for patients with neurological and mobility impairments. The Rise&Walk®, developed by Nashville-based Healing Innovations, Inc., is a full-spectrum gait trainer that synchronizes upper and lower extremity movements. This versatile neurorehabilitation station integrates robotic-assisted gait training, seated activities, and a balance support system to enhance mobility recovery. The system enables patients to achieve their rehabilitation goals more quickly and effectively.

Services provided at Big Sky Rehabilitation Hospital are led by a physician and delivered by an interdisciplinary healthcare team. They include:

• Around-the-clock rehabilitative nursing care
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapies daily
• Respiratory therapy
• Telemetry
• Dietary services
• Case management
• Pharmacy services, and more

The hospital features a 4,543-square-foot therapy gym equipped with the latest rehabilitative technology and equipment, and an activities of daily living suite that allow patients to practice daily, at-home activities while under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

"We're excited to expand our ability to serve patients throughout the region who need specialized rehabilitative care," says Dave Cox, VP of West Operations for Ernest Health. "With additional beds and enhanced resources, our team can help more patients achieve meaningful gains in their recovery while providing the personalized care and support that are at the heart of Big Sky Rehabilitation Hospital. We look forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of our patients, their families, and the communities we serve."

Newsweek has named Ernest Health as one of Americas Greatest Workplaces in Health Care 2026.