U.S. News & World Report has named 26 Intermountain Health hospitals to its 2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care for mom and baby outcomes, education, and patient satisfaction.

The 26 Intermountain hospitals earned a high performing designation in maternity care for uncomplicated pregnancies in areas such as cesarean sections in lower-risk pregnancies, vaginal births after cesarean-section (VBAC) rates, newborn severe complications rates, birthing friendly and education practices, and outcome disparities based on race/ethnicity, among other measures.

Intermountain Health has more hospitals named by U.S. News & World Report for 2026 than any other health system in the country.

Intermountain hospitals cited by U.S. News & World Report for 2026 include:

• Intermountain Health American Fork Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health Cassia Regional Hospital (Burley, Idaho)*
• Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital (Utah)*
• Intermountain Health Delta Community Hospital (Utah)*
• Intermountain Health Garfield Memorial Hospital (Panguitch, Utah)*
• Intermountain Health Heber Valley Hospital (Utah)*
• Intermountain Health Holy Rosary Hospital (Miles City, Mont.)
• Intermountain Health Intermountain Medical Center (Murray, Utah)
• Intermountain Health Layton Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health LDS Hospital (Salt Lake City)
• Intermountain Health Logan Regional Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital (Wheat Ridge, Colo.
• Intermountain Health McKay-Dee Hospital (Ogden, Utah)
• Intermountain Health Orem Community Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health Park City Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health Platte Valley Hospital (Brighton, Colo.)
• Intermountain Health Riverton Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital (Denver)
• Intermountain Health Sanpete Valley Hospital (Mt. Pleasant, Utah)*
• Intermountain Health Sevier Valley Hospital (Richfield, Utah)*
• Intermountain Health Spanish Fork Hospital (Utah)
• Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital (Utah)*
• Intermountain Health St. James Hospital (Butte, Mont.)*
• Intermountain Health St. Mary's Hospital (Grand Junction, Colo.)
• Intermountain Health St. Vincent Hospital (Billings, Mont.)
• Intermountain Health Utah Valley Hospital (Provo, Utah

"This recognition is meaningful because it reflects what families experience at the bedside: safe, consistent, high quality, compassionate care," said Sean Esplin, MD, a maternal fetal medicine physician and senior medical director of women’s health at Intermountain Health.

"Our clinical program has worked across hospitals to align on proven evidence-based care practices to lower cesarean-section rates in low‑risk pregnancies, thoughtfully support VBAC deliveries, reduce newborn complications, elevate patient education, and advance equity so every mother and baby can expect excellent outcomes," he added.

U.S. News also recognizes Maternity Care Access Hospitals, which provide maternity services to communities that might otherwise have inadequate access to maternity care, sometimes referred to as "maternity care deserts." The report identified 147 critical access hospitals in total, with nine Intermountain hospitals making the list (noted "*" above).

Intermountain  Health is determined to provide the highest quality care to pregnant and postpartum patients and their babies, by improving outcomes and access to care within its six-state region. For example, Intermountain recently announced an innovative care program for pregnant and postpartum women with hypertension, and published a study identifying hypertension risks during pregnancy.

Receiving this designation is evidence of the unwavering dedication of our nurses, physicians, midwives, and teams who show up for mothers and babies every day to deliver high‑quality care—and a reminder to keep improving together, for every family we serve,” added Dr. Esplin.

For more information regarding Intermountain Health pregnancy and maternity services, please visit https://intermountainhealthcare.org/services/womens-health/pregnancy.

Click here for more information about the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.

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Terry Laird’s brush with cancer highlights the importance of advocacy and how one person's story can change the course of the life of another. 

His compelling story of his decision to get a colonoscopy screening, a decision that ultimately saved his life, is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and friendship.  

Robert Tallent, also of Forsyth, and friend of Laird, has been undergoing treatment for colon cancer for nearly four years.

He has been open about his journey, hoping to educate others on the signs and symptoms of colon cancer and the importance of early screening, including having fun with the patients and staff at the Intermountain Holy Rosary Hospital Cancer Center in Miles City, MT.

He was recognized on social media and featured in the Miles City Star newspaper in 2024 for his efforts to brighten the day of caregivers and cancer patients by dressing up in fun and festive outfits while undergoing treatment.   

"Robert shared a lot of his story on social media,” said Laird. “What he shared led me to pay a little better attention to certain things."  

Laird's decision to get screened began with a routine visit to his healthcare provider.   

"I went in for my annual check-up, and my provider asked if I had been screened for colon cancer," Laird said. "I hadn't, and he recommended that I should, especially since the guidelines now suggest starting at 45 instead of 50."  

Colonoscopies are considered the gold standard for detection, as they not only identify abnormalities but also provide an opportunity to preventatively remove precancerous lesions. 

For most individuals, a colonoscopy is needed once every 10 years, or once every five years if there is an increased risk of colon cancer. Updated national guidelines now recommend that individuals start screening for colon cancer at age 45, or younger depending on family history.     

There are also at-home screening options available for individuals with average risk. The Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) and Cologuard test detect blood and abnormal DNA markers in stool samples. 

Both tests can be done at home, and a positive or abnormal result will require a follow-up colonoscopy.  

Initially, Laird opted for a less invasive home test, but a series of unsettling signs and symptoms pushed him to reconsider. He had a scare after drinking a soft drink that turned his stool red and following that he had persistent dark stool.   

“It freaked me out," he said. These incidents, coupled with the Tallent’s experience, prompted him to take immediate action. "I called my provider and said, 'Let's not leave anything to chance. I want a colonoscopy.'"  

Laird underwent the screening colonoscopy procedure with the general surgery team at Holy Rosary Hospital. The results caught him off guard and left him reeling.   

"The doctor found a mass in the upper part of my colon," Laird said. "He recommended surgery as soon as possible, and we scheduled it for the 31st of August."  

The surgery team at Intermountain Holy Rosary removed a section of his colon where the mass was present, as well as surrounding tissues to check if the cancer had spread to other areas. The surgery was a success, and the pathology results brought relief.   

"The doctor told me, 'All margins are negative, and we found no cancer in the lymph nodes. You're a rare case and a lucky guy,'" Laird said.   

Reflecting on his journey, from the initial colonoscopy to the surgery to remove his cancer, Laird is very grateful for the support of caregivers on the general surgery team at Intermountain Holy Rosary.   

“They were the best, a huge debt of gratitude all the way around,” he said.  

Colon cancer is the second most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women under age 50. According to the American Cancer Society, almost 153,000 individuals in the U.S. were diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer in 2024, and more than 53,000 died from the disease. Awareness is crucial, as many cases of colon and rectal cancer can be prevented. In fact, colon cancer has a 90% survival rate when it’s detected early, like in Laird’s case.    

Creighton Fiscina, MD, surgeon at Holy Rosary Hospital, underscores the importance of screening. “Waiting for symptoms is too late. Screening occurs when you have no symptoms and feel well. Early detection is critical to catching colorectal cancer and saving lives,” he said.  

Throughout his journey, Laird was supported by his family and friends, including Tallent.   

"Robert walked me through everything," Laird said. "He told me what to expect at each step and reassured me. When I found out I was all clear, it was tough to tell him, but he said, 'I'm just glad it helped you.’ His support was invaluable."  

Laird's recovery was quick, and he was back to his work and busy routine as a father of four, after just a few weeks. "I was back to work in six weeks," he says. "I'm a conductor with the railroad, and getting back to my routine was important for me. Despite the surgery, I was able to return to my normal activities quickly."  

Laird's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of screening and listening to one's body. "Screen early and pay attention to your body," he said. "Look at your stool, notice any changes, and don't be embarrassed to get checked. A colonoscopy can literally save your life."  

Understanding your colon cancer risks and the importance of screening is important for younger adults as well, as there has been a rise in colorectal cancer incidence among younger Americans.   

“Younger individuals face unique barriers when it comes to colon cancer screenings, such as a lack of awareness about the need for screening, fear or discomfort associated with the procedure, and challenges in navigating the healthcare system,” Dr. Fiscina said. “It’s crucial for everyone, regardless of age, to understand their personal risk factors and discuss them with their healthcare provider to determine the best screening plan.”  

As Laird reflects on his journey, he hopes by sharing his story he can impact others and he shares his belief of the divine interventions that nudged him to be screened, including his friend.

"I'm just grateful for the series of events that led me to get screened. It was a God thing, top to bottom." 

Mary Smith, 74, never imagined that a series of seemingly mild symptoms would lead to a life-changing heart health event. 

Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing heart disease symptoms, especially in women, and the critical role of timely medical intervention. 

“I had a couple of warning signs, but I didn’t recognize them as such because of my age,” Smith said. “I thought maybe I was just slowing down.”  

Smith shared that for months she hadn’t had the stamina and energy to do normal household chores.  

Smith’s more acute symptoms began with what she thought was indigestion and pain on the right side of her chest. One evening the pain was more intense and persisted until the next morning. It was at that point that Smith knew something was more serious. She went to the emergency room at Intermountain Health Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City where doctors ran tests and quickly determined she was having a heart attack. 

“They said, ‘You’re having a heart attack, and you’re going to get a ride to Billings,’” she recounted. 

She was flown by helicopter to Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital, where a whirlwind of activity awaited her. 

Upon arrival at Intermountain St. Vincent Regional Hospital, Smith was whisked into the cardiac cath lab for immediate treatment. 

“It was interesting because you’re not completely under," she said of the cardiac catheter procedure. 

The medical team worked efficiently, inserting a stent into her artery to restore blood flow to her heart. Her husband arrived by car in Billings by the time she had finished the procedure and was waiting for her in the recovery room. 

After returning to Miles City, Smith’s recovery continued with the cardiac rehab team at Holy Rosary. 

“It helped me an awful lot just to get some strength back,” she said. 

The rehab program, combined with nutritional guidance, played a crucial role in her recovery. 

“I lost my appetite for a time, but the nutritionist helped me get back on track,” Smith said. 

“It is so rewarding to work with patients and help them get stronger and back to living again,” said Pam Hurr, RN, a nurse on the cardiac rehab team at Intermountain Holy Rosary.  “Mary was so patient, with the most kind and gentle spirit.  She worked extremely hard when she realized that the fatigue she has been feeling wasn’t normal.” 

Almost six months later, Smith feels stronger than ever. 

“I feel energized and can do normal things again,” she said.  

 “We were so proud of her and all her hard work,” Hurr said. “We were excited and celebrated when she had a recent echocardiogram, and it showed so much improvement in her heart function.” 

Smith’s story and recovery highlight the importance of recognizing heart disease symptoms, especially in women. 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, responsible for about 1 in every 5 female deaths. Despite its prevalence, many women do not recognize the symptoms, which can differ from those experienced by men. 

While chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack in both men and women, women are more likely to experience other symptoms such as: 

• Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or upper stomach pain 
• Shortness of breath 
• Pain in one or both arms 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Sweating 
• Lightheadedness or dizziness 
• Unusual fatigue 
• Heartburn or indigestion 

Sometimes symptoms can be vague and may occur even when resting or asleep, making them easy to overlook. Physicians recommend that if women are experiencing any symptoms or changes in their health that they reach out to their provider.  

“First, and most importantly, is contact your primary care provider and talk openly if you are noticing any changes in your health that may be related to your heart,” said Carine Basmadjian, MD, a cardiologist at Intermountain Holy Rosary Hospital. “Are you unable to do your normal activities without shortness of breath or excessive fatigue? Do you have any new shoulder, back or abdomen pain when you are exerting yourself? If you have a family history of early heart disease, share that information with your provider as well. And if you are having more serious symptoms or pain, call 911.” 

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Marcy Smith, of Glendive, Montana, is busy. 

From her work as a speech paraprofessional in Glendive public schools, following her son’s many sporting activities, and caring for two young foster children, she has just enough time to make sure she is caring for her own health. 

Her normal routine took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. 

In February, her medical provider insisted that she undergo a screening mammogram. 

"I remember thinking, 'I don't have time for this,' but my doctor didn't give me a choice," Smith joked. 

The screening mammogram revealed a lump, and further tests confirmed it was cancer. 

By May, Smith had undergone surgery to remove the lump and was advised to start chemotherapy, followed by radiation therapy. 

Living in rural eastern Montana, Smith faced the prospect of traveling long distances for her treatments. 

If she chose to travel more than 200 miles to Billings, the daily radiation treatments would require her to potentially spend weeks away from her family. These barriers made her uneasy. 

Fortunately, Smith’s provider informed her about the new Intermountain Health Holy Rosary Cancer Center in Miles City that was now providing radiation oncology treatments.  

"From the very moment I spoke with my radiation doctor in Miles City, I was wowed. The facility was brand new and very comfortable. Cancer stuff is scary, but this place made it a really good experience," Smith shared. 

The convenience of the cancer center was “a game changer" for Smith, she said.

An hour drive from Glendive, she was able to work her radiation treatments into her work and family schedules. 

"They fit me in during the afternoon. I was able to leave my last student at 3 o'clock, make it to Miles City by 4 o'clock, and be back home by dinner time," she said. 

“We are incredibly proud of the strides we've made in expanding our cancer services,” said Katie Donnelly,” director of oncology care at Intermountain Health Holy Rosary Hospital. “Being able to offer comprehensive cancer care at Holy Rosary means patients like Marcy no longer have to travel hours for these treatments. Seeing the difference it makes, in the lives of our patients and their families, is what inspires us every day.”  

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In September, Holy Rosary opened the new cancer center, made possible with a $6-million grant from Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.  The new state-of-the-art facility now provides radiation oncology care in addition to the medical oncology, surgical oncology, and support services that Holy Rosary has provided for several decades. It is the only comprehensive cancer center in a 125-mile radius. Annually, Holy Rosary provides more than 1,500 infusion treatments and has more than 500 provider visits with patients. 

“With the opening of the new cancer center and now offering radiation oncology services at Holy Rosary, we will be able to serve even more patients, creating equitable cancer care for the region and our rural communities.” shared Ben Uhlich, president and chief nursing officer of Holy Rosary Hospital. 

Smith’s commitment to her family was evident throughout her treatment journey. Despite the challenges, she made sure to be there for her children and grandchildren. Her foster daughter, 5 and in kindergarten, often accompanied her to the cancer center, providing company and support.  

The support from her community also played a crucial role. "I have a very supportive community. People offered to help, sent letters of support, and provided words of encouragement," Smith says. This support network, combined with the accessible care at the Holy Rosary cancer center, made a significant difference in her journey. 

Smith's story highlights the importance of having access to critical cancer care in rural areas. Care close to home eases the economic and physical burden of travel and stress for patients like Smith. "It's such a relief to have a new center, new equipment, and very knowledgeable doctors from a great group," she said. 

Smith acknowledges the profound impact her cancer has had on her family. "It was harder on my family than it was on me. They didn’t have any control over what happened; they just sort of watched it go on. When they knew I was going to Miles City for radiation, they felt much better," she said.  

As Smith looks forward to the future with determination, she remains committed to her family and community. "I'm going to watch my foster son graduate, my grandson start as quarterback, and all the big things my family will do," she said.   

Now finished with her treatment, Smith starts a new year with gratitude and cautious optimism, caring for her family and students.  She also wants women to understand and prioritize the importance of accessing preventative care, even during the busyness and commitments of daily life.

“Get your tests! Get your mammograms, get your colonoscopies,” said Smith. “Early detection is literally, lifesaving.” 

After a year of uncertainty trying to understand unusual changes in her body, Brynn Ryan of Jordan, Montana, is starting the new year healthy and with peace of mind. 

After many months of advocating for herself and receiving support from her family, she finally found answers when it was discovered in the fall of 2024 that she had a basketball-sized ovarian mass in her abdomen. 

She had successful surgery in October to remove the benign (non-cancerous) tumor under the care of Bradley Burger, MD, an OBGYN at Intermountain Health Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City. Now fully recovered, Ryan has a newfound passion to help young women take charge of their own health and advocate for themselves. 

After she graduated high school in 2021, Ryan began noticing changes in her body, particularly weight gain in her abdomen. Despite her efforts to stay fit by going to the gym and running, the area around her stomach remained stubbornly unchanged. 

Initially, she attributed these changes to the "freshman 15" that many college-age students joke about. She grew increasingly frustrated with her inability to achieve the expected changes in the appearance of her stomach, despite getting into good physical shape. 

"I was going to the gym consistently, almost every day, but my stomach just wouldn't change,” she shared. 

She sought medical advice but was initially told it was potentially related to bloating or dietary issues. This past summer her condition became more noticeable. 

Ryan, encouraged by her mother, sought further medical evaluation.  

It wasn’t until a visit to an emergency room in Bozeman, which resulted in a CT scan, that the large ovarian mass measuring approximately 14 inches by 11 inches was revealed.

The surprising discovery led her to consult Dr. Burger at Intermountain Health Holy Rosary Hospital about her risks and options.  

"Brynn and I reviewed the imaging of her mass and discussed options for treatment,” said Dr. Burger. 

Because of the size of the mass and how long it was present, they discussed surgical options to remove it. 

Dr. Burger shared that unlike ovarian cysts, the nature of Ryan’s ovarian mass would likely not go away without surgery. Even though it was determined that the tumor was non-cancerous, based on imaging and laboratory blood work, there was potential that it could continue to grow and eventually impact her gastrointestinal system, making hard to eat and digest food. 

In addition, it could have inhibited her breathing. Dr. Burger performed successful surgery, which involved draining the mass and then removing it. Ryan spent a night in the hospital for recovery, and after a few weeks, she felt significantly better. 

"Right after the surgery, it took a lot out of me,” shared Ryan. "But after two weeks, I felt really good. I went back to class and felt pretty much back to normal."   

"Brynn’s case was both unique and not uncommon for different reasons,” shared Dr. Burger. “It is unusual for a young woman to experience an ovarian mass of this size. However, the length of time that it took to be diagnosed and removed is unfortunately common.”  

Dr. Burger said that patients can be reticent about going to the doctor, out of fear of what may be discovered or because of a lack of knowledge of symptoms. Also, patients and providers might not take minor symptoms as seriously as they should, leading to delayed treatment. 

“Many patients may still have a good outcome like Brynn’s,” shared Dr. Burger. ”But I have also seen unfortunate outcomes because of advanced disease due to a delay in diagnosis.” 

With the tumor now removed, Ryan is healing physically and emotionally. 

With a noticeable change in her stomach, she is back in the gym and looking forward to training for a 10K race this spring.    

Her experience has ignited a passion to help young women understand the importance of advocating for their health. She emphasizes the need for regular check-ups and not dismissing symptoms. Ryan believes that women should not be afraid to ask questions and should seek medical advice if something feels off. 

"I feel like there is a stigma (in education) around women's health and reproductive systems," she said. “I’ve had conversations with my classmates, about women not knowing a lot about what's going on in their bodies. I’ve talked to girls who are older than me who have never had an annual exam (with a gynecologist or women’s health specialist).”    

Now a junior in the graphic design program at Montana State University, Ryan is interested in using her skills to raise awareness about women's health issues. She looks forward to an opportunity to work on a campaign or effort to help educate and empower women. 

"It would be fun to use my design skills to help women know more about their bodies and health,” she said.  

Dr. Burger recommends that all women begin well-woman exams at 21. The exam with a gynecologist or women’s health specialist, generally includes a head-to-toe physical, pelvic exam to monitor for any abnormalities, and a pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.  

As women age, this annual exam is also an opportunity for other proactive health discussions and evaluations, including cholesterol, diabetes, and additional cancer screenings.

He also said that ovarian masses can be common in reproductive age females and can cause symptoms like pain and bleeding. Ovarian cysts usually resolve spontaneously and require no treatment.

Some ovarian tumors, similar to Brynn’s, can secrete hormones and cause symptoms ranging from acne, hair growth, or symptoms similar to thyroid disorders. He recommends that if women are noticing any changes in their body or health that the reach out to their primary care provider or women’s health specialist.  

“After her experience, I think it is admirable that Brynn is hoping to raise awareness of the importance of the exams and educating women about their bodies and health,” said Dr. Burger.  “Knowledge is power, and with that, women can address future health issues.” 

Intermountain Health Holy Rosary Hospital has opened a new, state-of-the-art cancer center with the support of a $6 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to better serve the needs of communities in eastern Montana. 

With the opening of the new 12,000-square-foot center, Holy Rosary now offers radiation oncology services in addition to medical and surgical oncology services to address the needs of cancer patients in rural eastern Montana. The project eliminates distance and access barriers to care for the people living in the region. Before opening the new center, patients needing radiation oncology treatment may have had to travel long distances to receive that care, potentially impacting their treatment plans and outcomes. The new center is the only comprehensive cancer center within a 125-mile radius. 

“Every year, our dedicated oncology team at Holy Rosary cares for patients through more than 1,500 infusion treatments and more than 500 provider visits, both onsite and through telehealth. As the number of patients we serve has grown year over year, we continue to grow our services to meet their needs,” shared Ben Uhlich, President and Chief Nursing Officer of Holy Rosary Hospital. “With the opening of this new cancer center and now offering radiation oncology services at Holy Rosary, we will be able to serve even more patients, creating equitable cancer care for the region and our rural communities.” 

“The opening of the cancer center marks a transformative milestone for patients and their families in eastern Montana facing cancer diagnoses,” said Walter Panzirer, a Trustee for the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “Helmsley is committed to improving access to health care services in rural America. This new cancer center eliminates the barrier of distance and allows patients to receive care close to home where they can be supported by family and friends.”  

The new center is built on the Holy Rosary campus in Miles City, connected to the hospital and all its services. The center is home to the region’s only medical linear accelerator, which delivers radiation treatments quickly and accurately. It has a patient and caregiver-centered design with several unique elements, including large windows in medical oncology and infusion treatment areas and courtyards for caregivers and patients to improve their experience. The new center adds additional chairs and stations in the infusion treatment areas and four dedicated exam rooms. 

Construction began on the project in spring 2023, and the $17 million project was completed in September. In addition to the generous funding from the Helmsley Charitable Trust, the project was funded through capital investments by Holy Rosary and Intermountain Health and the generous support of community members. 

Intermountain Health Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City is now using a state-of-the-art surgical robot to assist with certain procedures and improve recovery times for patients. 

The Da Vinci XI robotic-assisted surgical system helps doctors with certain procedures by using only small incisions while still being able to make precise movements in the body.  

During these procedures, a specially-trained surgeon controls the movement of camera-equipped robotic equipment by using a console placed next to the operating table instead of physically performing the surgery with their hands.  

“From a patient perspective it results in less pain from surgery and allows for more precise work,” said Imudia Ehanire, MD, surgeon at Intermountain Health Holy Rosary Hospital.  “From the surgeon perspective it improves ergonomics of performing surgery, improves visualization and allows us do more precise work. Robotic surgery has been around for over a decade, and for these and many other reasons it is becoming more commonplace in hospitals across America.” 

The surgical robot can be used to assist with surgeries for gallbladder, appendix removal, hernia repair, and many others. Since May 9, six of these procedures have taken place with more scheduled in the future. 

Danikka Harrell of Miles City,  MT,  was the first to undergo a surgery using the new robot. She’s a nurse at the Verterans Adminsitration Hospital and had a hernia repaired, which was causing serious issues. 

“Working as a nurse there is a lot of bending and lifting and to be honest I don’t remember the last time I was able to go work comfortably,” said Harrell. “I was just so excited to know I had this kind of technology available to me and my recovery went better than I expected.” 

Harrell said one of the things she’s most excited about is getting back to playing volleyball pain free.  

For patients, the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery include fewer complications, reduced blood loss, less pain, and shorter hospital stays. Because the robotic technology allows the surgeon to operate less invasively, patients heal faster, and less noticeable scarring.  

In the future, physicians will use the surgical robot for additional procedures including gynecology. The decision whether or not to proceed with robotic-assisted surgery over a more traditional approach depends on the individual patient and the procedure required to treat their condition.

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