November 2023

Munson Healthcare’s Ask-A-Nurse hotline is now available 24/7, 365 days a year. The health system began the service in March 2020 during the pandemic and because of its effectiveness is now expanding it.  

“Illnesses and injuries often show up when it’s least expected. Expanding the hours of Ask-A-Nurse gives our community easy and convenient access to a Munson Healthcare registered nurse,” said Bonnie Kruszka, DNP, ENP-BC, FNP-C, RN, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer for Ambulatory Services. “Oftentimes people don’t know where to go for care, our expert nurses will be available to help determine the best place to seek care – whether that’s emergency care, urgent care, virtual care or primary care – day or night.”    

To reach the hotline, just dial 231-935-0951.

SERVICES

Petoskey Community Health Hub

Munson Healthcare has proposed to establish a Community Health Hub in Petoskey which would bring more access to award-winning patient care in the area.

The proposal is part of our recently-announced Regional Care Transformation Plan which is focused on preserving care close to home and expanding services patients want more of in northern Michigan – such as outpatient and primary care.

Applications have been filed with township and county governments. The proposed site for the healthcare hub is the former Art Van building in Petoskey located on Anderson Road, an ideal location for expanded healthcare access. The existing building would be remodeled to accommodate Primary Care, Urgent Care, Specialty Clinics for areas like Orthopedics, Cardiology, and OB/GYN; as well as diagnostic imaging and lab services.

Learn more about the Munson Healthcare Petoskey Community Health Hub.

CLINICAL UPDATES

Lab Update:
Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhea and Trichomonas vaginalis

Please read an important change in collection devices for Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhea and Trichomonas vaginalis.

Infusion Order Requirements

Please review infusion order requirements and how to schedule your patient for treatment close to home in Cadillac, Charlevoix, Gaylord, Grayling, Manistee, St. Ignace, and Traverse City.

Hepatitis C Testing Guidance - Perinatally Exposed Infants and Children

The CDC recommends Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) testing for all infants and children born to pregnant persons with current or probable HCV infection and has released updated guidance. Please also review MDHHS perinatal testing guidelines. 

RESOURCES

Provider Moves

Munson Healthcare's Provider Moves webpage has been updated for October including new providers, location changes, retirees, providers no longer on staff (or practicing), and other updates (e.g., name changes, practice moves, new phone and fax numbers).

For a complete directory of MHC-credentialed providers, go to Find A Doctor.

Please join us in welcoming the following new MHC-employed providers:

• Lindsay Baskerville, CRNA | MHC Anesthesia
• Abigail Bobbitt, PA | MHC Great Lakes Plastic Surgery & Skin Center
• Reid Compagner, CRNA | MHC Anesthesia

The following Munson Healthcare employed providers are new to the following locations:

• Jonathan Ducastel, MD | MHC Kidney & Hypertension Specialists
• Katie Dye, PA | MHC Manistee Family Care
• Cassandra Guenthardt, NP | MHC Manistee Family Care
• Charles VandenBerg, DO | MHC Manistee Primary Care

Advance Care Planning

Advance Care Planning education materials are available through Munson Healthcare. If you have access to McKesson e-Requisition, please order documents there. If you do not have access, complete this form and fax to 231-947-2436, ATTN: NMSA.

Documents include:

• Advance Directive/Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
• Advance Care Planning Workbook
• Advance Care Planning tri-fold brochure
• ACP Decisions- Guide to CPR pamphlet
• Advance Directive/Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare – Spanish
• Physician Order for Scope of Treatment (MI-POST) order

EDUCATION & EVENTS

Time to "Talk Turkey": Advance Care Planning

The holidays can be an ideal time for people to talk about their medical wishes with loved ones. If your patients aren’t sure where to start, Munson Healthcare provides regular advance planning workshops that are free and open to the public. Upcoming workshops include:

• Mon., Nov. 13, 11 am – 12:30, Virtual Class
• Tues., Nov. 21, 5 – 6:30 pm, Virtual Class
• Wed., Dec. 6, 9 – 10:30 am, Virtual Class
• Wed., Dec. 6, 10 am – 12 pm, Grayling Hospital
• Mon., Dec. 18, 12 – 1:30 pm, Virtual Class

Visit the MHC Advance Care Planning website to register. 

Voting is Open!
Voices for Youth Mental Health Art Contest

Voting is open now through Monday, November 20 for the Voices for Youth Mental Health Art Contest. Check out our art gallery and choose your favorite piece in each category: children, adult, and youth. Winners for first, second, and third place in each category will be announced after the close of voting. 

Lung Screenings - Nov. 11

As part of National Lung Screening Day, Munson Healthcare will offer low-dose CT screenings on Nov. 11.

To obtain a screening, eligible patients must have a referral and prior authorization (if required) from their primary care provider or be seen in the lung cancer screening clinic before Nov. 11 and then schedule an appointment. Lung screening is covered by most insurances.

Registration Now Open 

Participants at this event can chose from:

• An à la carte menu of varied in-person CME sessions
• Dynamic plenary sessions
• Networking with peers at the Friday Evening Provider Reception

Cost: $125/day* (excludes lodging)

*Use code EARLYBIRD to save $25/day if registering before Nov. 30. 

For more information or to register, visit munsonhealthcare.org/providersymposium.

This program has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. 

To read past issues of Practice Pro, visit our website.