December 2023

Munson Healthcare (MHC) is proud to announce that The Joint Commission (TJC) has certified Munson Medical Center (MMC) as a Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC), placing it among just 221 hospitals in the United States and one of twelve in the state of Michigan. This is the first-ever Comprehensive Stroke Center in Northern Michigan.

"Just a little over three years ago, the most severe stroke cases needed to be transferred downstate by helicopter or ambulance which accounted for hundreds of Northern Michigan patients each year," said Gary Rajah, MD, Endovascular/Cerebrovascular Neurosurgeon and Surgical Director, MHC Comprehensive Stroke Program, who performed Northern Michigan’s first endovascular stroke intervention in August 2020. "The research is clear, where care is available, outcomes improve significantly and having the ability to treat any type of stroke, closer to the people of our region is helping save lives and preserving quality of life when minutes matter."

"This designation signifies our ability to meet the highest standards across every touchpoint of care which means a better experience and better outcomes for our stroke patients," said David Rosenbaum-HaLevi, MD, Interventional Neurologist and Medical Director, MHC Comprehensive Stroke Program. "Our stroke interventionalists can assess brain images from anywhere using mobile tech and this enables us to triage complex cases to Munson Medical Center with a higher level of care while others are able to remain at Munson Healthcare hospitals locally in their community."

"This is all about people – the lives that we’ve been able to impact through our ongoing work to advance stroke care in Northern Michigan has been incredibly gratifying," said Kersti Bruining, MD, Neuorhospitalist and Medical Director, MHC Comprehensive Stroke Program. "We are so fortunate as a community to have access to this level of care but even more, the dedicated and compassionate people who use their expertise every day to save lives."

Learn more about the Munson Healthcare Comprehensive Stroke Center.

SERVICES

Grand Traverse Mental Wellness Center

The Grand Traverse Mental Wellness Center is receiving a $5 million dollar allocation of ARPA funds from Grand Traverse County. This wellness center will bring mental health, substance use disorder, and crisis services under a single roof. This coordinated approach represents best practices in caring for children, families, seniors, and citizens of all ages, regardless of insurance or ability to pay. Munson Healthcare will serve as the fiduciary moving forward and services will be provided by both Munson Healthcare and Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority. 

Learn more about the future phases of the Grand Traverse Mental Wellness Center.

Da Vinci XI Surgical System Arrives at Charlevoix Hospital

On Nov. 14, the inaugural robotics surgery using the state-of-the-art Da Vinci Surgical System was performed at Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital. This achievement is a pivotal step in realizing the goals outlined in MHC's Regional Care Transformation Plan. This technological leap promises enhanced precision and improved patient outcomes across various specialties, including OB/GYN, Urology, and General Surgery. Read full story.

Meet the Surgeons

Foster Family Primary Care Opened Nov. 27

On Monday, Nov. 27, the new Foster Family Primary Care office opened within the Foster Family Community Health Center, 550 Munson Ave., Traverse City. It can be best accessed through the building’s north entrance. The following providers transitioned from Milliken Medical Group to the new clinic: Thomas Yax, MD; Joanna Heindl, DO; and Sarah Shepler, PA. Susan Cogswell, PA has also joined the practice.

All providers are accepting new patients. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 231-935-8460. Hours of operation are Monday, 7 am – 4:30 pm, and Tuesday – Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm.

Virtual Spine Center Now in Roscommon

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation at Munson Healthcare launched a new Virtual Spine Center at the Roscommon Community Health Center, as part of the Munson Healthcare Regional Care Transformation Plan. 

This new program partners a virtual physiatrist and an in-person physical therapist to provide spine care to patients. The spine rehabilitation program offers consultation and services for patients with acute, recurrent, or chronic neck and back pain by our team who specializes in spinal conditions and rehabilitation. Therapy sessions will take place in Roscommon at 234 Lake Street, with physiatry follow-ups being conducted virtually. 

This is the second hybrid spine rehabilitation program Munson Healthcare has implemented. Cadillac’s program started in early 2023. For more information regarding the spine rehabilitation program in Roscommon, please review the Grayling referral guide or call 989-275-1250. 

Home Infusion Pharmacy Services

Munson Healthcare provides IV medication and supplies to patients in the home across northern Michigan. The ideal patient is one who is physically and mentally capable of learning administration of therapy. The program is staffed by a clinical pharmacist, two pharmacy technicians, and a medical director.

• Provides pharmacotherapeutic monitoring and dosing of medications.
• Pharmacist call patients weekly to follow up on progress or issues.
• Home Infusion Pharmacy works closely with Munson Home Care and Munson Private Duty Nursing. 

• IV antibiotics
• TPN
• IV Hydration
• Specialty Medication (IVIG, Infliximab, Entyvio, Ocrevus, etc.)

• Call Home Infusion Pharmacy at 231-935-5999.
• Fax Home Infusion Pharmacy the demographics and orders to 231-935-2167.
• We do insurance checks and let patient know expected out of pocket expenses.

CLINICAL UPDATE

Uptick in Regional HIV Diagnoses

In November, the state of Michigan released an alert in response to an uptick in HIV cases in Northwest Michigan between 2019-2023. Regional HIV diagnoses have jumped 214% — from 14 positive cases reported from 2014-2018, to 44 cases from 2019-2023 in the following counties: Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford. One common factor in most of the new diagnoses was a low HIV testing history.

Primary care providers are asked to:

• Ensure every patient has at least one HIV test in their lifetime (ages 15-65).
• Test for HIV more frequently in patients with unusual symptoms or identified risk factors (i.e., Injection Drug Use).
• Talk about sexual history with your patients by including sexual history in your past medical and social history discussions, possibly as part of their annual physical regardless of the patient’s age or risk factors.
• Know the available resources for yourself and patients. Please review the clinical and educational resources available at munsonhealthcare.org/HIV.

For additional guidance related to the diagnosis and management of HIV, please contact the Thomas Judd Care Center at 231-935-7548.

RESOURCES

Provider Moves

Munson Healthcare's Provider Moves webpage has been updated for November 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:

• Lucille Grietsell, NNP | Munson Medical Center Neonatology Unit
• Daniel Hadley, MD | POMH Empire Family Care
• Haley Hathaway, NP | Munson Healthcare Cadillac Sleep Disorders Clinic
• Mallorie McComb, NP | Munson Hospice and Palliative Medicine Outpatient Service
• Michael Opperman, MD | Munson Behavioral Health Services

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

• Melisa Ardis, PA | Munson Healthcare Urgent Care - Cadillac
• Joanna Heindl, DO | Munson Healthcare Foster Family Primary Care
• Caylee Lawnichak, PA | Munson Healthcare OMH Medical Group Family Medicine
• Cathryn Pearl, PA | Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Sleep Center
• Amy Popa, NP | Munson Healthcare Urgent Care - Cadillac
• Sarah Shepler, PA | Munson Healthcare Foster Family Primary Care
• Melvin Vallette, NP | Munson Healthcare Urgent Care - Cadillac
• Thomas Yax, MD | Munson Healthcare Foster Family Primary Care

Please note: Munson Healthcare Little Traverse Primary Care’s fax number has changed to 231-348-2515. Please update your records so there is no delay in patient care.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program

With Medicaid eligibility renewals beginning again due to federal regulation earlier this year, the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program (BC3NP) is offering its services to uninsured clients or clients who have lost Medicaid benefits. The program providers FREE mammograms (2D and 3D) and diagnostic follow-up to uninsured and under-insured women who are eligible. 

If you identify a client who is eligible for BC3NP, please call 844-446-8727. For more information on the BC3NP, visit Michigan.gov/BC3NP. 

Award-Winning Care

Munson Healthcare One of Nation's 15 Top Health Systems

Munson Healthcare was named one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems™ according to an independent quality analysis based on a scorecard provided by PINC AI™, the technology and services brand of Premier, Inc. and reported by Fortune.

“Being recognized as one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems ™ is a testament to our Munson Healthcare team’s tireless efforts, outstanding patient care, and commitment to excellence,” expressed Ed Ness, Munson Healthcare President and CEO. “This exceptional team has positively impacted the lives of the communities we serve and is the heart of Munson Healthcare.” Read more about this honor. 

Munson Medical Center and Munson Cadillac Hospital Receives Leapfrog ‘A’ Grade

Munson Medical Center and Munson Cadillac Hospital received an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group for Fall 2023. 

The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog group that examines hospital quality and safety, assigning an A, B, C, D, and F grade based on how safe the facility is for patients.

More information on The Leapfrog Group Hospital Safety Grade can be found online at hospitalsafetygrade.org. Congratulations to both teams!

Manistee Hospital Receives Level IV Trauma Designation

Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital proudly announced the hospital has received a Level IV Trauma Center designation awarded by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). An initiative several years in the making became official last week after a MDHHS committee reviewed metrics, protocols and standards of care submitted by the hospital demonstrating their preparedness and ability to care for traumatically injured patients.

Other Munson Healthcare facilities with trauma designation include Cadillac, Charlevoix, Grayling Otsego Memorial and Paul Oliver Memorial hospitals (Level IV’s) and Munson Medical Center (Level II). Read full story. 

EVENT

Registration Closes Dec. 31!

Providers are invited to join us for two days of varied in-person CME sessions tailored to their educational needs. As an attendee, providers can choose from multiple tracks with more than 30 topics over the course of both days. To view the agenda, click here.

Cost: $125/day* (excludes lodging)

For more information or to register by Dec. 31, visit munsonhealthcare.org/providersymposium.

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

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