October 2024

Coordinated Cancer Care Across Northern Michigan
Munson Healthcare's skilled and compassionate oncologists travel throughout Northern Michigan to bring effective, personalized cancer care as close to home as possible. Our specialists provide an interdisciplinary team-based approach to develop care plans for patients. Team members include general surgeons, plastic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, research nurses, cancer genetics counselors, nurse practitioners, breast health nurse navigator, and oncology financial navigators.

Munson Healthcare partners with respected healthcare systems to enhance the quality of oncology services available in our region for rare and complicated diseases, including Michigan Medicine, Corewell Health, Mayo Clinic, and MD Anderson. These collaborations improve patient access to high quality and cutting-edge medical treatment and clinical research opportunities. We also partner with Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital for Pediatric Oncology.

Provider Spotlight

Cory Messingschlager, MD
Gynecologic Oncology

“I am dedicated to improving the health and well-being of women through compassionate and comprehensive care.”

Jared L. Davis, DO
Urology

Jack M. Zuckerman, MD
Urology

Special Mammography Screening Day – Saturday, Oct. 19
Munson Healthcare is offering mammogram appointments on Saturday, Oct. 19 to help patients fit this important screening into their schedules! No referral is needed and patients are encouraged to visit munsonhealthcare.org/mammogram and contact their preferred location to schedule an appointment. Spots are limited!

A printable patient flyer is available by clicking here.

Appointment times are also available year-round Monday - Friday at all MHC mammography screening locations.

Healthcare Team

Welcome to Munson's Newest Providers!
In addition to announcing new providers when they join as part of Provider Moves (see below), we invite you to learn more about some of the recent additions to our Healthcare Team by reading their news release. Please join us in welcoming...

Grand Traverse Region/System | Traverse City area

• Diana Bischer, NP | Munson Healthcare Gynecology Oncology
• Caitlin Buren, NP | Munson Healthcare Gynecologic Oncology
• Devin Rohde, PA | Munson Healthcare Advanced Wound Center
• Neil Shaw, NP | Traverse Heart & Vascular *new location
• Shawna Thomas, NP | Comprehensive Pain Management Program
  
  
  
  

Provider Moves
Munson Healthcare's Provider Moves webpage has been updated for September including new providers, practice 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 Munson-credentialed providers, go to Find A Doctor.

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

• Jamie Barnwell, DO | Munson Healthcare Foster Family Primary Care
• Leeda Bashardost, MD | Munson Neurosurgery
• Michelle Chartier, DO | Munson Healthcare Little Traverse Primary Care
• Eden Elfrink, DO | Kalkaska Medical Associates – Mancelona Campus
• Linda Gossett, MD | Traverse Heart and Vascular
• Thomas Harding, MD | Munson Inpatient Behavioral Health Services
• Haley Hathaway, NP | Munson Sleep Disorders Center
• Anthony McClafferty, MD | Traverse Heart and Vascular
• Emily Nelson, NP | Munson Healthcare Cadillac Sleep Disorder Clinic
• Kegan Rummel, DO | Munson Healthcare Cadillac Surgical Care
• Christopher Staley, PA | Traverse Heart and Vascular
• Victoria Watters, MD | Munson Healthcare OMH Medical Group Family Medicine
• Alexander Weick, MD | Munson Healthcare Digestive Health
• Miriam Weiss, MD | Grayling Community Health Center, Munson Behavioral Health Services

The following Munson-employed providers are new to the following MHC practices:

• Patrick O'Hagan, PA | Munson Healthcare Digestive Health
• Catherine Wonski, MD | MHC Boyne Area Health Center
  
  

Also, Michael Katona, NP, who practices at Munson Healthcare OMH Medical Group - Indian River is now a Same Day provider ONLY (i.e., he no longer has a panel of patients).

 Services

New Procedure Scheduling Process for MHC Digestive Health
To help patients get scheduled more quickly for their procedure, Munson Healthcare Digestive Health has implemented a new procedure scheduling process. Click here to learn more.

Thomas Judd Care Center Celebrates 30 Years of Service to N. MI
The Thomas Judd Care Center in Traverse City is celebrating 30 years of dedicated service to individuals living with and affected by HIV in Northern Michigan. Since its founding in 1994, the center has been a beacon of hope and support, providing essential medical care, prevention services and assistance to those at risk of contracting this infectious disease. As the only Ryan White federally funded program in Northern Michigan, TJCC has played a crucial role in the region, serving clients from 30 counties. 

Please take a moment to watch this thoughtful and impactful video about TJCC’s origins and role in our community. 

Committed to Healthy Families: Classes Available for New Parents
Pregnancy is a time of joy and excitement, but also uncertainty and lots of patient questions. Munson Healthcare offers classes to guide parents through this journey.   

Classes are currently virtual, free of charge, and include a range of topics including childbirth, breastfeeding, and baby care. Birth Center tours are also available at some locations.

Please direct pregnant patients to visit our online registration page to find the class and location that meets their needs!  
  
Questions? Contact MHC-Community-Health-Staff@mhc.net.

 Patient Care

Increased Vigilance: Pertussis
As pertussis is on the rise in Northern Michigan, please have a heightened suspicion for this diagnosis when evaluating a patient with a respiratory illness.

For clinical guidance, including testing recommendations, read Provider Alert: Pertussis.

CDC Study: Michigan Has High Rate of Obesity
According to a recent CDC study, more than 1 in 3 Michigan adults (35%+) has obesity. For details, read the news release.

Obesity Strategies for Providers (source: CDC) 

• Measure patients' weight and height to calculate BMI then counsel them on the BMI's role in disease prevention.
• Refer patients with obesity to intensive programs, including Family Healthy Weight and Diabetes Prevention programs.
• Counsel patients about nutrition, physical activity, and optimal sleep.
• Use respectful and non-stigmatizing, person-first language in all weight-related discussions.
• Connect patients and families with community services to help them access healthy foods and ways to be active.
• Discuss the use of medications and other treatments for excess weight.

Munson Healthcare offers Weight Management and Diabetes Care and Education programs to help support your patients.

Pharmacy Shortage: IV Solutions 
There is currently a nationwide shortage of IV solutions caused by Baxter's North Carolina plant being recently damaged by a hurricane. Although Baxter and others are enacting plans to ensure supply remains as stable as possible, there is a lot of uncertainty about when supplies will be completely back to normal. 

For details on Munson’s current status and the conservation strategies we are implementing, click here. 

 Reminders

Michigan Medicaid Update
A reminder, changes to Michigan's Medicaid plans for our regions went into effect Oct. 1. Munson Healthcare accepts the following insurance plans:

• Blue Cross Complete
• McLaren
• Meridian Community Plan
• Molina
• Priority Health Medicaid
• United Healthcare Community Plan

Note, in some regions, patients may still have Meridian Medicaid, and all Munson Healthcare providers continue to be enrolled with all insurance plans.

Time for Credentialed Providers to Get Their 2024 Annual Flu Shot
Annual flu vaccinations are required for all physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) credentialed through Munson Healthcare's medical staff office, regardless of employment status.

• Deadline: Flu vaccination must be completed by Oct. 31 to comply with the Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Vaccine policy. This is an MHC/regulatory requirement which makes it a condition of employment and/or medical staff privileges.

• Where:

  • Flu Vaccination Walk-in Clinics: MHC is holding flu vaccination clinics. 

  • Other Flu Vaccination Options: Flu vaccinations can also be done through a Primary Care Provider's office or a local pharmacy with documentation provided to MHC Employee Health via email at employeehealth@mhc.net. Please do not fax flu vaccine documentation.

• Questions? Please reach out to MHC Employee Health or MHC Human Resources.

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Provider Networking Events

Another Excellent MMC Physician Welcome Reception!
Last month, Munson Medical Center and the MMC Medical Staff hosted its annual Physician Welcome Reception, which warmly welcomed new physicians and graciously honored retirees. Our 40 new physicians represent a diverse range of specialties and expertise that will enhance the quality of care we deliver to our patients.

The evening at the Hagerty Center was filled with engaging conversations, networking opportunities, and a shared sense of camaraderie. We are grateful for the continued support of our physician community!

 Education

Registration Now Open!
Please share with your providers

Participants at this popular and educational event can choose 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 for the CME sessions is $150/day (excludes lodging). No cost to attend the Provider Reception. Register by Nov. 29 to save $25/day!

Providers can learn more and register at munsonhealthcare.org/providersymposium.

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

Upcoming CME Opportunities
For a list of upcoming events, visit our website.

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

Have staff who would benefit from receiving Practice Pro? Please have them subscribe by completing this form.