March 2025

Munson’s Colorectal Surgery Team: Where Expertise Meets Compassion
At Munson Healthcare, we are committed to delivering exceptional, compassionate colorectal services through advanced screening tools, state-of-the-art treatment options, and a coordinated approach to support every step of the treatment journey. Our team of highly-skilled, fellowship-trained colorectal surgeons—Dr. Edward Hagen, Dr. Shruti Sevak, and Dr. Richard Tooley—guide patients through routine and complex conditions to deliver the best possible results.

Expertise and Advanced Techniques
Our Colon and Rectal Surgery team offers expert treatment for both benign and malignant diseases, including colorectal cancer, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis), anorectal disorders (hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas), and pelvic floor disorders (rectal prolapse, fecal incontinence). Using minimally invasive robotic surgery and advanced techniques, we provide personalized, high-quality care to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. As part of our commitment to being at the forefront of the latest treatments, Dr. Sevak pioneered sacral neuromodulation for fecal incontinence in Northern Michigan.

Personalized Patient Experience
We provide patient-centered support, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs. Julie Wierda, RN, our dedicated Nurse Navigator, offers personalized guidance for colon, rectal, and anal cancer patients. With her extensive experience and compassion, she guides patients and families through every step of their cancer journey.

Importance of Screening
Routine screening for patients ages 45 and older or those with a strong family history, is vital for early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer. Despite being a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. and our region, 55% of colorectal cancer cases in Northern Michigan are diagnosed late. Regular screenings help identify precancerous polyps and early-stage cancers, allowing for more effective and less invasive treatments. PCPs play a key role in recommending timely screenings, which can save lives. For more information on warning signs, patients can read our blog.

Our Colorectal Surgeons

“Colorectal surgery is not just about treating a condition—it's about caring for the whole person. Every patient has a unique story, and I am passionate about taking the time to understand their needs, answer questions, and create a personalized treatment plan. My goal is to guide each patient through their diagnosis and treatment with compassion and respect, helping them feel supported and confident every step of the way.”

“By far the most rewarding aspect of medicine for me is the personal connections that are made with patients and the positive impact that I can have in their health and well-being.”

Healthcare Team

Getting to Know: Cory Messingschlager, MD
Gynecology

Dr. Cory Messingschlager is a fellowship trained, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon (MIGS). He has a special interest in the treatment of fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, abnormal uterine bleeding, and chronic pelvic pain conditions. He focuses on providing the best outcomes tailored to each patient’s needs, through minimally invasive surgical techniques including laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

Consults/Referrals

Practices at:
Munson Healthcare Gynecologic Oncology

Fax
231-935-7877

Direct Trust
MMCGynOncology
@mhc.direct.varian.com

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

Dr. Messingschlager is a Michigan native raised in Elk Rapids. He is thrilled to be back “up north” with his wife and kids.

Dr. Messingschlager practices at Munson Healthcare Gynecologic Oncology, which is in the Cowell Family Cancer Center.

What would you want primary care providers to know about treating patients with endometriosis?
Early diagnosis prevents delays in treatment and improves outcomes. Although ultrasound is the first-line imaging tool, a negative scan does not rule out endometriosis. Laparoscopy remains the diagnostic gold standard.

When should they refer their patients to you?
Please refer your patients who have imaging suggestive of deep endometriosis, who have failed conservative treatment, or those with fertility concerns.

In Brief

Primary Hospital:
Munson Medical Center

Joined:
August 2024

Medical Education:
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Residency:
Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic

Fellowship:
Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, University of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga

Favorite Pastimes:
Running, mountain biking, skateboarding, spending time on and in the water, and reading

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...

• Breann Dalzell, NP | Munson Healthcare Geriatric Inpatient Services
• Amanda Gross, PA-C | Munson Healthcare Neurology
• Ellen Talbott, FNP-C | Munson Healthcare Digestive Health
  
  

Provider Moves
Munson Healthcare's Provider Moves webpage has been updated for February 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.

 Technology

One Patient Record: Lab Updates
We are deeply grateful for your patience and understanding as we continue to work through issues stemming from the One Patient Record (Oracle Health) project. We recognize that the implementation has brought several unforeseen challenges.

We are happy to report that we have resolved the following lab issues impacting ambulatory offices:

• Outpatient Pathology Results (CC): Providers are now receiving pathology results on which they were cc'd.
• Faxed Patient Lab Results: Faxed lab results are now being distributed appropriately.

We also continue to work on the following ongoing high-priority issues:

• eCW Compendium: We continue to load more of the Mayo tests. Munson Misc. test code has been added.
• Results Bundling: Although we've implemented a fix that resolved this for some offices, this issue is still outstanding for others (e.g., CBC w/ Diff coming in as 2 separate results).
• Faxed Results: We continue to refine and improve the distribution of faxed results.
• Ask on Order Entry (AOE) Questions: Although several AOE questions have been updated, we continue to develop more.
• Mayo Misc results are not interfacing into offices' patient records, which requires providers or their staff to retrieve patient results directly from PowerChart.

Questions/Issues
If you have outstanding issues not listed above, please reach out to the MHC Laboratories team at 231-935-6100 or Provider Services at PhysicianLiaison@mhc.net so we can prioritize resolution accordingly.

 Services

Child and Adolescent Psych Consults Now Available
Munson’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is excited to offer psych consults to all providers who see pediatric patients (ages 18 and younger) in the Munson Healthcare coverage area—both outpatient and inpatient. We hope that this program will help fill a needed in our communities. Note, our child psychiatrist will provide recommendations but will not assume care or follow the patient. 

For details, including how to request a consult, click here.

Munson's Infectious Disease Consultants: Your Partner in Patient Care
Located in Traverse City, Munson's Infectious Disease Consultants extends its expertise to patients and providers across Northern Michigan. Our team of specialists provides comprehensive consultation and care for a wide array of infectious diseases.

Our expertise includes:

• Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management: We handle infections of the skin, heart, brain, lungs, urinary tract, bowel, bones, and pelvic organs.
• Broad Spectrum of Pathogens: Our providers are adept at treating infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
• Advanced Training: Our team possesses additional qualifications in immunology, epidemiology, and infection control.

For more information, including location and office hours, please click here.

Consults:

• Call the MHC Switchboard at 231-935-5000 and ask to page the Infectious Disease provider On Call, or
• Send a message via PerfectServe Clinical Collaboration to the MMC or MHC ID provider On Call

Referrals:

• Office Phone: 231-935-5090
• Office Fax: 231-935-5093
• Direct Trust: MHC.InfectiousDiseaseConsultantsTraverseCity@direct.mhc.net

We look forward to collaborating with you to enhance patient outcomes.

MMC Lab Services: Phone Prompts Have Changed
Please note the phone prompts have recently changed for Munson Medical Center Laboratories (231-935-6100). The new options are:

• Press 1 to hear hours of outpatient operation and fax number
• Press 2 to schedule an outpatient appointment
• Press 3 to request results to a healthcare facility
• Press 4 to speak to a laboratory representative
  
  

Munson Launches New TEXT 4 TIPS Program for Diabetes Management
Munson is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities, including the over 75,000 Northern Michigan residents living with Type 2 diabetes.  

We invite you to please encourage patients with Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes to enroll in Munson’s new, free TEXT 4 TIPS program. This initiative provides weekly text messages with inspiration, information, and tips to support their journey.

Topics include:

• Managing stress and mental health 
• Monitoring blood sugar levels
• Increasing physical activity
• Nutritional advice and recipes 
• Care schedule reminders  

Patients can easily enroll by visiting munsonhealthcare.org/text4tips.   

For more diabetes resources, please direct your patients to munsonhealthcare.org/diabetes.

Cadillac Hospital Earns Level II Maternal Care Verification
Cadillac Hospital has been honored for its exceptional maternal care, earning a Level II Maternal Care Verification from The Joint Commission and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). This recognition underscores the hospital's expertise in managing a wide range of pregnancies and maternal-fetal complications, distinguishing it from Level I facilities that provide care for low to moderate-risk pregnancies. To learn more, read the news release.

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 Munson Medical Center.

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

New Initiative for Low-Risk Pulmonary Embolism Patients
In partnership with the University of Michigan, Munson Medical Center recently launched an initiative to decrease admission of low-risk, stable pulmonary emboli patients. It is estimated that 30 patients annually will be eligible for this program.

For primary care provider guidance, including eligibility, treatment, and continuity of care, click here.

Questions? Contact Dr. Jacob Ramseyer, MMC Emergency Physician and POMH Emergency Department Medical Director.

Remain Vigilant: Measles
In response to recent requests from primary care providers, we are resharing a measles checklist developed by Grand Traverse County Health Department last year to guide providers through preventing measles transmission and preparing your office.

• MDHHS Measles Investigation Guidelines
• MDHHS Vaccine-Preventable Disease Investigation Guidelines – Lab test summary
  
  

 Recognition

MHC Hospitals Recognized in Rural & Community Hospitals Top 100
Cadillac Hospital and Manistee Hospital have been recognized among the top-performing rural U.S. hospitals for the 2^nd consecutive year. This recognition, awarded through the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, highlights the exceptional value to their communities. Cadillac Hospital and Manistee Hospital joined 3 other Michigan hospitals in the Top 100. These facilities excel in risk management, quality, outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cost efficiency, setting benchmarks for other rural hospitals and providing a blueprint for navigating new healthcare challenges. To learn more, visit chartis.com/top-performing-rural-hospitals.

POMH Receives Human Experience Guardian of Excellence Award®
Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital has been named a 2024 Human Experience (HX) Guardian of Excellence Award® winner by Press Ganey for the 2^nd consecutive year. This places POMH in the top 5% of healthcare providers for outstanding patient experiences over the last 2 years. The awards specifically recognize patient experience at our Emergency Department, Frankfort Medical Group, and Empire Family Care clinics. To learn more, read the news release.

 Education

These activities have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

Register Now! Harm Reduction Conference
In partnership with District Health Department #10, Catholic Human Services, and Harm Reduction Michigan, Munson Healthcare is proud to co-host the 2^nd Annual Harm Reduction Conference. This conference is open to anyone interested in harm reduction topics and will include harm reduction topics, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.  

• When: Thursday, April 10, 2025, 8 am - 4 pm 
• Where: Timber Wolf Lake (4909 N. Morey Rd., Lake City, Michigan)
• CME: CME credits are being applied for
• More Information: For details, read the printable flyer
• Register: Click here to register
  
  

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

To read past issues of Practice Pro, visit munsonhealthcare.org/PracticePro. 

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