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July 2025
Munson Heart Services: Advancing Electrophysiology Care
Munson Heart Services continues to lead the region in advanced cardiovascular care. With expert heart specialists in 10 locations across Northern Michigan, we are committed to delivering award-winning, patient-centered heart care close to home. For an overview of Munson’s Heart Services, read the December 2024 issue of Practice Pro.
This month, we’re highlighting our expanding Electrophysiology (EP) program — a vital component of our comprehensive heart care services. See below for how to refer your patients for EP care.
Electrophysiology focuses on diagnosing and treating arrhythmias — irregular heart rhythms that can significantly impact quality of life and increase stroke risk. Our fellowship-trained electrophysiologists — featured below — are dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and managing arrhythmias with the latest in diagnostic and therapeutic options, supported by a highly skilled team of nurses and technologists.
Two Key Approaches to Heart Rhythm Management:
- Device Therapy: Includes pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) to regulate or correct abnormal heart rhythms.
- Ablation Therapy: A minimally invasive procedure that targets and eliminates abnormal heart tissue causing arrhythmias.
New Technology: Pulse Field Ablation (PFA)
Munson Medical Center is proud to be the first and only hospital in Northern Michigan to offer Pulse Field Ablation (PFA). PFA uses high-voltage electrical pulses to selectively remove problematic tissue with greater precision, resulting in:
- Shorter procedure and recovery times
- Less patient discomfort
- Comparable efficacy to traditional Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
PFA is a viable option for patients with paroxysmal AFib, while RFA remains the preferred option for those with recurrent arrhythmias or atrial flutter.
New Technology: WATCHMAN Device
For patients who cannot tolerate long-term blood thinners, Munson offers the WATCHMAN device — an implantable alternative that reduces stroke risk by closing off the left atrial appendage.
When to Refer
Early identification and referral are key to improving outcomes and quality of life. Please consider referring patients who:
- Are experiencing symptomatic AFib (e.g., fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath)
- Have difficulty managing stroke risk related to atrial fibrillation
- Present with premature beats (PVCs or PACs), ventricular tachycardia (VT) or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
To refer a patient to Traverse Heart & Vascular, please fax referrals to Traverse Heart & Vascular at 231-935-5744 or via Direct Trust at MHC.TraverseHeartandVascular@direct.mhc.net.
Meet Our Expert EP Team
John Coatney, MD
Cardiology, Electrophysiology
Patrick Dillon, MD
Cardiology, Electrophysiology
Sina Jame, MD
Cardiology, Electrophysiology
Robert Kennedy, MD
Cardiology, Electrophysiology
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Ordering Outpatient Heart Monitors for Your Patients
Traverse Heart & Vascular now offers the Zio 14-day Extended Holter and Zio MCT monitors for outpatient heart monitoring. For details, read a letter from Cardiologist Dr. Anna Booher.
Please follow the updated ordering guidelines.
Note: 14 day (MCT or Holter) are suitable for most outpatients without a known arrythmia or high-risk symptoms. Consider cardiology consult if you feel a 30-day monitor is warranted. Cardiology is using a 30-day option in very few, selected cases.
These resources are also available on Munson’s For Providers website.
Questions? Contact Dr. Anna Booher at abooher2@mhc.net.
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Healthcare Team
Getting to Know: Nicholas P. Zendler, DO
Neurology
Dr. Nicholas Zendler is a neurologist with a special interest in epilepsy. He chose to specialize in neurology because of his interest in neurosciences and the challenges it provides.
“A diagnosis of epilepsy can be scary and difficult to understand, but I am passionate about guiding patients through it, developing treatment plans, and reassuring them that effective treatments exist. I believe in a holistic approach to patient care. Wellness is more than just routine medical care and encompasses physical, social, and emotional well-being. This takes a multidisciplinary approach, which I consider for every patient encounter.”
Dr. Zendler is married with three daughters. A native of Flint, he joined Munson Healthcare Neurology in April 2025.Referrals
Epilepsy, seizures, spells, transient neurological events, syncope vs. seizure, migraine headaches.
Practices at:
Munson Healthcare
Neurology
Phone:
231-392-0430
Fax:
231-935-3438
Direct Trust
nzendler@direct.mhc.net
What do you want referring providers to know about Munson Healthcare Neurology and the services provided?
Munson Neurology is expanding its services and hiring new physicians. We offer a wide range of neurological services. We are committed to excellent patient care and strive to offer the best neurological care in Northern Michigan.
When should they refer patients to you?
I specialize in epilepsy and primarily see patients with epilepsy. My treatment philosophy involves a holistic approach to patient care. Epilepsy is much more than a diagnosis and impacts many areas of life. I try to address all aspects of epilepsy and its impact on patients in their care. Newer treatment options for epilepsy are always becoming available, and my goal is to provide the most up-to-date care for patients.
Anything else you’d like referring providers or ambulatory practices to know about MHC Neurology or you?
We are expanding EEG services and Munson Medical Center now provides long-term critical care EEG monitoring. This allows us to treat patients who are critically ill with seizures and provide the best in-hospital care, keeping care close to home for many patients.
In Brief
Primary Hospital:
Munson Medical Center
Medical Education:
Michigan State University
College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency:
Neurology,
Garden City Hospital
Fellowship:
Epilepsy,
University of Michigan
Hospitals and Health Centers
Favorite Pastimes:
Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family, being in nature, cycling, running, and cross-country skiing.
Provider Moves
Munson Healthcare’s Provider Moves webpage has been updated for June, 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 directory of Munson-privileged providers who accept referrals, go to Find A Doctor.
The following Munson-employed provider has joined Munson Healthcare:
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Service Line Executive Director, Cardiovascular at Munson Healthcare
Tim supports providers and ambulatory practices by being accessible and, most importantly, by listening. “We want the best for your patients — our patients,” he says. His team has developed systems, protocols, and procedures to ensure care is safe, reliable, and of the highest quality, always aiming to connect patients with the right provider, in the right place, at the right time.
Contact
tnelson3@mhc.net or Teams
Tim’s advice for providers and ambulatory offices? Communicate. “The healthcare process is complicated,” he said. “We strive to get it right the first time. However, if something doesn’t go as planned, reach out. We’re here to listen, response, and make it right — together.”
Reports and Referrals
High Imaging Volumes Impacting Radiology Dictation Turnaround Times
As is typical for summertime, imaging volumes across the system are elevated. While our radiologists are reading studies as timely as possible, routine outpatient imaging reports will be available approximately 7 to 10 business days following the radiology exam.
Once signed by a radiologist, results are automatically posted in real time to Munson Healthcare’s MyHealthInfo Patient Portal. Results are also accessible through the ordering provider’s patient portal.
We anticipate imaging volumes and turnaround times will return to normal by mid-September.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.
Support for Patients with New HIV Diagnosis
When a patient receives a preliminary positive HIV result, timely follow-up is critical. To reduce delays and improve outcomes, the Thomas Judd Care Center (TJCC) has launched a new program to support patients with a new HIV diagnosis and their primary care providers.
For more on this new HIV diagnosis support program, as well as clinical HIV guidance for PCPs, bookmark munsonhealthcare.org/HIV.
Coming Soon: Lifetime Breast Cancer Risk Scores and Conditional Orders
We’re excited to announce that new mammography software will soon include a lifetime breast cancer risk score for all patients following a screening mammogram. This score will be automatically included in the radiology report. We will notify you once the lifetime risk scoring feature goes live — potentially as early as next week.
To better support patients at elevated risk for developing breast cancer, Munson Healthcare recently opened a dedicated High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic at the Cowell Family Cancer Center in Traverse City. This new clinic offers patients proactive care and personalized guidance for individuals with a higher lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. For patients identified as high-risk — defined as having a calculated lifetime breast cancer risk of ≥20% — Munson will reach out to the patient’s referring provider to facilitate a referral to our High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic. For patients who self-refer for a mammogram, our team will share their risk score and help them establish care with a primary care provider to initiate the referral process. To learn more about Munson’s new High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic, including services and how to refer, visit munsonhealthcare.org/breastcancerclinic.
The High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic will soon be added to standing conditional orders for mammograms to simplify the referral process.
To order packs of the High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic rack card for your office, either order in Allscripts or email request with details below and number of packs wanted to MHC-Document-Services@mhc.net:
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Item # |
Description |
Pack Size |
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91165 |
Form 12899 High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic Rack Card |
250/PACK |
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Services
Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis and Access Center Now 24/7
The Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis and Access Center (GTMHCAC) is now operating 24/7 operations as of Mon., July 7. Click here to learn more.
Additionally, Up North Live reported on* Northern Michigan advocates voicing concerns about the urgent need for more in-patient mental health care, with reference to the center expanding services.
*A subscription may be required to view this article in its entirety.
Charlevoix to Offer US Guided Paracentesis and Thoracentesis
Starting Friday, July 11, Charlevoix Hospital will offer US Guided Paracentesis and Thoracentesis.
For directions on how to schedule Radiology testing, bookmark munsonhealthcare.org/radiologyscheduling.
Munson Offers Cash Pay Option for Some Radiology Services
Munson has implemented Fair Market Health (FMH) at all radiology service locations across our system. Fair Market Health is an easy way for patients paying out-of-pocket to receive healthcare services at an affordable, transparent price. Eligible patients simply select a service, view available pricing, pay, and schedule.
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Please note: All imaging procedures still require a provider’s order.
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As FMH doesn’t require traditional health insurance, eligible patients are those who are:
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Under or uninsured
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Have a high deductible, or
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Prefer to pay with cash
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Denied authorization
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Note: Patients covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or TriCare are ineligible to participate in the FMH program.
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As a non-profit healthcare system, Munson Healthcare is committed to providing high quality healthcare regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.
For more details on how FMH can help your patients, please refer to the following resources:
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Item # |
Description |
Pack Size |
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91178 |
Form 12903 Fair Market Health Radiology Flyer |
50/PACK |
Brandon Wojcik, MD; and Shiloh Tackett, MD,
with the Ion Robot.
To learn more on how Ion robot technology is saving lives, read Dr. Brandon Wojcik‘s feature on Munson‘s Lung Nodule Referral Program.
Grant to Fund Expansion of Munson Peer Recovery Program
We’re excited to announce that Munson Healthcare is one of just seven hospitals in Michigan selected to receive grant funding to expand our Peer Recovery Coach (PRC) program! This funding will allow us to hire four additional PRCs and a program coordinator, extend services into community hospitals across Northern Michigan, and strengthen our systemwide recovery infrastructure.
Since launching in 2021, our PRC team ― all certified professionals with lived experience — has helped hundreds of patients move from crisis to recovery. Their work is a cornerstone of our behavioral health strategy and a testament to our commitment to compassionate, person-centered care.
We’re grateful to the Michigan Health & Hospital Association for supporting this important work and to our dedicated team for making it possible.
Click the following links to learn more about the grant to explore Munson’s recovery services.
Updated Hours: Mary Free Bed at Munson Healthcare – Cadillac
As of Mon., July 7, the new hours for Mary Free Bed at Munson Healthcare – Cadillac will be Mon. – Thurs., 7 am – 6 pm; Fri., 7 am – 4 pm.
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Patient Care
Health Alert: Measles
The Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD), in collaboration with MDHHS, confirmed a measles outbreak (3+ cases/county) in late June. For additional information, read the GTCHD news release.
Measles resources, including Munson-specific clinician guidance and testing workflows, are available on Munson’s For Providers website.
Remain Vigilant: Tick-Borne Diseases
As there has been a significant increase in tick-borne diseases presenting at MHC hospitals this summer, please have a heightened suspicion for this diagnosis when evaluating a patient with rash, severe headache, myalgia, unexplained fever in the summer, and/or gastrointestinal manifestations. Note, rash is not associated with all tick-borne diseases and may not be an early indicator. Labs often indicate cytopenias and transaminitis, particularly with Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis.
Most current cases are consistent with Anaplasmosis.
Although diagnostic testing can help guide clinical management, do not delay therapy if a tick-borne disease is suspected. Prompt treatment can prevent severe disease. MHC Labs can test for tick-borne pathogens, including anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis. Read the related LabMed Report.
For clinical guidance and education resources, refer to Munson’s For Providers website. Munson Infectious Disease Consults are also available for consults and referrals.
New Community Health Needs Assessment Priorities Announced 
Every three years, Munson Healthcare participates in a collaborative group called MiThrive to identify our region’s most pressing health needs. This includes engaging with hundreds of partners across a 31-county area (all of lower Northern Michigan) to conduct a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) that identifies the top community health priorities for our region. These assessments are completed using trusted data sources and community feedback through surveys and events.
The 2025-28* priorities are Access to Care, Mental Health, and Economic Security.
Click here to learn more about each of these areas and what’s next.
*The new priorities also represent an evolution of the 2022-2025 priorities which were: Access to Care, Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder, and Housing.
Please Complete Maternal Substance Use Stigma Survey
District Health Department #10 invites providers to participate in a brief, anonymous survey designed to assess your perspectives on pregnant and postpartum individuals with substance use disorders.
Your insights will help plan programs to improve access to education, support, and healthcare for individuals with substance use disorder, as well as create educational initiatives aimed at enhancing societal perceptions.
Please complete survey by July 21 by clicking here or using the QR code.
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Medical Staff Services/Credentialing
Life Support Requirements for MHC-Credentialed Providers
Standardized life support certifications are required for MHC-credentialed providers, based on their specialty and staff category. To verify which certification(s) apply to your providers, please refer to MHC Medical Staff Provider Life Support Requirements.
Action Required:
- Submit all current life support certifications to cvoexpirables@mhc.net prior to Jan. 1, 2026.
Note, providers will receive automated reminders when it’s nearing time to renew.
More Information:
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For guides on certification requirements, bookmark munsonhealthcare.org/recredentialing.
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To schedule training at a nearby hospital, click here. Register early as classes fill quickly.
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Resources and Reminders
Stay Updated with the Latest Payer Information 
A reminder we recently launched a new resource for offices featuring curated payer news impacting you. This resource, updated monthly, will keep you informed on the latest payer changes and guidelines.
Bookmark this new resource! munsonhealthcare.org/PayerUpdates
Be Vigilant for Scammers Impersonating DEA Agents
Please be aware of a scam where a caller identifies themself as a DEA agent in an attempt to extort money or steal personal identifiable information.
The DEA will never phone to demand money or ask for personal information. Notification of a legitimate DEA investigation or legal action will always be communicated in person or by official letter.
Remember to have a Questioning Attitude when receiving calls or emails that request or demand any kind of payment or personal information.
If you receive a call from a person claiming to be with the DEA, report the incident to MHC’s Legal Department at 231-935-6553. Reporting these scam calls will help federal authorities find, arrest, and stop the criminals engaged in this fraud.
Update: Michigan’s Status in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)
Michigan is currently a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), which streamlines the process for qualified physicians to practice across state lines. However, Michigan’s participation is set to expire as of March 28, 2026.
To maintain access to the compact, MHC and MHA are actively advocating for the state to rejoin. Senate Bill 303, which would restore Michigan’s membership, has passed the Senate and is now under consideration in the House. Physicians are encouraged to contact their state representatives to support the bill’s swift passage.
Without legislative action:
- Physicians currently practicing in Michigan under an expedited (compact) license will need to apply for a full Michigan medical license.
- Physicians practicing in other compact states who use Michigan as their state of principal licensure should prepare for changes.
- If necessary, physicians may need to redesignate their principal state of licensure.
For details, read MHA’s announcement. We will keep you updated as we learn more.
Be Aware: Patient Portal Proxy Form Has Been Updated
Munson’s Portal Proxy Access Authorization form (#11068) has been updated. With this change, all Portal Proxy Access Authorization forms can now be submitted to one centralized location at MMC or dropped off in person at any MHC facility or provider office. These forms are not currently active for ordered copies, so please print on demand as needed. Please check your areas for old forms and recycle them.
For quick access to Munson forms, bookmark munsonhealthcare.org/physicianforms.
Update on Munson’s Weather Alert System
Following recent drill exercises and a real-time tornado watch, we received feedback from providers about the number and types of emergency pages received. In response to their concerns, we are working to enhance Munson’s emergency alert system.
As part of these improvements, we have implemented the following changes specific to weather alerts.
- PerfectServe Pages: Those who use PerfectServe Clinical Collaboration will only receive a page for a tornado warning; NOT watch.*
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SMS Texts: Those who use PerfectServe Clinical Collaboration will no longer receive an SMS text for weather alerts.
- Overhead Pages: Only Munson’s Long-Term Care sites will receive an overhead page for tornado watch. ALL sites will continue to receive an overhead page for a tornado warning.
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Emails: Switchboard will no longer send emails for weather alerts. For significant weather emergencies, these may be communicated through The Compass and Medical Staff News.
Want to silence weather alerts when you’re off work? Simply log out of PerfectServe Clinical Collaboration.
Thank you for your continued feedback and patience as we work to enhance our emergency alert system. We’ll continue to share updates on improvements to Munson’s emergency alert system.
Questions? Call the Help Desk at 231-935-6053.
*Tornado Watch: Although conditions are favorable for tornadoes, none have been seen or detected.
Tornado Warning: A tornado has been spotted or detected — take immediate action.
Page Corporate Communications if a Reporter Contacts You
If a reporter or other media representative ever approaches your office or one of your providers with a request for comment on a story or any other communications request, please have them page the on-call media officer pager at 231-465-3374. Someone from the Corporate Communications team will respond to them as soon as possible.
Please remember that all calls/interviews and on-site audio/videotaping with news media must be coordinated through Corporate Communications. The Corporate Communications team can also be paged directly through PerfectServe by searching for the MHC On Call Communications Media Group.
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Provider Networking Event
Women in Medicine
Please share with your providers
Munson Healthcare invites women providers to join us for an evening of great conversation, fun games, and awesome prizes! All are welcome.
This event is hosted by Munson Healthcare. Heavy hors d'oeuvres and dessert will be provided. Dress is summer business casual.
- When: Wed., Aug. 20, 6 – 8 pm
- Where: Park Place Hotel and Conference Center, Traverse City
Registration is available here.
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Education
You’re Invited! Quarterly Munson Healthcare Surgical Services Meeting
Practice managers and schedulers are invited to join us for our next quarterly Surgical Services meeting for primary care and surgical offices:
- When: Wednesday, July 30, 12 – 1 pm.
- Where: Can attend in-person at Cowell Family Cancer Center (lunch provided) or virtually.
- Register: To register, contact Andrea Darling.
Upcoming CME Opportunities
For a list of upcoming events, visit munsonhealthcare.org/providerevents.
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Online Resources
Munson's For Providers website features clinical resources and education to support providers and office staff. Bookmark now for quick access: munsonhealthcare.org/forproviders
To easily identify resources available on the For Providers website in Practice Pro, look for:
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To read past issues of Practice Pro, visit munsonhealthcare.org/PracticePro.
Have staff who would benefit from receiving Practice Pro? Please have them subscribe by completing this form.
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