We Value Our Relationship with You and Your Patients
We are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us to care for your patients and the ongoing collaboration that makes high-quality, coordinated care possible. Like you, we want your patients to have the best experiences possible when you choose to refer them to us.

In response to the feedback we’ve received from many of you across our independent provider community, we are introducing an improved patient referral experience beginning Tues., Oct. 21. This change is designed not only to streamline how you refer patients to our specialty care teams, but also to reduce complexity for your staff and patients alike.

Most importantly, this is a change we are making with you. We are committed to staying closely connected with you and your teams throughout this transition, working in partnership to ensure the process is seamless, supported, and aligned with your patients’ needs.

What’s Changing for Patient Referrals to Munson Provider Network (MPN) offices:
Beginning Oct. 21, you will have a single point of contact for ease in referring patients to Munson Provider Network (MPN) offices. This change supports faster and more consistent processing of referrals and coordination of access to the care your patients need. Please note, the existing pathways for referring patients will remain in place until all practices have successfully transitioned to the new process. This improvement is designed to simplify your access and enhance the patient experience across all our specialty and primary care services.

Starting Tues., Oct. 21, refer to any MPN office with:

• ONE phone number
• ONE fax number
• ONE Direct Trust address

Please stay tuned for a follow-up communication with the specific numbers and Direct Trust address.

Why We’re Making This Change
We’ve heard your feedback. Historically, the referral process within the Munson Provider Network varied by department and location, leading to inconsistent experiences for patients and provider offices. We’ve taken major steps to resolve these issues, including investing in enhanced technology systems and standardized operational workflows to create a better, more reliable experience.

These improvements mean:

• Clear standards and expectations for how referrals are handled system-wide
• Access to education, information, and real-time support regarding changing services, provider updates, and referral/insurance requirements
• Defined pathways to escalate issues and resolve barriers quickly
• A more seamless patient and provider office experience, including loop closure on all incoming referrals

Learn More
To support your office with this change, we will be hosting a virtual Information Session for practice managers. During this session we will provide an overview of the new process, centralized access numbers and Direct Trust email, and answer your questions.

What: Information Session on Munson’s New Referral Process
When: Wed., Oct. 15, 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Join: Click here to join the Teams Meeting

If you have any questions on how to access the Teams Information Session, please contact PhysicianLiaison@mhc.net.

If you have any questions on the upcoming change in referral process, please contact Julie Smeltzer, System Director, Munson Provider Network Access Team, at 231-935-2401 or jsmeltzer@mhc.net.

Thank You for Trusting Us
This is the first step in a broader initiative to strengthen how we work together to care for our community. We don’t see this as a one-time change, but as the beginning of an evolving process that will continue to be shaped by your insights and experience.

We want to make sure you feel fully supported throughout the change.

We are nurturing this new process with care and will continue to invite and incorporate feedback from our provider community to make it even better over time.

We sincerely appreciate your continued trust in referring your patients to the Munson Provider Network. We’re excited to offer this enhanced referral experience and remain dedicated to supporting you and your patients every step of the way.

Stay tuned — more details will be shared soon!