October 2025
From left: Neurosurgeon Emily Levin, MD, and Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Brett Walker, DO.

Committed to Expert Spine Care in Northern Michigan
Munson Healthcare offers comprehensive spine care with advanced technology, a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of specialists, and personalized treatment plans — making it a great referral choice for your patients. See below for when and how to refer a patient.

Munson’s orthopedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons specialize in a wide range of spinal procedures, from spinal fusion and sacroiliac joint fusion to decompression laminectomy and complex spine surgery. These experts treat a wide spectrum of conditions — from common back pain and disc injuries to complex spinal deformities and trauma — including spinal stenosis, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, vertebral fractures, and nerve compression syndromes. Specialty spine services are available at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Charlevoix Hospital in Charlevoix, and Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord, ensuring regional access to high-quality spine care.

What sets Munson apart is its commitment to precision and innovation. Munson’s surgical suites feature an O-arm CT scanner, enabling real-time imaging and enhanced accuracy during complex procedures. This technology supports safer surgeries and better outcomes, especially for patients with intricate spinal conditions.

Munson’s Multidisciplinary Spine Program offers coordinated, patient-centered care with a conservative treatment approach before considering surgery. The team combines expertise in pain management, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and neurosurgery to provide personalized therapies — such as image-guided injections and spinal cord stimulation — aimed at improving function and enhancing quality of life.

Whether your patient needs diagnostic evaluation, surgical intervention, or rehabilitation, Munson Healthcare’s spine services offer a seamless referral experience and a high standard of care. To learn more, visit munsonhealthcare.org/orthopedics/spine.

When to Refer
Please refer your patient if they have been diagnosed with any of the spinal conditions we treat.

How to Refer
Most patients can see a spine surgeon within 30 days.

To refer a patient to Munson Neurosurgery, call 231-392-0640 or via Direct Trust at MHC.NeurosurgeryTraverseCity@direct.mhc.net.

To refer a patient to Munson Orthopedic Institute, fax referrals to 231- 935-3464 or via Direct Trust at MHC.OrthopedicInstitute@direct.mhc.net. Patients can also request a consultation by calling 231-935-5880. 

Meet Our Expert Spine Team


John Campbell, MD
General Neurosurgery,
Neurotrauma


Neil Klinger, MD
General Neurosurgery,
Neurotrauma, Neuro Oncology


Emily Levin, MD
General Neurosurgery,
Neurotrauma


Justine Pearl, MD
General Neurosurgery, Neurotrauma,
Neuromodulation, 
Neuro Oncology


Gary Rajah, MD
Neurovascular surgery,
General Neurosurgery,
Neurotrauma, Neuro Oncology


Thomas Schermerhorn, MD
General Neurosurgery, Neurotrauma


Ryan Urbonas, DO
General Neurosurgery,
Neurotrauma


Brett Walker, DO
Orthopedic Spine

 

 

For a printable “Meet the Munson Healthcare Spine Team” flyer, click here.

Healthcare Team

Getting to Know: Michael VanWagner, DO
Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Michael VanWagner is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult hip and knee reconstruction, replacements, including robotic-assisted technology and direct anterior total hip replacement surgery, fractures, and general orthopedics.

He serves as the System Medical Director of Orthopedics for MHC, on the Surgical Services Executive Committee at MMC, and is a Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative (MARCQI) Clinical Champion for MMC and Copper Ridge Surgery Center.

A Traverse City native, Dr. VanWagner enjoys outdoor activities with his wife, Dr. Angela VanWagner, MMC Emergency Medicine physician, and their two daughters.

Referrals

Practices at:
Munson Healthcare
Orthopedic Institute

Phone:
Office: 231-935-5880
Mobile: 231-642-0520

Fax:
231-935-3464

Direct Trust
mvanwagner2
@direct.mhc.net

MHC.OrthopedicInstitute
@direct.mhc.net

“I have the unique privilege of treating patients to restore their function and mobility, reduce pain, and ultimately improve their quality of life. It’s an honor to return home to Northern Michigan and provide exceptional, compassionate orthopedic care to this remarkable community.”

What do you want referring providers to know about the Munson Orthopedic Institute and your specialty in hip and knee surgery?
We offer top-tier, patient-centered orthopedic care with fellowship-trained surgeons and a strong support team.

When should providers refer patients to you?
Please refer any patient with musculoskeletal concerns. Our team will evaluate and manage their condition — surgically or non-surgically — while maintaining close collaboration with referring providers.

Can you describe the ideal candidate for hip or knee surgery?
Ideal candidates for hip or knee surgery are those with advanced arthritis who have tried non-surgical treatments and are experiencing a decline in quality of life. I work closely with each patient to develop a personalized care plan that considers their condition, lifestyle, genetics, and goals. If comorbidities — such as elevated A1C or BMI — pose potential barriers to surgery, we collaborate with the patient and their primary care provider to address them proactively.

What kind of post-op care do your patients typically need?
Knee Replacement: Outpatient PT for ~6 weeks, plus home exercises.

Hip Replacement: Often no formal PT needed — simple progressive walking is key.

Most hip and knee replacement patients don’t need home nursing or wound care as our team handles this.

Are you willing to visit PCPs in their office?
Absolutely! I welcome the opportunity to visit primary care providers. It’s important to build relationships, so you feel confident in who you’re referring to and comfortable reaching out with any questions or concerns.

In Brief

Primary Hospital:
Munson Medical Center

Joined:
June 2021

Medical Education:
Michigan State University
College of Osteopathic Medicine

Residency:
McLaren Macomb Hospital,
Orthopaedic Surgery

Fellowship:
Mayo Clinic,
Adult Hip and
Knee Reconstruction

Favorite Pastimes:
Family time, skiing,
road cycling, golf,
hockey, being on
the water, hiking,
and enjoying the
outdoors.

Welcome 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.

Please join us in welcoming...

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 directory of Munson-privileged providers who accept referrals, go to Find A Doctor.

The following Munson-employed providers are new to the following MHC practices:
Here to Help: Amanda Stuart
Oncology Specialty Program Coordinator,
Oncology Support Services, Cowell Family Cancer Center

Amanda Stuart plays a vital role in Oncology Support Services at the Cowell Family Cancer Center, coordinating six specialized clinics and serving as a key resource for providers and practice managers across the region. Her work is centered on guiding patients through the healthcare system with clarity and compassion.

“My daily work can vary depending on what’s needed between the clinics I coordinate,” Amanda explains. “From contacting a patient who was just seen in the ED to authorizing a test or participating in a tumor board discussion, my goal is to help patients feel secure and supported as they navigate their care journey.”

Amanda serves as a direct point of contact for the Lung Screening Clinic, Diagnostic Clinic, Genetics Clinic, Lung Nodule Program, Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Program, and the High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic. She regularly fields questions about referrals, authorizations, and how best to connect patients with the right services.

Contact

231-392-8537
astuart@mhc.net
Microsoft Teams

The new High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic, located at the Cowell Family Cancer Center, is currently open two days a week and serves patients with a lifetime breast cancer risk greater than 20%. Munson’s new software calculates risk scores directly from mammograms, and every referral is reviewed to determine if a genetics consult is also needed.

The clinic takes a multidisciplinary approach, with weekly case conferences to review scheduled patients. “Our goal is to give patients identified as high-risk peace of mind through early detection and intervention,” Amanda says. “We provide a personalized risk assessment, guidance on next steps, and order surveillance imaging like breast MRIs and mammograms for continued monitoring.”

Streamlined referrals are now live, with conditional order options available to simplify the process.

 Reports and Referrals

Launching Soon! Simplified Referral Process for Munson Provider Network
Starting Tues., Oct. 21, the Munson Provider Network (MPN) is introducing an improved patient referral experience. Providers and practices will have a single point of contact for ease in referring patients to MPN offices. This change aims to create a more consistent and efficient experience across all of Munson’s specialty and primary care services.

As of Tues., Oct. 21, providers will be able to refer to any MPN office with:

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

Note, all existing referral pathways will continue to be monitored.

Please stay tuned for updates as we roll out this new referral process.

Questions? Contact Julie Smeltzer, System Director, Munson Provider Network Access Team, at 231-935-2401 or jsmeltzer@mhc.net.

Petoskey Community Health Center Now Open
Munson’s new Community Health Center in Petoskey is now open and offering a full spectrum of services, including:

  • Urgent Care
  • Primary Care
  • Lab Services
  • CT Scans, Bone Density, Ultrasound,
    3D Mammography, and X-ray
  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Diagnostics
  • General and Spine Orthopedics
  • General Surgery
  • Nephrology
  • Plastic Surgery
  • Urology
For a quick services snapshot for providers, visit Munson’s website or download a flyer.

Consult and Referral Services for Clinicians
Munson offers a variety of consult and referral programs designed to support clinicians in delivering exceptional patient care. These include:

For details on these and other clinical resources, visit Munson’s For Providers website.

 Services

Streamlined Scheduling for Breast and Bone Imaging Exams
To better serve our patients and streamline scheduling, Munson has updated its Radiology Scheduling phone tree so breast and bone imaging patients can quickly be connected with the appropriate scheduling team.

When calling Radiology Scheduling at 1-800-968-9292, patients will now hear:

  • Option 2: For scheduling all breast imaging and bone density exams, including:
    • Screening or diagnostic mammograms
    • Bone density (DEXA) scans
    • Breast MRI
    • Breast ultrasound
    • Any other breast-related imaging

  • Option 1 (or stay on the line) for all other radiology exams and general inquiries.

Today: Lewiston Lab Reopening
Outpatient laboratory services at Otsego Medical Group – Lewiston are reopening today, Wed., Oct. 15. Hours are Mon. – Thurs., 7 am – 3:15 pm and Fri., 7 am – 1 pm.

For all lab services locations, click here.

Hometown Retail Pharmacy at FFFCHC Closed Sundays
Hometown Retail Pharmacy at the Foster Family Community Health Center in Traverse City is no longer open on Sundays. Weekday and Saturday hours remain unchanged.

This change aligns pharmacy operations and current utilization trends. 

Please help share this update with patients and their families as needed. 

 Patient Care

CDC Updates Immunization Schedules
The CDC has updated to its adult and child immunization schedules. For details, please read the CDC announcement.

Key changes include:

  • COVID-19 Vaccination: Recommendations emphasize individual-based decision-making.
  • Varicella (Chickenpox) Immunization: Advises toddlers receive varicella (chickenpox) protection as a standalone vaccine, rather than in combination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Munson is recommending that patients and staff consult with their primary care provider on recommended vaccines. Munson pediatric care has adopted the phrase “shared decision making” with caregivers.

Thank you for continuing to support vaccinations as an evidence-based, safe method of disease prevention.

Ordering Outpatient Heart Monitors for Your Patients
Traverse Heart & Vascular 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 high-risk symptoms. Consider a cardiology consult if you feel a 30-day monitor is warranted. Cardiology is using a 30-day option in very few, selected cases. See letter and ordering guidelines linked above.

Ordering guidance and these resources are available on Munson’s For Providers website.

Questions? Contact Dr. Anna Booher at abooher2@mhc.net.

LabMed Report: Lyme Ab w/reflex (Modified 2 Tier)
Lyme Ab w/reflex (Modified 2 Tier) is now available at Munson Medical Center Laboratories. Test is equivalent to the referral test SLYME Lyme Antibody Modified 2-Tier with Reflex, Serum at Mayo. To learn more, read LabMed Report | Sept. 2025 Volume 8.

An archive of LabMed Reports is available at munsonhealthcare.org/labmed.

New Outreach Program Following Hospital Discharge: Connected Care
As part of Munson Healthcare’s Hospital Medicine program, we have partnered with SCP Health on a new outreach initiative called Connected Care. This initiative aims to enhance the patient experience, improve clinical outcomes, and reduce readmissions for hospital medicine patients discharged from our system hospitals.*

Patients now receive a follow-up call from a patient coordinator within 24–48 hours of discharge. Additionally, patients identified as high-risk for readmission will receive a series of follow-up calls from a nurse up to 30 days post-discharge.

These calls will not be documented in the patient’s chart. If questions arise about next steps in the patient’s plan of care, they will be directed to contact their primary care provider for follow-up.

To learn more about this new program, click here.

*Note: Kalkaska Memorial Health Center is not included in this program.

Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities Update
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, HHS introduced several telehealth flexibilities to expand access to care. While some of these changes have been made permanent, Medicare reimbursement for video and phone visits expired on Oct. 1.

Congress is expected to extend these telehealth flexibilities once the federal budget is finalized, so we anticipate this gap is temporary. It is uncertain whether there will be retroactive reimbursement for visits that occur during this gap.

What we’re asking Munson Provider Network (MPN) clinics to do:

  • Continue scheduling and conducting video and phone visits as usual.
  • We will hold Medicare claims for these visits and submit them, if possible, once reimbursement is reinstated.
  • No action is needed from your teams at this time.

Important Notes:

  • This change does not affect patients with Medicaid or commercial insurance.
  • Telehealth reimbursement will continue in certain cases, such as for behavioral health services and for patients covered under Munson’s Accountable Care Organization (ACO) agreements.
  • Our approach aligns with how other major U.S. health systems are managing this situation.
  • We are actively monitoring developments and will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.

 Resources and Reminders

Annual Requirement: Compliance Curriculum Due Oct. 31
Please remind your MHC-privileged providers

Healthcare Team members must complete an annual HealthStream Compliance Curriculum assignment by Oct. 31. This is an MHC/regulatory requirement, which makes it a condition of employment and/or medical staff privileges.

Providers: Click here to complete the compliance curriculum assignment in HealthStream.

Annual Requirement: 2025 Flu Shot Due Oct. 31
Please remind your MHC-privileged providers

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: Oct. 31 to meet the MHC/regulatory flu vaccine requirement, which is a condition of employment and/or medical staff privileges.

Where:

  • Walk-in Clinics: MHC is holding flu vaccination clinics.
  • Peer-to-Peer: Many clinical units offer on-unit vaccines via department Flu Champions. 
  • Primary Care or Pharmacy: Submit documentation to employeehealth@mhc.net. Please do not fax.  

Exemptions:

  • Medical & Religious: Exemptions from 2024 – 2025 will carry over if unchanged. 
  • New Requests: Today, Oct. 15, is the LAST DAY to submit an exemption request to exemptionrequest@mhc.net. Late forms won’t be accepted.
  • Contracted Medical Staff (e.g., SCP, Grand Traverse Pathology, Grand Traverse Radiology, etc.): Follow your employer’s exemption process.

Note: COVID-19 vaccines are not offered by MHC. Please visit your provider or local pharmacy.

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

Stay Updated with the Latest Payer Information 
For a curated list of payer news impacting you, including the latest payer changes and guidelines, bookmark: munsonhealthcare.org/PayerUpdates

How to Order Referral Forms for Your Office

Munson-Employed Offices
Need to order referral forms for your office? Use Allscripts eReq.

Independent Offices
Munson Healthcare referral forms are available on our For Providers website at munsonhealthcare.org/physicianforms.

Forms may be printed on demand or select forms can be delivered directly to your office at no cost by submitting a request form.

Questions on Ordering Forms?
Contact MHC Forms at MHC-Document-Services@mhc.net or 231-935-8228.

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.

 Networking Events

Future Physicians Meet Their Match at Munson’s Resident Mixer
Munson Healthcare recently hosted its annual Resident Mixer, a vibrant networking event designed to connect residents from the Munson Family Medicine Residency Program (MFMRP) with practices seeking to hire primary care physicians. By fostering meaningful connections and conversations, this event plays a vital role in bridging the gap between graduating physicians and the primary care needs of Northern Michigan communities. In 2025, four of the six MFMRP graduates went on to practice in Northern Michigan — one in Kalkaska, two in Gaylord, and one in Grayling.

Past resident Dr. Ben Vanos (Class of 2020) and current resident Dr. Rebekah Weeks (Class of 2028) shared how the Resident Mixer has influenced their career paths.

“Since my intern year at Munson Family Practice Center, the annual Resident Mixer has always been an exciting event to attend. This event helped me connect with the opportunity to practice in Indian River. I’m honored to return each fall to network with the bright, new doctors and showcase the great opportunities we have for our graduates in our Northern Michigan communities.”
—Benjamin Vanos, DO, Munson Healthcare OMH Medical Group – Indian River.

“As a medical student rotating at Munson Medical Center, I’ve learned from providers in several of our Northern Michigan communities. Now, as a Family Medicine Resident, I was delighted to attend the annual Resident Mixer and reconnect with some familiar faces. This is such a supportive community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to train here.”
—Rebekah Weeks, DO, Munson Family Residency Program.


Physicians, residents, and Munson Healthcare leadership gather at the 2025 Resident Mixer to foster connections and support the future of primary care in Northern Michigan.

 Education

You’re Invited! New Primary Care Dinner Lecture Series — East Region
Please share with your providers

Munson Healthcare is excited to launch a new educational dinner series designed specifically for primary care providers. Although the first event in the series is for our East Region (Charlevoix, Gaylord, and Grayling area) PCPs; the series will later rollout to other regions. We hope you will join us for an evening of learning, socializing, and great food!

  • Topics/Speakers: 
    • Spinal Stenosis | Brett Walker, DO; Orthopedic Spinal Surgery
    • Epilepsy and Seizures | Nick Zendler, DO; Neurology
  • When: Wed., Nov. 5, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
    • 5:30 pm: Arrival and Social
    • 6:30 pm: Dinner and Presentations
  • Where: Boyne Mountain, 1 Boyne Mountain Rd., Boyne Falls
  • Cost: Free admission, dinner provided
  • CME: Approved for AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM
  • Register by Oct. 22: Click here to register!

Register Now! Munson’s 2026 Provider Symposium
Please share with your providers

New in 2026! The Provider Symposium will now feature a half-day of hands-on learning on Thursday afternoon, followed by a full day of CME sessions on Friday.

Participants at this popular and educational event can:

  • Choose from an à la carte menu of in-person CME sessions featuring varied topics tailored to the educational needs of Munson Healthcare providers.
  • Engage in various learning formats including plenary sessions, panel discussions, and hands-on skills labs.
  • Socialize with colleagues at the Friday Evening Happy Hour.

Cost:

  • Friday CME Sessions: $200 (excludes lodging)
  • Thursday Hands-on Learning: $50

    Register by Nov. 30 to save 25%!

For details and to register by Jan. 3: munsonhealthcare.org/providersymposium

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

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: Wed, Oct. 29, 11:45 am – 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.

 

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:

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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