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February 2026
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Advanced Urology Services Close to Home
Munson Healthcare continues to expand access to high‑quality urological care for patients across Northern Michigan. With experienced specialists, advanced diagnostic capabilities, and a streamlined referral pathway, you and your patients can expect coordinated, compassionate care from our entire Urology Services team.
Comprehensive Urologic Expertise
Munson’s skilled urologists diagnose and treat the full spectrum of urologic conditions, including:
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Patients benefit from access to state‑of‑the‑art technology — including minimally invasive robotic surgery, advanced prostate imaging, and in‑office procedures that reduce travel and hospital visits.
Services include:
- Bladder, kidney, and prostate surgeries: Robotic da Vinci® Surgical System
- Enlarged prostate: HoLEP, UroLift®
- Erectile dysfunction: Penile Prosthesis
- Kidney stones: Lithotripsy
- Overactive bladder: Urostym®, InterStim®, Botox injections,
Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) - Prostate biopsies: UroNav®
- Urinary dysfunction: Urodynamics
Learn more at munsonhealthcare.org/urology.
Close-to-Home Care
Munson offers convenient access to urology specialists across nine Northern Michigan locations.
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Referring providers can expect rapid scheduling and clear, timely communication. Same-week appointments are often available for urgent concerns such as kidney stones, hematuria, and rapidly progressing symptoms.
To refer a patient, contact our centralized referral center:
- Phone: 231-213-8600
- Fax: 231-213-8700
- Direct Trust: MHC.CentralReferrals@direct.mhc.net
Meet Some of Our Expert Urologists
Laris Galejs, MD
Cadillac • Frankfort • Manistee
Andrew Luea, DO
Manistee • Traverse City
Emily Stevens, MD
Charlevoix • Gaylord
Harbor Springs • Petoskey
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Healthcare Team
Getting to Know: Michael Howe, MD
Interventional Cardiology
Dr. Michael Howe is a cardiologist with board certifications in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, vascular interpretation, and internal medicine. He has a special interest in interventional and structural cardiology, including coronary and peripheral intervention, transcatheter aortic valve replacement, and percutaneous mitral valve repair.
Dr. Howe lives in Traverse City with his wife, who is an allergist/immunologist, and their three children. Outside of work, he enjoys running, golf, and skiing.
Referrals
Practices at:
Traverse Heart & Vascular
Phone:
231-935-5800
Fax:
231-935-5744
Direct Trust:
mhowe2@direct.mhc.net
MHC.TraverseHeart
andVascular@direct.mhc.net
What are the key things providers should know about
referring to the THV team for minimally invasive options
like TAVR or mitral repair?
Your patients will receive a multidisciplinary evaluation from our team of advanced cardiac imaging experts, interventional cardiologists, and cardiothoracic surgeons to allow a tailored approach that best addresses each individual patient’s cardiac structural or valvular pathology.
In your experience, when should a provider start thinking about sending a patient for a structural heart evaluation — especially if they’re showing signs of valve disease?
Certainly, any time a patient starts to feel limited symptomatically with their daily activities in the setting of valvular heart disease, they need to be seen. That said, we are making efforts to see these patients earlier in the course of their disease and referring patients for cardiology evaluation with any imaging evidence of progressive valvular or ventricular dysfunction makes sense.
In Brief
Primary Hospital:
Munson Medical Center
Joined:
August 2015
Medical Education:
Michigan State University
College of Human Medicine
Residency:
Internal Medicine,
University of Michigan
Medical School
Fellowship:
Interventional Cardiology
and Cardiovascular Disease,
University of Michigan
Medical School
Provider Moves
Munson Healthcare’s Provider Moves webpage has been updated for January, 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:
- John Cirocco, CRNA | Munson Healthcare Anesthesia
- Sierra Hilt, NP | Munson Healthcare Petoskey Urgent Care
- Kathryn Hissong, NP | Munson Neurosurgery
- Jacob King, PA | Munson Healthcare OMH Medical Group Internal Medicine
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Kaela Cochran and Ian Richardson are trained medical librarians who make up Munson Healthcare’s Library Services team. They provide fast, reliable access to evidence-based medical information through a wide range of licensed clinical resources, including:
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- Conducting comprehensive literature searches
- Curating high‑quality, relevant articles tailored to your
clinical or operational needs - Delivering full‑text articles
- Helping navigate Munson’s clinical resources
- Educating on the use of available tools
Whether you need evidence for patient care, education, quality improvement, or planning, they can find it for you. Simply send your topic or question, and the team will perform an expert search using trusted medical databases.
Coming this spring, UpToDate® Expert AI will provide fast, conversational answers powered by generative AI and grounded in UpToDate’s expert‑reviewed content — offering quick clinical insights with the accuracy users rely on.
Access Library Services through the website to request searches and find articles:
- On an MHC‑networked computer: MHC Intranet → Tools & Resources → Library Services
- Off‑site: Log in to Citrix Storefront → Open Edge → MHC Intranet → Tools & Resources → Library Services
Senior Information
Research Specialist
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Senior Information
Research Specialist
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Reports and Referrals
Centralized Referral Process Expands Across Munson Provider Network
A few months ago, the Munson Provider Network (MPN) launched a streamlined referral process to improve consistency and efficiency across specialty and primary care services.
Referral Contacts for MPN Offices:
- Phone number: 231-213-8600
- Fax number: 231-213-8700
- Direct Trust address: MHC.CentralReferrals@direct.mhc.net
Cohorts launched:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurosciences
- Urology
Population Health will be added starting March 4. Population Health includes the following specialties: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, OBGYN, Pediatrics, Behavioral Health. If you haven’t already, update your EMR and internal workflows with the new referral contacts. All cohorts are expected to be live by May 2026. A list of MPN offices is available here. We’ll continue monitoring existing referral pathways throughout this transition to ensure continuity and support.
Questions? Contact Julie Smeltzer, System Director, Munson Provider Network Access Team, at 231-935-2401 or jsmeltzer@mhc.net.
New Elk Rapids Specialty Clinic Now Open!
Munson Healthcare is pleased to announce the opening of an Outpatient Specialty Care Clinic in Elk Rapids as part of ongoing efforts to provide greater access and convenience to patients.
The clinic, located at 115 Bridge Str. in Elk Rapids, offers consultation in Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Rheumatology, in addition to existing lab services. For details, read the news release and visit Munson’s website.
A referral sheet is also available here.
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Services
Upcoming Changes to Radiology Coverage
Effective March 1, 2026, Munson Healthcare, in partnership with Grand Traverse Radiology (GTR), will be implementing changes to radiology coverage to ensure continued delivery of reliable, high-quality diagnostic imaging services. If you missed it, read the announcement.
MMC: Where to Send Patients for Discharge Medications on Weekends
The on-site pharmacy at Munson Medical Center, which is managed by Hometown Pharmacy, is open:
- Mon. – Thurs., 8 am – 6 pm
- Sat., 9 am – 1 pm
- Closed Sun. and major holidays
For patients discharged on the weekend, the following Traverse City pharmacies are open to fulfill discharge medications:
- CVS (inside Target): Sat., 9 am – 5 pm, Sun., 11 am – 5 pm
- CVS Pharmacy: Sat., 9 am – 6 pm, Sun., 10 am – 6 pm
- Family Fare: Sat., 9 am – 5 pm, Sun., 11 am – 3 pm
- Meijer (both locations): Sat. and Sun., 10 am – 6 pm
- Walgreens (South Airport, US-31, and Chums Corner): Sat. and Sun., 10 am – 6 pm
- Walmart Pharmacy: Sat., 9 am – 7 pm, Sun., 10 am – 6 pm
While not as convenient as an on‑site pharmacy, patients continue to have access to prescription medications locally seven days a week. When an inpatient requires a discharge medication that is difficult to obtain after hours, inpatient pharmacy staff assist patients however possible.
Note: The MMC Ambulatory Pharmacy has never offered Sunday hours.
Empire Pharmacy: New Hours
Due to staffing shortages, the Hometown Pharmacy located in Munson’s Empire Community Health Center is now operating under new hours.
Hours: Tues. and Fri.., 9 am – 5 pm
Prudenville Lab: Temporary Change in Hours
Due to staffing shortages, Munson’s Prudenville Lab will operate under temporary hours from Mon., Feb. 16 through Fri., April 10.
Temporary Hours: Mon. – Wed., 7 am – 12 pm
Updated Hours: Munson Virtual Urgent Care
Effective today, the new hours for Munson Virtual Urgent Care are Mon. – Fri., 11 am – 6 pm; Sat. and Sun., 11 am – 4 pm.
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Patient Care
Updated: Pediatric Antimicrobial Guidelines
Munson has updated its pediatric antimicrobial guidelines. Adult and pediatric antimicrobial guidelines are available here.
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Previous guideline: Cefdinir is not an appropriate option for the treatment of CAP.
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Updated guideline: Cefdinir has poor pharmacokinetics and is only recommended if cefprozil is not available for the treatment of CAP.
Munson is working with local outpatient pharmacies to stock cefprozil suspension for pediatric patients who are allergic to penicillin.
Questions? Contact Nick Torney, PharmD, BCIDP.
MDHHS Updates Reporter Protocols for Infants Born Exposed to Substances
MDHHS has updated its mandated reporter guidance for infants born with substance exposure. The revised guidance clarifies how providers respond when infants are born exposed to non-medically prescribed substances or when exposure to medically prescribed substances raises concerns related to abuse or neglect. The goal is to clarify responsibilities, limit unnecessary child welfare reports, and enhance links to family support services.
For additional details, including the Mandated Reporter Training and Plan of Safe Care (POSC), click here.
LabMed Reports
Falsely Elevated CO2 (Bicarbonate) In Samples with High LDH: Some CO₂/bicarbonate reagent lots may produce falsely elevated results in samples with LDH levels >2000 U/L. Affected labs will include a comment advising clinicians to interpret bicarbonate results in conjunction with LDH when appropriate. Learn more in LabMed Report | Jan. 2026 Vol. 3.
Reference Ranges for Hematology: MHC Laboratories has standardized reference ranges for Adult and Pediatric patients. Learn more in LabMed Report | Jan. 2026 Vol. 4.
New Lab Tests: Starting in March, the following tests will be performed at Munson Medical Center:
- Renin, Direct
- Aldosterone
- 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D
- Epstein-Barr Virus Antibody Panel
Learn more in LabMed Report | Jan. 2026 Vol. 5.
MMC Maximum Surgical Blood Order Schedule: Learn more on this change in LabMed Report | Jan. 2026 Vol. 6.
Mayo Result Duplication: Currently, Mayo tests ordered on surgical pathology/cytopathology specimens are included as an addendum to the original report (i.e., BRAF or PD-L1). As these reports are already available in PowerChart, they will no longer be attached to the surgical pathology report unless indicated (i.e., used for diagnostic purposes), starting in late Feb. Learn more on this change in LabMed Report | Jan. 2026 Vol. 7.
An archive of LabMed Reports is available at munsonhealthcare.org/labmed.
Outpatient IV/IM Antibiotic Orders at Munson Infusion Clinics
When ordering outpatient intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) anti-infective use at Munson Infusion Clinics, please follow the updated policy.
This policy supports appropriate antimicrobial stewardship and utilization, given the significant safety, monitoring, and central line care requirements associated with these medications.
Key Points
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All new IV/IM antibiotic orders require pharmacist review for appropriateness prior to scheduling or insurance review.
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Several anti-infectives — in particular Dalbavancin — require Infectious Disease (ID) physician approval prior to dispensing, as outlined in the policy.
AAP Releases 2026 Childhood Immunization Schedule
The AAP has released its 2026 Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. To learn more, read their news release and overview.
The I Vaccinate initiative (supported by MHA) has a provider toolkit to help providers educate Michigan parents about the safety and effectiveness of childhood immunizations.
MDHHS Updates Michigan Reportable Communicable Disease List
MDHHS has updated its list of reportable communicable diseases, which is available in 2 formats:
- Organized by Pathogen (Color Print or Black & White Print)
- Organized by Condition (Color Print or Black & White Print)
Read the summary of changes. The 2026 Healthcare Professional's Guide to Disease Reporting in Michigan (MDHHS Brick Book) is also available.
N. MI Flu Activity Report – Week Ending Feb. 14
Flu Testing: Recommended
- National: Mostly high with pockets of low activity.
- Michigan: High activity.
- Regional: High activity.
- Total Tested = 1,037
- Total Positive = 298 (29%)
- Inpatients = 8
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Resources and Reminders
Updated Notice of Privacy Practices (NOPP)
Munson Healthcare’s Notice of Privacy Practices provides information to patients about how MHC uses and discloses protected health information (PHI) for treatment, payment, and operations, and outline patient rights, including access to records and how to file complaints.
Munson’s Notice of Privacy Practices has been updated to reflect changes to the 42 CFR part 2 Substance Use Disorder (SUD) rules, and how that PHI is handled under the same rules as HIPAA. Highlights:
- Records no longer need to be segregated.
- Allows single consent for all future uses and disclosures for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.
- Records received for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations may be redisclosed without need of patient authorization.
- Creates a new definition for an SUD clinician’s notes analyzing the conversation in an SUD counseling session that the clinician voluntarily maintains separately from the rest of the patient’s SUD treatment. Also requires a patient specific authorization to release/disclose.
Managers received instructions on updating posters in public areas and sharing them with patients.
Questions? Contact Loretta Wingard, MHC Privacy Officer, at lwingard@mhc.net or 231-935-5766.
Annual Requirement: Safety Curriculum Due March 31
Please remind your MHC-credentialed providers
Munson Healthcare providers must complete an annual HealthStream Safety Curriculum assignment by March 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 safety curriculum assignment in HealthStream.
Extension of Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities
A new bill temporarily extends the Medicare telehealth flexibilities through Dec. 31, 2027.
Munson and other health systems continue to advocate for ongoing video visit reimbursement.
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
2026 MSU-CHM Rural Premedical Internship Program
Know someone exploring a career in medicine? The MSU College of Human Medicine is now accepting applications for its Rural Premedical Internship Program. This flexible, self-directed experience is designed for premedical students interested in rural healthcare. Running May 20 – Oct. 15, 2026, the program offers exposure to rural medicine and activities that help strengthen medical school applications and interview skills. To learn more and apply by March 6, click here.
Help Patients Access Food Resources
The Voices for Food Access digital gallery is live! Explore creative submissions and vote for your favorite — each vote will help direct a $1,000 donation to a local food pantry, supporting food access across Northern Michigan. Patients can also browse a comprehensive listing of emergency food resources across Northern Michigan.
View the gallery and vote by Feb. 25 here.
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Education
Save the Dates! MHC Virtual MI Licensure CME Sessions
MHC is hosting free, virtual education focusing exclusively on CME licensure requirements March 4 – 6, 11 am – 1:30 pm.
Although our agenda is evolving, here are the great topics and speakers we’ve lined up so far:
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Implicit Bias: Unintentional Harm: How Patient and Clinician Race-Based Attitudes Influence Clinical Communication | Lauren Hamel, PhD; Wayne State University
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Ethics: Who Decides, and to What Extent? Applying Ethical Frameworks to Decision Making | Stephanie Van Slyke, MS-Bioethics, RN, HEC-C; Munson Healthcare
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Pain Management: An Ounce of Prevention: Responsible Treatment of Acute and Chronic Pain in the Outpatient Setting | Jill Covyeou, PharmD; Ferris State University
Stay tuned for additional topics, speakers, and how to register. For those who unable to join us live, sessions will also be recorded for viewing on-demand.
These activities have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.
You’re Invited! Primary Care Dinner Lecture Series — East Region
Please share with your providers
Primary care providers are invited to attend an educational dinner featuring two of Munson’s Urologists. We hope you will join us for an evening of learning, socializing, and great food!
- Topic/Speakers: BPH with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Diagnosis and Treatment | Matt Ayres, MD, and Emily Stevens, MD
- When: Wed., March 4, 5:30 – 8 pm
- 5:30 pm: Arrival and Social
- 6:30 pm: Dinner and Presentations
- Where: Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls
- Cost: Free admission, dinner provided
- CME: Approved for AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM
- Register by Feb. 25: Click here to register!
You’re Invited! MMC Ambulatory Care Department Meeting
Please share with your physicians
MMC Ambulatory Care Department physicians are invited to join us for an evening of learning, socializing, and great food!
- Agenda:
- High Risk Breast Clinic | Kendra Worden
- Mamm Ordering Guidelines | Dr. Ryan Holmes, Dr. Kim Johnson
- Updates:
- CC Copy PCP
- Endo/HBA1C
- Interoperability
- Neuro
- When: Wed., March 11, 5:30 – 8 pm
- 5:30 pm: Arrival and Social
- 6:30 pm: Dinner and Discussion
- Where: Delamar, Traverse City
- Cost: Free admission, dinner and drink tickets provided
- Register by March 4: Click here to register!
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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