May 2026

When Minutes Matter: Advanced Stroke Care, Close to Home
In a rural region like Northern Michigan, timely access to advanced stroke care can significantly improve patient outcomes. Munson is meeting that challenge with a world-class, regionally coordinated stroke program designed to deliver rapid, high‑quality care.

Comprehensive Stroke Center
At the center of this effort is Munson Medical Center’s Witham Family Comprehensive Stroke Center, the only Joint Commission-certified Comprehensive Stroke Center in Northern Michigan. This highest level of stroke certification reflects the ability to diagnose and treat all types of strokes, including the most complex ischemic and hemorrhagic cases.

As a result, patients who once required transfer downstate for advanced intervention can now access 24/7 interventional stroke care in Traverse City. Services include rapid advanced neuroimaging, mechanical thrombectomy, and coordinated neurology and neurosurgical care — helping reduce treatment delays, preserve brain function, and improve long‑term recovery.

Local Interventional Stroke Care
Munson’s stroke care extends beyond Traverse City. Through a regional stroke network, standardized protocols support early recognition, expedited imaging, and streamlined transfer pathways across eight Munson hospitals. Tele‑neurology and remote image review further enhance access to subspecialty expertise, especially for rural and outlying communities.

Stroke Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Research
Continuity of care is a priority after the acute phase. Munson offers coordinated inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, secondary stroke prevention services, and close collaboration with referring providers to support smooth transitions and follow‑up care close to home.

Munson also participates in stroke research. To learn more about Munson’s stroke research, including currently available studies, click here.

When stroke symptoms appear, fast actions can save someone’s life — and their quality of life too. Munson Healthcare is proud to deliver advanced stroke care when and where patients need it most.

• Phone number: 231-213-8600
• Fax number: 231-213-8700
• Direct Trust address: MHC.CentralReferrals@direct.mhc.net

To request a stroke consult, please call 231-392-0640.

Additional Stroke Resources

Patients:
munsonhealthcare.org/stroke

Clinicians:
munsonhealthcare.org/strokeguidelines

May is Stroke Awareness Month.

Meet the Munson Healthcare Stroke Team
Click here for a referral face sheet.

Leeda Bashardost, MD
Neurocritical Care

Ramiro Castro Apolo, MD
Neurocritical Care

Brent Flusty, DO
Vascular Neurology

Heather Lee, DO
Neurology

Gary Rajah, MD
Neurosurgery

Healthcare Team

Getting to Know: Matthew Ayres, MD
Urology

Dr. Matthew Ayres is a urologist with special interests in robotic surgery, stone disease, outlet procedures, male sexual health, and female pelvic medicine.

Consults/Referrals

Gaylord
OMH Medical Group Urology

Phone: 989-731-6405

Fax: 989-731-6415

Direct Trust
MAYRES@direct.mhc.net

What should referring providers know about treating complex urological conditions?
Many complex urologic conditions have more than one appropriate treatment pathway. Key factors in determining the best approach include the patient’s goals, preferred outcomes, and overall health. My role is to clearly explain the options, including risks and benefits, while keeping patient safety at the forefront. As many clinicians don’t see these conditions frequently, I’m always happy to recommend diagnostic steps that can be completed before the referral visit to help streamline care.

What are the recommended treatment options for stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse?
Although they often occur together, female stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are treated separately.

In Brief

Primary Hospital:
Otsego Memorial Hospital

Joined:
July 2025

Medical Education:
University of Kansas
School of Medicine

Residency:
University of Oklahoma,
Urology

Pelvic organ prolapse can also be managed non-surgically with pelvic floor therapy or the use of a pessary device. Surgical options depend on exam findings and may include transvaginal anterior or posterior repairs, perineorrhaphy, or colpocleisis. Apical vaginal vault prolapse is often treated surgically with robotic sacrocolpexy. For women who wish to keep their uterus, robotic hysteropexy is also an option.

When should providers refer patients to you?
If you have questions about the best approach to treat a urological condition, please reach out to discuss referral questions or specific clinical scenarios.

Provider Moves
Munson Healthcare’s Provider Moves webpage has been updated for April, 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:

• Marjorie Beigle, NP | Munson Healthcare OMH Medical Group - Indian River
• Rachel Decker, NP | Munson Healthcare Orthopedic Institute - Traverse City
• Chantal Hopper, NP | Munson Healthcare Orthopedic Institute - Traverse City
  
  

As Chief Medical Officer for Munson Healthcare’s South Region, Dr. McComb’s focus is clear and purposeful: helping solve problems for hospitals, providers, and ambulatory practices so they can deliver the best possible care to patients.

Much of his role centers on being available — listening to concerns, answering questions, and helping direct solutions when challenges arise. He also participates in system-level meetings to facilitate meaningful change and serve as a voice for the South Region, ensuring local needs are represented as Munson Healthcare continues to evolve.

There’s plenty to be excited about in the South Region. The pending opening of the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) is a major milestone that will expand access and enhance care delivery close to home.

Contact
bmccomb@mhc.net
231-690-0463

As a Family Medicine physician, Dr. McComb understands the impact hospitalist services have on ambulatory providers and their patients. Despite challenges associated with the SCP transition, progress is steadily being made. SCP leadership has remained responsive and communicative, and Dr. McComb is optimistic that by the end of summer — particularly in Cadillac — the region will rely far less on locum (i.e., temporary) coverage and see improved stability.

Looking ahead, one of his biggest hopes for the South Region is attracting additional local specialists. Expanding specialty services would ease the burden on existing providers, improve patient access, and help keep care close to home.

For ambulatory providers and practice managers, Dr. McComb emphasizes this: “Your role has never been more important. Ambulatory teams are the gateway to specialty care and are instrumental in guiding patients through the healthcare system. Practice managers, in particular, should know they are always welcome to reach out if they need help or have an idea to help the providers they work with.”

Outside of medicine, you might be surprised to learn Dr. McComb was featured in the March 2019 Bassmasters magazine for catching an 8.09-pound smallmouth bass in Northern Michigan.

 Reports and Referrals

Faster Radiology Results Turnaround Times
Thanks to strong collaboration with Grand Traverse Radiologists (GTR) and teleradiology support from Radiology One, radiology results turnaround times have significantly improved over the past two months. Routine results are now available in 1-3 days on average, which is 4–9 days faster on average than over the winter.

Current Turnaround Times:

• Routine: 1-3 days on average
• STAT: 30 minutes on average

GTR’s dedication has been instrumental to this success. With a monthly volume of about 40,000 studies, their focused efforts reduced unread exams from 5,500 to 1,500 in just one month — a 73% reduction.

Shorter turnaround times support faster diagnoses, earlier treatment decisions, and a better overall patient experience. This achievement reflects our shared commitment to delivering timely, high‑quality care to the communities we serve.

Updated Mammography Ordering Guidelines
Early detection saves lives. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among U.S. women, and 80% of those diagnosed have no family history of the disease.

Please review the updated mammography ordering guidelines, available here.

• These guidelines are based on ACR appropriateness criteria.
• Screening mammograms are for asymptomatic patients only.
• See the final section for commonly misordered exams.

In response to clinician feedback, we have also developed a Diagnostic Breast Imaging – Quick Reference Guide to help support your workflow when ordering.

Questions? Contact Radiology Scheduling at 1-800-968-9292, Option 2.​

Welcoming Our New Physicians
Munson Healthcare is proud to be Northern Michigan’s largest network of physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs), with more than 1,300 clinicians committed to outstanding care and dedicated to improving lives across our 29-county service area.  

Click here to view a brochure introducing the physicians who joined Munson Healthcare in 2025. Printed copies will be mailed to Northern Michigan healthcare offices later this month.

 Quality & Safety

Leapfrog Group Announces Spring Grades 
All eligible MHC hospitals* have earned an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group for Spring 2026, reflecting excellence in quality and patient safety. These ratings place Munson hospitals in the top quartile of all hospitals nationally for quality and safety. Munson was the only Michigan healthcare system with “A” grades across all eligible hospitals!

Congratulations to Cadillac Hospital, Grayling Hospital, Munson Medical Center, and Otsego Memorial Hospital! 

“This honor demonstrates our Healthcare Team’s ongoing commitment to delivering safe, reliable care for the communities we serve and reflects the strong collaboration across our hospitals,” said Dr. Joe Santangelo, Chief Medical, Quality & Safety Officer. “Thank you all for your continued focus on quality, safety, and dedication to our patients throughout the region. We are so proud of the care provided at all Munson facilities.”

*As not all MHC hospitals are measured by The Leapfrog Group, not all hospitals received a grade. 

 Services

CT Calcium Score – Cash Pricing Now Available
A CT Calcium Score is a quick, non‑invasive test that detects calcium build‑up in the heart arteries, which can indicate increased risk for heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.

Munson Healthcare offers this test for a $125 self‑pay price. A physician order is required.

Appointments are available at any Munson imaging location by calling 231‑935‑7200 or 1‑800‑968‑9292.

For a printable flyer, click here.

Online Self-Scheduling Launching at MHC Urgent Care Clinics
To improve the patient experience, Munson Healthcare is rolling out online self-scheduling at our urgent care clinics systemwide. This new option allows patients to book urgent care visits in advance, helping to reduce wait times and enabling care teams to better prepare for each visit.

MHC urgent care clinics that have implemented online self-scheduling:

• Gaylord
• Petoskey
• Traverse City (Foster Family Community Health Center) 

Online self-scheduling will continue to expand to additional urgent care clinics in the coming months.

Administrative Transition for Select Cadillac-Area Clinics
As part of our Regional Care Transformation Plan (RCTP), McBain Primary Care, Cadillac Primary Care, and Cadillac OBGYN have administratively transitioned from a service of Cadillac Hospital to Otsego Memorial Hospital. This is an administrative change only to preserve Rural Health Clinic (RHC) designation, with no impact to patient care, providers, locations, or services.  

• Billing will shift to OMH, clinic names and statements will reflect the change 
• Oracle naming conventions will be updated to:  
• MHC OMH Cadillac Primary Care 
• MHC OMH Cadillac OBGYN – this location will show for ultrasound scheduling but should not be chosen unless you are Cadillac OBGYN staff
• MHC OMH McBain Primary Care 

This realignment helps protect approximately $1.5 million annually in RHC funding, supporting access to high-quality, affordable care in our rural communities. Our focus remains on a seamless transition with clear communication.

 Patient Care

LabMed Reports

Prior Authorization: To support insurance compliance and improve patient billing satisfaction, MHC Laboratories has added an Ask at Order Entry (AOE) question in Oracle Ambulatory and eClinicalWorks to tests requiring prior authorization. Learn more on this change in LabMed Report | March 2026 Vol. 8.

• Note: We are not requiring you to complete a prior authorization for these tests but are alerting that these are high-cost tests that may not be covered under the patient’s insurance.

D-dimer Reporting Differences at POMH: For details, read LabMed Report | April 2026 Vol. 11.

Massive Transfusion Protocol at Munson Medical Center: Effective May 1, the Blood Bank, in coordination with the Trauma Service at MMC, will implement a revised MTP protocol. For details, read LabMed Report | April 2026 Vol. 12.

Archive: Available at munsonhealthcare.org/labmed.

Antimicrobial Resources
Munson has released its 2026-2027 Antimicrobial Guidelines, available here:

• Adult updated May 2026
• Pediatric reviewed May 2026

Want a copy of the 2026-2027 antimicrobial guideline pocket card? All previous recipients will receive the same quantity as last year. To change your quantity or to be added to the mailing list, contact Nick Torney with your name, office, address, and the number of pocket cards you’d like to receive.

New antimicrobial resources are available here:

• Anaerobic Bacteria Susceptibility – Full List of Organisms
• Guidance for Organisms Without Automated Susceptibility Testing at Munson Healthcare
• Positive Blood Culture Antimicrobial Management Guidance
  
  

 Resources and Reminders

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

 Education and Events

Implicit Bias Training Opportunities
The following MHC CME presentations have been reaccredited for on-demand CME and meet the LARA requirements for Implicit Bias Training. These activities have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

• Weight Bias: Providing Better Care for Patients with Obesity
• Unintentional Harm: How Patient and Clinician Race-Based Attitudes Influence Clinical Communication

Additional Implicit Bias Training opportunities are available here.

Mary Free Bed at Munson Healthcare Elk Rapids Open House
You’re invited to an open house! Meet the Mary Free Bed at Munson Healthcare – Elk Rapids rehabilitation team and see our newly renovated space. Food and refreshments will be provided.

• When: Thurs., May 21, 3:30 – 6 pm
• Where: 128 Ames St., Elk Rapids
• More Details: Read the flyer
  
  

Harm Reduction Conference
In partnership with District Health Department #10 and Catholic Human Services, Munson Healthcare is proud to co-host the 3^rd Annual Harm Reduction Conference.

• When: Tues., May 19, 8 am – 4 pm 
• Where: Revival Center of Cadillac
• Topics:
  • Understanding the Evidence
  • What is Perinatal Harm Reduction 
• Cost: Free; meals provided  
• CE: CE credits available for Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP)
• Register by May 8: Space is limited; register here or scan the QR code.
  
  

Farms, Food, & Health: Culinary Medicine
This Farms, Food, & Health training offers providers an innovative Continuing Medical Education program that highlights local food, culinary skills, and nutrition training. Workshops are sponsored by Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities in partnership with Munson Healthcare and the Great Lakes Culinary Institute.

• Topic: Cooking with Enjoyment: Beans and Whole Grains
• When: Wed., June 17, 6 – 8 pm
• Where: Esperance Community Teaching Kitchen, Commongrounds Building, Traverse City
• Cost: $25 for physicians and APPs; no cost to medical students and residents
• CME: Approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit^TM
• Register: For details and to register, click here
• Flyer: Read the flyer for 2026 series dates and topics
  
  

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. 

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