|
|
June 2026
|
MOI Keeps Northern Michigan Moving All Summer Long
As Northern Michigan shifts into its busy summer season, the Munson Orthopedic Institute (MOI) is ready to help patients stay healthy, mobile, and pain-free. From weekend warriors to student-athletes, MOI offers comprehensive care designed to treat injuries quickly and support long-term recovery. With increased activity — from biking and boating to yard work and recreational sports — summer also brings a higher risk of orthopedic injuries.
Convenient Care When It Matters Most
Orthopedic injuries don’t happen on a schedule — which is why MOI now offers Orthopedic Urgent Care at Foster Family Community Health Center in Traverse City. This service provides same-day evaluations, on-site X-rays, and immediate treatment for common concerns such as sprains, strains, sports injuries, and shoulder, hip, or back pain. Quick access to specialized care helps prevent minor injuries from becoming major setbacks. Patients can walk in, book online, or call 231-935-8686.
Expert Orthopedic Trauma and Fracture Care
For more serious injuries, MOI delivers expert trauma care for fractures, complex injuries, and musculoskeletal trauma. Working closely with emergency teams, MOI provides coordinated care — from stabilization through surgery and rehabilitation — to restore function and support recovery as safely and efficiently as possible after an accident.
Advanced Treatment Close to Home
MOI continues to expand access to innovative treatments like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. This regenerative therapy uses a patient’s own platelets to promote healing in tendons, ligaments, and joints — often reducing the need for more invasive procedures. PRP is especially beneficial for chronic overuse injuries such as tendonitis or tennis elbow.
MOI offers convenient access to skilled orthopedic surgeons in Cadillac, Gaylord, Grayling, Petoskey, Prudenville, and Traverse City.
Specialized Sports Medicine
Now is the time to encourage parents to schedule sports physicals and annual wellness visits for their student athletes. These exams ensure student athletes are ready to participate safely. MOI’s experienced sports medicine team treats a wide range of sports injuries for both students and adults.
Patient-Centered Care in Action
Patient experiences continue to highlight the impact of MOI’s coordinated, compassionate approach. Before her shoulder surgery, chronic joint pain and discomfort ruled Marsha’s life. Watch as she shares her shoulder replacement experience, from pre-surgery jitters to life after recovery.
Whether it’s a sudden injury or ongoing joint pain, Munson Orthopedic Institute is committed to helping patients return to the activities they love — stronger than ever.
For a referral face sheet of our skilled orthopedics team by region:
Learn more at munsonhealthcare.org/moi.
Jason Bennett, DO
Gaylord • Grayling
Paul Bizzigotti, MD
Cadillac
E. Grant Carey, MD
Gaylord • Prudenville
Traverse City
Meghan (Maggie) Dopp, PA
Grayling • Prudenville
Matthew Dubiel, MD
Cadillac • Gaylord
Grayling • Traverse City
Shaun Eisengruber, PA
Traverse City
|
|
Healthcare Team
Getting to Know: Caleb Alley, DO
General Surgery
Dr. Caleb Alley is a general surgeon who performs endoscopy, minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic procedures, as well as traditional open surgery. He treats a wide range of conditions including colon cancer, symptomatic cholelithiasis, abdominal wall hernia, breast cancer, and other surgical conditions. During his training, Dr. Alley focused his elective rotations on endoscopy and breast surgery, with the intent of practicing rural general surgery.
Consults/Referrals
Gaylord
OMH Medical Group
General Surgery
Phone: 989-731-7987
Fax: 989-731-7983
Also practices at
OMH Medical Group
Indian River
Direct Trust
CALLEY2@direct.mhc.net
Dr. Alley lives in Gaylord with his wife and four children. Outside of work, he enjoys watersports, hiking with his family, hunting, working on cars, and playing guitar.
What are your most common procedures or conditions treated?
I frequently perform abdominal wall reconstruction, such as inguinal and ventral hernia with the da Vinci® robotic surgical system. I also treat a variety of benign and malignant skin and soft tissue lesions, both in our outpatient procedure room and in the operating room when additional anesthesia is required for patient comfort.
In Brief
Primary Hospital:
Otsego Memorial Hospital
Joined:
August 2025
Medical Education:
Liberty University College
of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency:
General Surgery,
Henry Ford
Wyandotte Hospital
How does your team support care coordination?
Our surgical office has a dedicated team, including a referral coordinator who helps ensure timely evaluations. A nurse navigator often initiates the preoperative process before the patient’s first visit, helping streamline care and reduce delays in surgical management.
How can referring practices partner with you?
Prepare patients by explaining the reason for a surgical referral and what to expect in terms of evaluation or potential treatment helps align expectations and supports overall care.
Munson Healthcare Vascular Center
We are excited to announce that The Vascular Center of Northern Michigan will become a part of Munson Healthcare on Wed., July 1, and will be known as Munson Healthcare Vascular Center.
Patients will continue to receive care from the same trusted providers — Michael Boros, MD; Lauren Cardella, DO; and Matthew Roos, MD — with no changes to the clinic’s location, phone number, or scheduled appointments.
Referring providers can also continue their current referral process without any changes. If you have any questions, please contact Amanda Chappel, Practice Manager, at achappel@mhc.net or 231-935-0405.
3930 Cedar Run Rd., Traverse City, MI 49684
231-935-0390 (phone)
231-935-0395 (fax)
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...
-
Erin Booms, DNP, FNP-C | Munson Healthcare Cadillac Primary Care -
Justin Kapke, PA-C | Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Urology
-
Jacob King, PA-C | Munson Healthcare OMH Medical Group Internal Medicine
-
Hugh McLeod, PA-C | Munson Healthcare Orthopedic Institute – Manistee
-
Laura Pond, DNP, PMHNP-BC | Munson Healthcare Behavioral Health Services
Provider Moves
Munson Healthcare’s Provider Moves webpage has been updated for May, 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:
- Angela Erber, CNM | Munson Healthcare Grayling OBGYN
- Jessica Neuroth, DO | Munson Healthcare OMH Medical Group - Lewiston
- Kayla Vermeer, PA | Munson Neurosurgery
MHC Neurology
Effective July 1, Erica Austin, DO, will transition from her outpatient neurology practice to an inpatient neurohospitalist role at Munson Medical Center, joining Drs. Glen Ackerman and Kersti Bruining. As a result, she will no longer provide care in Munson Neurology’s outpatient clinic.
Manistee Family Care Has Moved to Manistee Primary Care
Manistee Family Care providers — Ruben Barroso, DO; William Weiner, MD; and Cassandra Guenthardt, NP — have joined Manistee Primary Care. The office can be reached at 231-398-1840 (phone) or 231-398-1835 (fax).
People on the Move: MPN & Provider Services 
Julie Smeltzer has been named Executive Director, Provider Access & Services, adding the provider recruitment and retention team to her department within the Munson Physician Network (MPN).
Julie can be reached at 231-935-2401 or jsmeltzer@mhc.net.
Aubyn Herman has been named System Director, Provider Integration & Relations, and reports to Julie Smeltzer. Aubyn will continue to oversee the Physician Recruitment team and the Provider Data team. Additionally, Aubyn will also serve as the primary liaison between independent and employed practices until a regional liaison program can be developed.
Aubyn can be reached at 231-935-3308, aherman@mhc.net, or PhysicianLiaison@mhc.net.
System Director of Radiology Services
As System Director of Munson’s Radiology Services, Branden Hill, FACHE, RT(N)(R), provides leadership, strategic direction, and operational integration for Munson’s imaging services, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care. His role also includes regulatory compliance, financial stewardship, physician and industry partnerships, workforce management, and the advancement of innovative solutions.
In recent months, Branden’s team has made measurable progress in improving radiology read turnaround times.
Contact
bhill4@mhc.net
231-935-7941
Radiology is also enhancing the experience for referring providers. The new Oracle Procedure Scheduling allows offices to schedule imaging during patient visits, improving access and convenience. Tools like InteleConnect provide secure remote image access, while a new mammography reporting system identifies patients at elevated risk of breast cancer, supporting more proactive, personalized care.
Looking ahead, Branden emphasizes his team’s commitment to local access and innovation, “Every day, our team is focused on keeping care close to home for the communities we serve,” he said. “Continued investment in advanced technologies will drive greater operational efficiency through faster scan times, quicker results, and enhanced image quality for our patients and communities.”
• Bone density scans
• Core needle biopsy
• CT
• Diagnostic Radiology
• Vascular and
Interventional Radiology
• Digital Mammography
• Fluoroscopy
• MRI
• Nuclear Medicine
• PET
• PACS
• Radiology Imaging System
• Radiology Scheduling
• Ultrasound
• X-ray
Learn more:
munsonhealthcare.org/radiology
|
Reports and Referrals
Referral Face Sheets Available
To support providers and practices in streamlining referrals to Munson’s specialty services, the following referral face sheets are available here.
|
System/Traverse City
|
East Region
|
South Region
|
|
Services
Expanding Prenatal Care Access in Northern Michigan
Munson Healthcare has partnered with Thunder Bay Community Health Service (TBCHS) to expand access to prenatal care across Northern Michigan.
Expecting mothers can now receive routine prenatal care close to home at the TBCHS Clinic in Atlanta. At 36 weeks, patients transition to Munson Healthcare for coordinated delivery planning. Deliveries will take place at Grayling Hospital until the new birthing center at Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord opens in Fall 2026.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to meeting families where they are and expanding access to high-quality care across Northern Michigan,” said Kirsten Korth-White, MHC East Region President. “By bringing prenatal care closer to home and ensuring a smooth transition to our birthing centers, we are helping remove longstanding barriers so every mother, baby, and family has the support they need.”
This collaboration creates a streamlined care pathway — improving local access to prenatal services while coordinating transition to hospital-based obstetric care.
“By collaborating with Thunder Bay Community Health Service, we’re ensuring patients receive local, relationship-based prenatal care from a dedicated team that understands their needs,” said Dr. Kevin Omilusik, MHC East Region Chief Medical Officer.
Tiny Steps, Big Impact: MMC Breaks Ground on New NICU
Last Thursday, Munson broke ground on a new NICU — a $40 million investment in women’s and children’s care in Northern Michigan. The 22,000-square-foot, 24-bed facility will expand care for more than 325 newborns each year. Construction will take ~18 months, with completion expected in late 2027. The project includes $8.9 million in donor support and complements recent maternity and upcoming pediatric improvements.
Serum Eye Drop Updates
New Order Form: Starting June 15, an updated order form will be available for serum eye drop requests through Watkins Compounding Pharmacy. Please set a reminder for June 15 to download the new form here and replace any previously printed copies.
Pricing: The new cost will be $260 (plus $100 facility fee) beginning June 15.
Scheduling: This service is available at all MHC lab locations. All appointments must be noon or earlier. Patients are encouraged to schedule in advance by calling 231-392-7891 as walk-ins may experience wait times.
Resources for Same-Day Care
As a nationally-recognized tourist destination, Northern Michigan sees a significant increase in population during the summer causing an increased demand for healthcare services. While an emergency room has been a traditional access point, it is not always the most appropriate place for patients to seek care.
For residents with non-life-threatening concerns, a primary care provider should always be the first stop. For those visiting the region or residents whose PCP is unavailable, a reminder of a few Munson resources for same-day care:
- Ask-A-Nurse: 231-935-0951
- Virtual Urgent Care
- In-Person Urgent Care/Walk-in Clinics
- Emergency Department: Anyone suffering a heart attack, stroke, or traumatic injury should call 911 and seek Emergency Care immediately.
Our goal is to make sure people get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. For more on where to seek care, visit munsonhealthcare.org/findcare.
MHC Urgent Care Clinics Expand Online Self-Scheduling
Munson Healthcare continues to roll out online self-scheduling across our urgent care clinics systemwide. This feature allows patients to book visits in advance, helping reduce wait times, streamline workflows, and enhance the overall patient experience.
Current locations: Gaylord, Petoskey, Prudenville, Traverse City (Foster Family Community Health Center)
Cadillac is planned to go live later this month. Stay tuned for a go live date!
Expanded Clinic Hours
Grayling: Grayling Same-Day Care is now open Mon. – Wed., 7 am – 7 pm, and Thurs./Fri., 9 am – 5 pm.
Traverse City: Foster Family Community Health Center Urgent Care is now open daily 8 am – 8 pm.
Hometown Pharmacy Empire Location Has Closed
Hometown Pharmacy’s location in Empire closed on May 26. To ensure continuity of care, all prescriptions have been securely transferred and operations consolidated to the Hometown Pharmacy in Honor.
Staff are asked to please help guide patients in this area to the best pharmacy option for their needs.
Fourth of July Holiday Closures
Several Munson entities will be observing adjusted hours around the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Please remind all patients and their families to call ahead to verify hours or visit Munson’s Closures webpage, which is easily accessible at the top of any munsonhealthcare.org webpage.
|
Patient Care
LabMed Reports
Thyroglobulin Level: Thyroglobulin Level is now available at MMC Laboratories. Learn more on this change in LabMed Report | June 2026 Vol. 13.
Semen Analysis, Post-Vasectomy Reversal: Effective Mon., June 15, MMC will discontinue performing Semen Analysis, Post-Vasectomy Reversal due to low testing volume. Learn more on this change in LabMed Report | June 2026 Vol. 14.
An archive is available at munsonhealthcare.org/labmed.
Resources and Reminders
Oracle Procedure Scheduling: Update to Schedule View Functionality
If your office uses Oracle Procedure Scheduling, please note a required annual update was implemented today impacting scheduling workflows.
When using Schedule View, double-clicking a time slot will no longer advance to the confirmation screen. To schedule an appointment:
- Single-click the desired time slot
- Click Select to proceed to appointment confirmation
For details, read the job aid.
Support: Help Desk: 231-935-6053
Action Needed: Verify Updated NOPP Posted
To meet federal requirements, Munson Healthcare’s Notice of Privacy Practices (NOPP) must be prominently displayed in all public areas (lobbies, waiting rooms, etc.). Please verify that the current NOPP poster dated 01/08/26 is displayed in your area.
Additionally, staff should also provide the updated NOPP booklet to all patients upon their first service contact and any time as requested.
NOPP posters and 8.5x11 booklets can be ordered in E-Requisition. If you need a frame for your NOPP poster, click here.
|
Ordering Item # |
Description |
Pack Size |
|
86499 |
MHC Notice of Privacy Practices Poster (Form 12458) |
1/each |
|
22896 |
MHC Notice of Privacy Practices Booklet (Form 6280) |
100 booklets/pack |
|
How Protect Lab Specimens from the Summer Heat
Help prevent specimen drop box overheating! Use a frozen cool pack to protect specimen quality when temperatures reach above 50F. Scan the QR code for instructions.
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
Celebrate Your Provider’s Retirement in Med Staff News and The Compass!
Is one of your providers retiring after 15 or more years of dedicated service to Munson Healthcare? Help us honor their incredible contributions by featuring their story in our Healthcare Team publications — Medical Staff News and The Compass.
To ensure we have enough time to craft a meaningful tribute and so the retiring provider can read the recognition while they’re still working, please email PracticePro@mhc.net at least two weeks prior to the provider’s retirement date. Once submitted, a member of our team will reach out to gather more details.
A reminder you’ll also want to notify your regional Medical Staff Office in advance of your provider’s retirement.
|
Education and Events
Please Complete Munson Healthcare CME Needs Assessment
This year, Munson Healthcare CME proudly celebrates 50 years of ACCME accreditation. To help ensure our continuing medical education remains relevant and impactful, we invite medical staff to complete a brief needs assessment survey. Your input on practice challenges, knowledge gaps, and learning priorities will guide future MHC CME programming and support high-quality patient care.
Providers: Please take five minutes to complete the survey below.
| Take CME Needs Assessment Survey |
Save the Dates! Munson’s 2027 Provider Symposium
Please share with your providers
Providers are asked to please block your calendar Jan. 7 – 8, 2027, for Munson’s 2027 Provider Symposium. The Provider Symposium kicks off Thursday with hands-on skills, licensure requirements, and leadership development tracks and continues Friday with a full day of CME sessions.- Build your own personalized schedule from a diverse lineup of in-person CME sessions.
- Learn in multiple formats: plenary sessions, panel discussions, and interactive skills labs.
- Connect with colleagues at the Friday Evening Happy Hour.
Registration opens in September.
New On-Demand CME Available
Please share with your providers
The following Munson CME conference presentations have been reaccredited for on-demand CME. These activities have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.
- Amplifying Responsibility: PCR in Modern Clinical Diagnostics | Jordyn Emery, DO
- Dyslipidemia in 2026 | Joseph Gibbs, MD
- Munson Stroke Symposium: Update on Management of Cerebral Vascular Disease | Ramiro Castro-Apolo, MD; Brent Flusty, DO; Gary Rajah, MD
- One Shot, Six Cancers: Provider Updates on HPV Vaccination | Emily Reitzel, MD
- Optimizing Antibiotics Prescribing with New Antibiotic PowerPlans & Prescriber Feedback | Nick Torney, PharmD, BCIDP
- Preventing STIs with HIV PrEP and DoxyPEP | Ronald Goans, DO
Munson’s On-Demand courses can be viewed via:
- Computer browser: Visit our CME portal and click on the On-Demand tab. Courses are listed by presentation name.
- Mobile app: Once logged into your account in the eeds™ app:
- select “Earn credits with Enduring Materials”
- select Munson Healthcare
- select the desired course title
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.
|
    |
|
About this email:
Don't miss a single email from Munson Healthcare — add dsears@mhc.net to your address book.
Munson Healthcare | 1105 Sixth St. | Traverse City, MI 49684
© 2026 Munson Healthcare. All rights reserved. |