July 2026

Munson Rheumatology: Coordinated Care for Autoimmune Conditions
Munson Healthcare Rheumatology provides patient-centered care for individuals living with rheumatic autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Supported by experienced specialists, advanced diagnostics, and an efficient referral process, our team delivers seamless, compassionate support throughout the care journey.

Expert Care
Munson’s experienced rheumatologists diagnose and treat a broad range of conditions, including:

• Rheumatic autoimmune diseases: rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, lupus, myositis (inflammatory muscle disease), systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), vasculitis (ANCA-associated, Takayasu arteritis, giant cell arteritis), polymyalgia rheumatica
• Joint disorders: spondyloarthropathies (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis), gout and CPPD arthritis

Advanced Treatment
MHC Rheumatology offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services, including advanced laboratory and imaging interpretation, coordination of biologic (targeted medications that block specific immune pathways) and infusion therapies, and ongoing disease monitoring. Treatment plans are individualized, factoring in disease severity, comorbidities, and lifestyle factors.

The program emphasizes strong collaboration with referring providers and regional specialists. Our team works closely with primary care, orthopedics, dermatology, pulmonology, nephrology, and pharmacy services to manage complex, multisystem conditions. This integrated approach reduces fragmentation and supports coordinated, high-quality care.

Patient-Centered Care in Action
Our compassionate team combines clinical expertise with a patient-centered approach to deliver personalized treatment and ongoing support to help patients meet their goals. Patient education is a cornerstone of care, empowering individuals to better understand their condition and stay engaged in their treatment plans.

MHC Rheumatology offers services in Traverse City and Elk Rapids.

How to Refer
Recognizing the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, MHC Rheumatology has streamlined its referral and triage processes. Referrals are reviewed promptly to identify urgent cases and prioritize scheduling based on clinical need — helping reduce delays and improve outcomes.

To refer a patient or request a consult:

• Phone: 231-935-2525
• Fax: 231-935-3437
• Direct Trust: MHC.RheumatologyTraverseCity@direct.mhc.net

Learn more at munsonhealthcare.org/rheumatology.

Meet Munson’s Rheumatologists

Brandon Ahlgren, MD

“My favorite part of
practicing medicine is
meeting new people,
taking the time to listen
to them and form a
relationship, and working
hard to give them the
care they deserve.”

Katrina Lawrence-Wolff, DO

“I am passionate about
diagnosing and treating
rheumatic autoimmune
disease and arthritis, and
I find great reward in using
advancing therapies to
improve and extend
my patients’ lives.”

Nicole Tramontini-Gunn, MD

“I enjoy getting to know
my patients, helping them
improve their quality of life.”

Healthcare Team

Getting to Know: Brett Walker, DO
Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Brett M. Walker is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a special interest in spine surgery.

“I strive to see and evaluate all patients quickly. Minimizing wait times and allowing patients to start treatment is a priority. I see all patients who are referred to my office personally.”

Consults/Referrals

Gaylord
Munson Orthopedic Institute
Phone: 989-732-1753
Fax: 989-731-1425

He also practices in Petoskey and Prudenville.

Direct Trust
bwalker2@direct.mhc.net

How can spine surgery improve a patient’s quality of life?
When a patient is experiencing numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness into the extremities due to spinal stenosis, surgery can often dramatically improve these symptoms and quality of life very quickly.

What have been some recent advancements in spine surgery?
Spine surgery is advancing rapidly. Surgeons now commonly use advanced surgical planning software that creates detailed, 3D models of a patient’s spine to help map out procedures ahead of time. There are also more minimally invasive treatment options available. In addition, robotic-assisted and navigation-guided surgeries are becoming more common and allow for greater precision.

When should a primary care provider refer to you?
Patients who are experiencing numbness, tingling, radicular pain, or weakness due to spinal compression (stenosis) generally will benefit from consultation.

Munson’s Orthopedic Spine program will be featured in the August 2026 Practice Pro.

In Brief

Primary Hospital:
Otsego Memorial Hospital

Joined:
August 2025

Medical Education:
Michigan State University
College of Osteopathic Medicine

Residency:
Orthopaedic Surgery,
McLaren Oakland Regional
Medical Center

Fellowship:
Spine Surgery,
University of Washington
School of Medicine

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...

• Catherine Boomus, MD | Munson Healthcare Occupational Medicine – Traverse City

• Jessica Neuroth, DO | Munson Healthcare OMH Medical Group – Lewiston

• Marjorie Beigle, NP | Munson Healthcare OMH Medical Group – Indian River

• Angela Erber, CNM | Munson Healthcare OMH Medical Group OB/GYN

• Kayla Vermeer, PA | Munson Healthcare Neurosurgery

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

• Michael Boros, MD | Munson Healthcare Vascular Center
• Lauren Cardella, DO | Munson Healthcare Vascular Center
• Katie Fitzpatrick, NP | Munson Healthcare OMH Medical Group Pediatrics
• Mary Krzystowczyk, NP | MMC Geriatric Inpatient Services
• Kevan Maguire, NP | Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Grand Traverse
• Jaime Meyer, PA | Munson Healthcare Orthopedic Institute – Traverse City
• Jessica Peacock, NP | Munson Healthcare OMH Medical Group – Indian River
• Haley Owen, NP | Kalkaska Medical Associates
• Matthew Roos, MD | Munson Healthcare Vascular Center
• Jenna Stoddard, NP | Bay Area Urology
• Scott Stone, CRNA | Munson Healthcare Anesthesia

Moving July 20: POAC and ARTC
Munson Healthcare’s Pre Operative Assessment Clinic (POAC) and Advance Registration Testing Center (ARTC) in Traverse City are moving from the Foster Family Community Health Center to the Munson Professional Building effective July 20.

• POAC will be closed on Fri., July 17 and Mon., July 20, returning to a normal schedule on Tues., July 21.
• ARTC will not close and will be fully operational by noon on Mon., July 20.

Questions? Please contact Christine Perry.

As System Director for Provider Integration & Relations, Aubyn Herman is dedicated to building strong partnerships with ambulatory providers — both employed and community — and their offices across Northern Michigan. 

One of Aubyn’s priorities is the continued evolution of Munson’s Provider Liaison Program, ensuring practices have clear points of contact, access to resources, and timely information to support patient care and referrals. Whether addressing operational concerns, facilitating communication, or helping providers navigate system processes, Aubyn and her team work to make collaboration with Munson Healthcare as seamless as possible.

Need Assistance?
Reach out to Aubyn
and her team at:
aherman@mhc.net
PhysicianLiaison@mhc.net

 Services

MHC Vascular Center: New Name, Same Trusted Vascular Specialists
The Vascular Center of Northern Michigan is now part of Munson Healthcare and is pleased to serve patients as Munson Healthcare Vascular Center. Patients continue to receive care from the same trusted vascular specialists — Michael Boros, MD; Lauren Cardella, DO; and Matthew Roos, MD — at the same convenient location in Traverse City.

Our board-certified vascular surgeons provide comprehensive vascular care using the latest technologies, including both open and minimally invasive endovascular procedures. Services include diagnosis and treatment of aortic aneurysms (thoracic and abdominal), carotid artery disease with the newest carotid stenting procedure, peripheral vascular disease, venous disorders, varicose veins, and other vascular conditions, as well as vascular testing.

To refer a patient or request a consult (same process as before):

• Phone: 231-935-0390
• Fax: 231-935-0395

For questions, please contact Amanda Chappel, Practice Manager, at 231-935-0405. 

GT Crisis Center: Behavioral Health Support 24/7
The Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis and Access Center (Crisis Center) in Traverse City provides around-the-clock support for individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises. Recognized with MHHA’s 2026 Ludwig Community Benefit Award, the Crisis Center offers immediate behavioral health support when it’s needed most.

Many patients who may have previously been directed to the Emergency Department can receive care at the Crisis Center instead. Services include a Psychiatric Urgent Care, open Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm, along with 24/7 crisis assessment and support.

While patients at immediate risk to themselves or others should call 911 or seek emergency medical care, the Crisis Center serves individuals with acute behavioral health needs and helps connect them to the appropriate level of care.

Learn more at gtmentalhealth.org or call 231-935-1050.

Pictured: Chris Archangeli, MD; Medical Director, MHC Behavioral Health Service Line, with a patient.

Munson Urgent Care Updates

Online Self-Scheduling
Online self-scheduling is now available at all Munson urgent care locations. Patients can reserve appointments in advance, helping reduce wait times, improve patient flow, and enhance the overall care experience.

Foster Family Urgent Care Services
As part of our efforts to standardize urgent care services across the system, effective Sun., July 12, Foster Family Community Health Center in Traverse City will no longer administer:

• Enemas
• IV placement or management
• Urinary catheter care

Patients requiring these services should be directed to:

• Enemas: Primary care office or Emergency Department
• IV fluids: Emergency Department
• Urinary catheters: Bay Area Urology or Emergency Department
  
  

Manistee Hyperbaric Oxygen Service Change
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Manistee is temporarily closed due to staffing. Patients may receive treatment at the Traverse City location. Other wound services in Manistee are not affected.  

CFCC Marks 10 Years of Patient Care
We proudly recognize the 10-year anniversary of the Cowell Family Cancer Center (CFCC) in Traverse City — and, most importantly, the dedicated providers and employees who have made this milestone possible. Over the past decade, our clinical and support teams have cared for thousands of patients, delivering state-of-the-art, coordinated cancer services and helping elevate the standard of care for Northern Michigan. As the hub of Munson Healthcare’s Regional Cancer Network, the center connects with “spoke” locations across seven hospitals — extending access to high-quality care closer to home.

Since opening on April 16, 2016, the $45 million CFCC facility has also stood as a testament to generous community support — including contributions from countless donors. To commemorate its 10-year anniversary, the center’s namesake, Casey and Dana Cowell, are renewing their support with a $1 million pledge. Their vision is simple, yet powerful: To inspire our community to invest in the future of local cancer care.

To learn more, read the news release and view an infographic.

 Patient Care

Radiology Results Turnaround Times Averaging 6-7 Days
Due to elevated summer volumes, radiology result turnaround times currently average 6-7 days. For details, click here.

MDHHS Alert: Cyclosporiasis Outbreak in SE MI Plus Several Local Cases
MDHHS is reporting a significant cyclosporiasis outbreak in Southeast Michigan, with 784 cases identified since June 22, 2026, across multiple counties. Cases have now been reported in Northern Michigan. Previous cyclosporiasis outbreaks have been linked to the consumption of contaminated fresh produce (e.g., raspberries, basil, cilantro, bagged salad mixes). 

For an MDHHS bulletin with clinical information and treatment guidelines, click here.

LabMed Reports

HIV Laboratory Test Ordering and Reporting: HIV testing workflows have been revised. Learn more on this change in LabMed Report | June 2026 Vol. 15.

• DNR → Not Reported
• SEE NOTES → See Comments

An archive is available at munsonhealthcare.org/labmed.

Correction: 2026-27 Northern Michigan Antimicrobial Guidelines

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

  • Adult updated June 2026
  • Pediatric reviewed May 2026 (no updates)

• We’ve identified an error in the recently published Adult Antimicrobial Guidelines. While the online PDF has been updated with the correction, the printed pocket card still contains the original misprint. If you received a pocket card, please update with the corrected guidance below.

  For non-purulent cellulitis, amoxicillin should be 1000mg TID, not QID.

  

Attention PCPs: HIV Guidance
Primary care providers are reminded to: 

• Ensure every patient has an HIV screening at least once in their lifetime for ages 13-64. 
• Test for HIV more frequently in patients with unusual symptoms or identified risk factors (i.e., injection drug use, new and/or multiple sex partners). 
• Talk about sexual history with your patients by including sexual history in your past medical and social history discussions, possibly as part of their annual physical regardless of the patient’s age or risk factors. 
• Know the available resources for yourself and patients. Please review the clinical and educational resources available at munsonhealthcare.org/HIV. 

Please refer patients with high-risk sexual behavior or who wish to discuss HIV prevention to the Thomas Judd Care Center PrEP clinic at 231-935-7548. For additional guidance on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of HIV, please contact the Thomas Judd Care Center at the same number.

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

MHC Transitions Patient Surveys to NRC Health
Effective July 1, Munson has switched our patient survey vendor from Press Ganey to NRC Health.* While our core purpose of measuring patient experience remains unchanged, this strategic move will provide us with more timely, relevant insights and an enhanced customer support model to help strengthen our patient experience improvement efforts. 

Key benefits: 

• A more seamless experience for our patients
• Broader outreach (text, email, phone) and shorter surveys to increase participation
• More relevant feedback specific to services patients receive 

*Does not apply to Munson Home Health & Hospice 

 Networking Event

Women in Medicine
Please share with your providers

Munson Healthcare invites women providers to join us for a scenic evening filled with connection, laughter, fun activities, and great giveaways.

This event is hosted by Munson Healthcare. All are welcome. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and dessert will be served. Dress is summer business casual.

• When: Wed., Aug. 12, 6 – 8 pm
• Where: Mari Vineyards, Traverse City

Register by Aug. 5 here.

 Education and Events

2026 Northern Michigan HIV Summit
Healthcare professionals and members of the public are invited to attend the 2026 Northern Michigan HIV Summit hosted by MHC’s Thomas Judd Care Center. This free event will feature educational sessions related to HIV/AIDS issues and the presentation of this year’s Community Collaborations Award. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Jason Zucker. Lunch will be provided.

• When: Mon., Sept. 28, 10 am – 3 pm
• Where: Attend in person — The Hagerty Center, Traverse City — or virtually
• CE: Continuing education credits will be available
• Register by Sept. 18: Tickets are limited for in-person attendance, so please register soon!
  
  

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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