August 2026

Expert Spine Care, Close to Home
For people living with chronic back or neck pain, access to specialized spine care can make all the difference. Munson’s spine program provides advanced spine services across Northern Michigan, with locations in Cadillac (now open), Elk Rapids (now open), Gaylord, Petoskey, and Traverse City.

Patient-Centered Spine Care
Munson’s spine program combines the expertise of orthopedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons to diagnose and treat a broad range of conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries, degenerative spine disorders, nerve-related conditions, and chronic pain.

Personalized care plans can include both surgical and non-surgical options. Patients may be referred to Munson’s Comprehensive Pain Management Program, where our experts focus on improving function, reducing discomfort, and enhancing quality of life through less invasive therapies. Through a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach, our spine team helps patients find lasting relief so they can return to the activities they enjoy.

Advanced Technology for Complex Spine Procedures
At Munson Medical Center, our spine surgeons have access to leading-edge technology, enhancing the precision of complex spine procedures. An O-arm CT scanner in the operating suite provides real-time, highly detailed imaging, helping surgeons navigate delicate procedures and supporting improved outcomes.

How to Refer
For a referral face sheet of our skilled spine team, click here. An updated referral face sheet that includes Drs. Molinari and Payne will be available soon.

Learn more at munsonhealthcare.org/spine.

Meet Munson’s Spine Specialists

John Campbell, MD
Neurosurgery

Neil Klinger, MD
Neurosurgery

Emily Levin, MD
Neurosurgery

Alexander Molinari, DO*
Orthopedic Surgery

Caitlin Payne, MD*
Neurosurgery

Justine Pearl, MD
Neurosurgery

Gary Rajah, MD
Neurosurgery

Tom Schermerhorn, MD
Neurosurgery

Ryan Urbonas, DO
Neurosurgery

Brett Walker, DO
Spine Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery

*Dr. Alexander Molinari joined Aug. 3; Dr. Caitlin Payne will be joining in late August.

Healthcare Team

Getting to Know: Brian Stirling, DO, FACOS
Urology

Dr. Brian Stirling is a urologist with expertise in kidney stones, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and vasectomies.

Consults/Referrals

Grayling
Munson Healthcare AuSable Urology
Phone: 989-344-5200
Fax: 231-392-7352

Direct Trust
bstirling@direct.mhc.net

What do you want referring providers to know?
Our experienced urology providers offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment for a wide range of urologic conditions. We are committed to providing timely access to care, collaborating closely with referring providers, and delivering personalized treatment plans that help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.

When should providers refer patients to you?
Please refer patients with symptoms or conditions requiring urologic evaluation, such as elevated PSA levels, urinary symptoms, hematuria, recurrent UTIs, kidney stones, urinary retention, incontinence, erectile dysfunction, or concerns related to prostate health.

As we want to make referrals as easy as possible, please feel free to give us a call so that we can triage patients together to ensure the most appropriate and timely care.

In Brief

Primary Hospital:
Grayling Hospital

Joined:
July 2002

Medical Education:
Kansas City University

Residency:
Urology, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine;
Urology, Metropolitan Hospital Grand Rapids;
General Surgery, Metropolitan Hospital Grand Rapids

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...

• Rachel Decker, NP
  Munson Orthopedic Institute – Traverse City
• Chantal Hopper, NP
  Munson Orthopedic Institute – Traverse City
• Kristina Knechtl, NP
  MHC Cadillac Occupational Health and Medicine
• Mary Krzystowczyk, NP
  MMC Geriatric Inpatient Services
• Jenna Stoddard, NP
  Bay Area Urology

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

• Elizabeth Abel, MD | MHC Little Traverse Primary Care
• Jasmine Hall, NP | MHC Traverse General Surgery and Trauma Care
• Thomas Howard, MD | Traverse Bay Radiation Oncologists, PC
• Willliam Padget, DO | Munson Orthopedic Institute - Traverse City
• John Stratton, PhD | Munson Healthcare Neurology

There are exciting things happening in Munson’s East Region, with expanded services and strengthened access to care for patients across Northern Michigan. 

East Region Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kevin Omilusik said the region continues to invest in new facilities, advanced surgical capabilities, and community partnerships designed to improve patient access and outcomes. General surgery services are available at all three East Region facilities — Charlevoix Hospital, Grayling Hospital, and Otsego Memorial Hospital — including access to three surgeons with advanced robotic surgery expertise. Urology and orthopedic services are also available across the region, and spine surgery is offered at both Charlevoix and Otsego Memorial hospitals.

Contact
231-935-6516 (office)
komilusik@mhc.net

To better meet the evolving healthcare needs of local communities, the East Region is building stronger partnerships with federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). These collaborations have helped improve care coordination, particularly for obstetrics patients, with FQHCs providing prenatal care and referring expectant mothers to Munson providers later in pregnancy for delivery at Munson facilities.

Community outreach remains a priority as specialists connect directly with patients and providers to share information about available services. Upcoming events include a men’s health presentation by urologist Emily Stevens, MD, at the Friendship Center in Petoskey on Sept. 21 and an event featuring a demonstration of the da Vinci® robotic surgical system by local surgeon James Shurlow, DO.

Dr. Omilusik emphasizes the East Region’s growth is driven by the needs of referring providers and their patients. “We are actively working on expanding services based on your needs,” he said. “Please reach out if there is a service we should be exploring or if your patients are having difficulty accessing care. We want to hear from you.”

 Services

Gaylord Surgery Center Officially Open and Welcoming Patients
The Gaylord Surgery Center — a new, state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center — is officially open and offers a wide range of same-day procedures. Designed with patients and families in mind, the center provides a convenient, comfortable setting focused on quality care, personalized attention and the benefit of recovering at home the same day as surgery.

To learn more, read the news release.

Non-Radiology Scheduling and Pre-Registration Services
As a reminder, Munson has centralized all non-radiology scheduling and pre-registration services (e.g., Echo, EEG, Maternity Prepared Stay, Monitors, PFT, etc.) through the Regional Pre-Services Call Center at 231-935-6718.*

• For additional details and a complete list of services, click here.
• Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 7 pm

*Note: A previous number, 877-484-4536, has been retired. Please update your records accordingly.

MMC Earns National Recognition for Low Heart Attack Readmissions
Munson Medical Center was recognized by Becker’s Cardiology Review as one of the nation’s top-performing hospitals for low heart attack readmission rates. With a readmission ratio of 0.8171, MMC ranks among the top 10 hospitals nationwide and outperforms many comparable organizations, including hospitals with already low readmission rates.

“This recognition reflects the exceptional work of our clinicians and care teams in delivering high-quality, coordinated cardiac care that supports patients’ recovery after discharge,” said Dino Recchia, MD, MHC Medical Director of Heart and Vascular Services.

Munson’s highly-skilled cardiac care team includes 26 cardiologists, 4 cardiac surgeons, and 3 vascular surgeons, supported by 28 APPs. Together, these 61 providers are committed to delivering expert heart and vascular care at 11 locations across Northern Michigan.

Temporary Lab Closures
Due to staffing shortages, the following Munson lab locations will be temporarily closed.

• Empire: Lab services at Empire Community Health Center will be closed beginning today, Aug. 12. This will be an extended closure due to staffing shortages.
• Lewiston: Lab services at OMH Medical Group – Lewiston will be closed Aug. 14 – 21.

Please encourage patients to visit a nearby lab location.

Patients can also conveniently self-schedule appointments at several of Munson’s outpatient labs. To schedule a lab appointment online, click here. Patients may also call 231-392-7891 to schedule their lab appointment Mon. – Fri., 8 am – 4 pm.

 Patient Care

Routine Radiology Results Turnaround Times Averaging 6 Days
Due to elevated summer volumes, routine radiology result turnaround times currently average 6 days. About 9% of studies are taking longer than 10 days, with the greatest impact seen in X-ray, CT, and MRI. For details, click here.

We appreciate your understanding as we partner with Grand Traverse Radiologists to return turnaround times to an average of 3 days as quickly as possible. Munson is working to increase data transfer speeds, which is expected to enhance GTR productivity over the coming months.

LabMed Report: Apolipoproteins
Effective Mon., Aug. 24, Apolipoprotein A1, Apolipoprotein B, and Apolipoprotein A1 and B with Ratio will be available at Munson Medical Center Laboratories. Learn more on this change in LabMed Report | Aug. 2026 Vol. 19.

An archive is available at munsonhealthcare.org/labmed.

Measles and the Importance of Childhood Immunizations
Measles cases nationwide have reached a 35-year high, with confirmed cases in Michigan, including a recent lab-confirmed case in Northern Michigan. As children return to school, please keep the following guidance in mind:

• Notify your local health department immediately whenever measles is suspected and any time testing is performed.

• Visit Munson’s For Providers website for measles testing workflows and Munson-specific clinician guidance.

• When ordering measles testing, please instruct patients to call the hospital lab before arriving and not to present directly to the hospital. If they contact Munson’s Switchboard and request the lab, staff will coordinate next steps.

• Michigan’s childhood vaccination rates have declined, increasing the risk of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks. During patient visits, please encourage families to stay up to date on recommended childhood immunizations. Your trusted voice remains one of the most influential factors in vaccine decisions.

• We are aware of the executive order signed by President Trump earlier this week on childhood vaccine recommendations. Potential operational implications are being evaluated, and we will share additional guidance as it becomes available.

• Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles and limit community spread. Visit I Vaccinate for a comprehensive provider toolkit.

Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Slowing in Michigan
As of Aug. 6, MDHHS reports new cyclosporiasis case reports are declining, with a decrease in diarrhea-related ED visits. Two deaths have been reported among individuals with underlying health conditions.

Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic infection, and symptoms may include diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Although salad greens have been identified as a potential source, other fresh produce has not been ruled out. Individuals should wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly and seek medical care for persistent gastrointestinal symptoms.

Clinician Resources

• Testing and treatment guidelines for patients with cyclospora
• MDHHS infectious disease outbreaks
  
  

Resources and Reminders

New MCIR Immunization Notice Form Required for Childhood Vaccinations
As part of an effort to streamline immunization documentation and patient notification requirements, MDHHS has introduced a new Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR) Immunization Notice Form. The notice explains MCIR reporting requirements, the benefits of maintaining immunization records in MCIR, and a parent’s right to opt out of reporting.

Provider responsibilities:

• Provide the current CDC Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) before every vaccine administration. Note: MDHHS vaccine information statements have been discontinued.
• Provide the MCIR Immunization Notice Form to the parent or legal guardian for every pediatric immunization visit. Use for adult immunizations is also recommended.
• Document required vaccine information in the patient’s medical record.
• Report administered immunizations to MCIR within 72 hours, unless a valid opt-out request has been received.

Both the CDC VIS and MCIR Immunization Notice Form may be provided electronically, and signatures are not required.

Resources

• 2026 Michigan Immunization Update
• Michigan Vaccination Information Statement Resources
• MCIR
  
  

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

Explore Clinical and Practice Resources on Munson’s For Providers Website
Munson’s For Providers website features clinical and practice resources to support clinicians and their practice staff. Whether you’re prescribing controlled substances, managing patients with diabetes, combating infectious diseases, or preventing stroke, these resources will help providers enhance their practice of medicine.

Bookmark munsonhealthcare.org/forproviders for quick access to:

To easily identify resources available on the For Providers website in Practice Pro, look for the following icon:

 Education and Events

Farms, Food, & Health: Culinary Medicine
Please share with your providers.

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: Healthy Breakfasts: Energizing Starts to the Day
• When: Wed., Sept. 16, 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
  
  

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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