October 2026

Comprehensive Breast Health Care, Close to Home
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Early detection remains one of the most effective tools in improving breast cancer outcomes. From screening and diagnosis to treatment and reconstruction, Munson Healthcare offers a comprehensive approach to breast health care.

Screening and Prevention
Primary care providers are encouraged to discuss routine breast cancer screening beginning at age 40 for women at average risk and to consider referral to the High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic for those with significant family history, known genetic risk factors, or other indicators of elevated lifetime breast cancer risk.

Many breast imaging services are available throughout Northern Michigan, helping patients access care close to home. Services include:

• Advanced 3D screening and diagnostic mammography
• Breast ultrasound
• Breast MRI
• Image-guided breast biopsies

Learn more at munsonhealthcare.org/mammography.

Regional Breast Health Center
The Smith Family Breast Health Center in Traverse City serves as a regional hub for specialized breast imaging and diagnostic services, providing coordinated, patient-centered care.

High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic
To better support patients at elevated risk for developing breast cancer, Munson’s dedicated High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic (HRBCC) provides personalized risk assessment, enhanced surveillance recommendations, education, genetic counseling guidance, and referrals for additional specialty care when appropriate.

Cowell Family Cancer Center
For patients who receive a breast cancer diagnosis, the Cowell Family Cancer Center offers coordinated, multidisciplinary care. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Individualized care plans support each patient’s needs, with patients actively involved in treatment decisions throughout their care journey.

Surgical and Reconstructive Services
Breast reconstruction options are available for patients undergoing mastectomy. Oncologists, general surgeons, and plastic surgeons collaborate early in the treatment process to discuss available options and help patients make informed decisions regarding immediate or delayed reconstruction.

Breast Cancer Research and Clinical Trials
Munson is committed to advancing breast cancer care through participation in clinical research. Eligible patients have access to clinical trials that evaluate new approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. By participating in research, Munson helps bring cutting-edge therapies close to home for patients across Northern Michigan.

How to Refer
Munson Radiology reports include a personalized lifetime breast cancer risk score following a screening mammogram. For patients identified as high risk — defined as a calculated lifetime breast cancer risk of ≥20% — Munson will notify the patient’s primary care provider to facilitate a referral to the High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic.

For those who self-refer for a mammogram, our team will communicate their risk score and help them establish care with a primary care provider who can initiate a referral to the clinic.

The High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic is also included in standing conditional mammography orders, helping simplify the referral process for patients identified as high-risk.

Meet Some of Munson’s Breast Health Team

Dana Hoffman, FNP-C, AOCNP
Hematology Oncology

Yelena Kier, DO
Hematology Oncology

Linda Meyer, RN
Breast Navigator

Ashley Sachtleben, DO
General Surgery

Special Mammography Screening Day – Saturday, Oct. 17
Munson is offering mammogram appointments on Sat., Oct. 17, making it easier for patients to fit this important screening into their busy schedules.

No referral is needed, and appointments are limited. Patients can call 231-935-7200 or 800-968-9292, option 1, to schedule their appointment in Cadillac, Gaylord, Grayling, Manistee, and Traverse City.

For year-round mammography services information, visit munsonhealthcare.org/mammogram. To print a flyer for patients, click here.

Healthcare Team

Getting to Know: Lindsay Harden, DO
General Surgery

General Surgeon Dr. Lindsay Harden is recognized as a Master Surgeon in Robotic Surgery by Surgical Review Corporation.

“It is a privilege to care for my patients. I am committed to earning their trust through compassionate, high-quality care and a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes.”

Consults/Referrals

Gaylord
OMH Medical Group
General Surgery
Phone: 989-731-7987
Fax: 989-731-7983

Also practices in Charlevoix and Kalkaska

Direct Trust
LHARDEN2@direct.mhc.net

What advances in general surgery, such as robotic or minimally invasive techniques, are making the biggest impact on patient care and outcomes?
Robotic surgery has had one of the greatest impacts on general surgery as it allows us to maintain a minimally invasive approach for even complex procedures, including large hernia repairs and complicated gallbladder or colon surgeries. This can result in smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery for patients.

What unique strengths do Munson’s surgical services offer?
We provide surgical care backed by strong clinical outcomes and performance data. Otsego Memorial Hospital has been designated a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery, reflecting an independent, third-party evaluation of our surgical outcomes. To earn this designation, organizations must meet rigorous quality and performance standards, providing an objective measure of the care we deliver.

In Brief

Primary Hospital:
Otsego Memorial Hospital

Joined:
July 2020

Medical Education:
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

Residency:
General Surgery, McLaren Macomb Hospital

Favorite Pastimes:
Mountain biking, tennis, rock climbing, and hiking, especially with her dogs

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...

• Sean Beyer, DO
  Munson Orthopedic Institute - Gaylord and Petoskey
• Rebecca Byrnes, DO
  Munson Healthcare Sleep Medicine – Cadillac, Manistee, and Traverse City
• Brent Geers, DO
  Munson Orthopedic Institute – Cadillac
• Caitlin Payne, MD
  Munson Healthcare Neurosurgery
• John Stratton, PhD
  Munson Healthcare Neurology

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

• Melissa Kurek, NP | MHC Pulmonary and Critical Care of Northwest Michigan
• Alexander Persyn, PA-C | MHC Pulmonary and Critical Care of Northwest Michigan
• Matthew Purtee, PA-C | Kalkaska Medical Associates
• Vicki Rupert, NP | MHC Charlevoix Women’s Health
• Thelma Stiegler, NP | MHC Otsego Memorial Hospital Cancer and Infusion Center
  
  

In her role as Laboratory Outreach Manager, Emily Summers serves as a liaison between Munson Healthcare laboratories and provider offices, with a focus on supporting independent providers. She works to ensure practices have access to reliable, high-quality laboratory testing that support exceptional patient care.

“Our goal is to make laboratory services as seamless as possible for clinicians and patients,” Emily said. “By building strong relationships and understanding each practice’s unique needs, we can help support efficient care delivery and positive patient outcomes.”

Providers referring patients to Munson laboratory services can expect accurate, timely results backed by advanced technology, accredited professionals, and rigorous quality standards. With more than two dozen outpatient laboratory locations across Northern Michigan, patients benefit from convenient access through walk-in services and self-scheduling options.

In addition, providers have seamless access to lab results through integrated electronic medical record systems, supporting timely communication and coordinated patient care.

Contact

Emily Summers
231-935-6125
esummers@mhc.net

Laboratory Customer Service
231-935-6100 (Prompt 4)
MHCLabClinicalServices
@mhc.net

Providers and practice managers are encouraged to use the Munson Healthcare Test Catalog and the Laboratory Customer Service team for assistance with test selection, operational questions, and laboratory resources. Lab resources for provider offices are available online.

Emily welcomes the opportunity to connect with your team, learn more about your practice’s needs, and discuss how Munson Healthcare’s laboratories can support your patients.

 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.

 Services

Charlevoix Hospital Earns Level 1 Maternal Care Verification  
Charlevoix Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Level 1 Maternal Care Verification, a nationally recognized designation that recognizes the hospital’s ability to provide patient-centered maternity care. To learn more, read the news release.

Transforming Orthopedic Care Across Northern Michigan
After successfully bringing ROSA® robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery to patients at MMC and Grayling Hospital, Munson Orthopedic Institute has expanded this advanced technology to both Cadillac Hospital and Otsego Memorial Hospital. 

ROSA helps surgeons personalize knee replacement surgery using real-time data and robotic guidance that supports precise implant placement based on each patient’s anatomy.

Pictured: Joseph Ward, MD.

The 411 on Munson Home Medical Equipment 
Munson Home Medical Equipment (HME) operates four locations across Northern Michigan.

Services vary by location: 

• Traverse City PAP office: PAP devices and supplies. 
• Traverse City warehouse location: Walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen, bath aids, and more. 
• Cadillac and Gaylord locations: PAP devices and supplies, along with respiratory products and other HME. 

Questions? Call 800-252-2065. 

 Patient Care

Routine Radiology Results Turnaround Times Averaging 9 Days
Routine radiology result turnaround times currently average 9 days and up to 2–3 weeks depending on modality.

To help address volumes, Radiology One has expanded hours for reading studies.

For details and methods to escalate the need for an important read, click here.

LabMed Reports 

Discontinuation of Qualitative Fecal Fat Analysis: Due to limited clinical utility and performance data, MMC has discontinued qualitative fecal fat testing. Mayo Quantitative Fecal Fat Analysis (FATF) is available for the evaluation of steatorrhea and its potential causes.

Cardinal Health | Qualitative Pregnancy Testing Corrective Action Notice: Cardinal Health issued a notice impacting all hospitals and clinics performing pregnancy testing as there may be false positives. Learn more in LabMed Report | Oct. 2026 Vol. 22.

An archive is available at munsonhealthcare.org/labmed.

Resources and Reminders

Last Day for Providers to Take Munson’s Culture Survey
We want to be sure the medical staff voice is heard! Please encourage your Munson-credentialed providers to complete Munson’s Culture Survey by today, Oct. 15, at 11:45 pm. 

Providers received their own confidential survey with questions focused on:

• Organizational pride and commitment
• Strategic alignment and leadership
• Workplace culture and wellbeing
• Collaboration and empowerment
• Patient safety and quality of care

Their personal survey invitation was resent on Oct. 13 to their preferred email from notifications@cultureamp.com. 

Annual Medical Staff Requirements
Please remind your MHC-credentialed providers.

All MHC-credentialed medical staff are required to complete the following by the deadlines below.

Compliance Curriculum
Deadline: Oct. 31
Action Required: Click here to complete the HealthStream assignment.

Flu Vaccine
Deadline: Nov. 15
Action Required: Click here for details on where and to request an exemption.
  •  Note: Exemption request deadline is today, Oct. 15.

Medicaid Support for Patients
Munson has launched a systemwide effort to help patients navigate upcoming Medicaid eligibility and renewal changes and avoid disruptions in coverage.

Patients now have access to:

• Dedicated Medicaid assistance line: 231-935-2860 and press 1
• Online resources: munsonhealthcare.org/patients-visitors/medicaid-enrollment
• Enrollment support
• Targeted outreach
• Education to help them understand requirements and stay connected to care

To help support patient conversations, the following staff resources are available:

• Medicaid Information Cards: Concise reference guides with key patient support information and contact details.
• Key Messages & Talking Points: Simple, consistent messaging to help answer common patient questions and connect individuals to the right resources.
  

A simple conversation can make a meaningful difference. Thank you for helping patients stay informed, maintain coverage, and stay connected to the care they need.

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

How Providers Can Access PerfectServe without an MHC.net Email
Providers who no longer have an mhc.net email address can still access PerfectServe using their Munson network login credentials (the same username and password used to access Oracle PowerChart). If you don’t know your Munson network login, call the Help Desk at 231-935-6053.

As a reminder, PerfectServe Clinical Collaboration is Munson’s secure two-way paging system, designed to support timely patient care and deliver critical safety alerts directly to your mobile device. If you haven’t already done so, all MHC-credentialed providers are encouraged to download PerfectServe. Login instructions are available at munsonhealthcare.org/perfectserve.

Action Requested: Order Updated OP Scheduling Card

 Networking Events

Future Physicians Meet Their Match at Munson’s Resident Mixer
Munson Healthcare recently hosted its annual Resident Mixer, a vibrant networking event designed to connect residents from the Munson Family Medicine Residency Program (MFMRP) with practices seeking to hire primary care physicians.

By fostering meaningful connections and conversations, this event plays a vital role in bridging the gap between graduating physicians and the primary care needs of Northern Michigan communities. In 2026, three graduates went on to practice in Northern Michigan — Gaylord, Harbor Springs, and Traverse City — while three are pursuing fellowship training.

 Education and Events

Register for the 2027 Provider Symposium by Clicking the Banner Below

12th Annual Northern Michigan HIV Summit
At the recent Northern Michigan HIV Summit, the Thomas Judd Care Center (TJCC) provided education and discussion on HIV care, prevention, and access to healthcare. Highlights included a panel on exploring addiction and other barriers to care, interactive simulations, and a presentation from Dr. Jason Zucker on status-neutral HIV prevention and sexual health across the lifespan. 

TJCC also recognized Up North Pride with its Excellence in Community Collaboration Award for its impact and partnership in Northern Michigan.

Missed the event? Watch the recorded summit.

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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