WELCOME NEW PROVIDERS

Muhammad N. Ahmad, MD

Internal Medicine

Tri-City Internists

912 S. Washington Ave., Suite B

Saginaw, MI 48601

Phone: (989) 791-4100

Alexander Cobb, DO

Hospitalist

McLaren Bay Region

1900 Columbus Ave.

Bay City, MI 48708

Phone: (989) 894-3297

Torrey Derocher, CNM

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Great Lakes Bay Health - Women's Care

3175 W. Professional Dr.

Bay City, MI 48706

Phone: (989) 667-3377

Zahid Mahmood, DO

Family Medicine

Caro Health Plaza

1525 W. Caro Road

Caro, MI 48723

Phone: (989) 672-2100

Brett Walker, DO

Spine Surgeon



McLaren Bay Region Spine Surgery

4175 N. Euclid Ave., Suite 9

Bay City, MI 48706

Phone: (989) 667-2802

2024 MEDICAL STAFF CLASS PHOTO

This week, we unveiled the 2024 Medical Staff Class Photo that includes the portraits of 180 physicians. This is a tradition at McLaren Bay Region which began in 1948. We are thankful for the efforts made by each of our doctors and business development team to make this collection of photos possible, and will cherish it for years to come. 

It is located on the first floor in the hallway between the staff elevators and the green wall - go check it out!

Click the video above to see it unveiled!

NICOLAS MOUAWAD, MD

ONE OF SOCIETY for VASCULAR SURGERY’s

“DISTINGUISHED FELLOWS”

Congratulations go to Dr. Nicolas Mouawad for being named as one of the 2024 group of Distinguished Fellows!

As stated by Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) President Matthew Eagleton, MD:

"Becoming a Distinguished Fellow is an honor based on longstanding efforts in research, service, and/or education, " Eagleton said. "Applicants typically have broad recognition of their excellence and competence and significant service to the SVS."

Please click HERE for a link to the Vascular Specialist–October 2024 publication. The article is located on page 10.

ANNUAL MEDICAL STAFF MEETING

ARTHUR D. ALLEN, MD SERVICE AWARD

The Annual Medical Staff Business Meeting, held on December 18, 2024, provided an opportunity to honor

Varin Kule, MD, Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, with the Arthur D. Allen, MD Service Award.

Dr. Kule has devoted his life to the service of medicine, to the health of his patients and to the welfare of our community since joining the McLaren Bay Region Medical Staff in July 1977.

Also recognized at the event are the following physicians who have served McLaren Bay Region for more than 25 years.

Mohamed Ali, MD

Internal Medicine

(April 5, 1999)

Ramesh Cherukuri, MD Cardiothoracic Surgery (June 21, 1999)

Michael Ingram, MD Psychiatry

(June 21, 1999)

Harmohan Kochar, MD Internal Medicine

(February 1, 1999)

William Lawrence, DO Neurology

(August 23, 1999)

Shahzad Manawar, MD Pulmonary Disease

(April 5, 1999)

The full agenda can be viewed HERE.

HOLIDAY HOURS

McLaren Access Center - Financial Clearance and Central Scheduling

Open December 24th, 2024 from 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Closed December 25th, 2024

Open December 31st, 2024 from 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Closed January 1st, 2025

McLaren Bay Region Surgical Services

Open December 24th, 2024 from 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Closed December 25th, 2024 except for emergency cases

Open December 31st, 2024 from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Closed January 1st, 2025 except for emergency cases

McLaren Imaging Locations

McLaren Bay Region - Diagnostic Imaging: 

Closed December 25th, 2024 and January 1st, 2025 for outpatient services only

Bay Diagnostic Center: 

Closed December 25th, 2024 and January 1st, 2025

Diagnostic Imaging - Uptown Bay City: 

Closed December 25th, 2024 and January 1st, 2025

West Side Medical Mall - Diagnostic Imaging: 

Closed December 25th, 2024 and January 1st, 2025

McLaren Bay Region - West Branch: 

Closed December 25th, 2024 and January 1st, 2025 for outpatient services only

Please click HERE for a McLaren Bay Region Imaging location flyer.

McLaren Lab Locations

Karmanos Cancer Institute - McLaren Bay Region's West Campus: 

Closed December 25th, 2024 and January 1st, 2025 for outpatient services only

McLaren Bay Region - Main: 

Closed December 25th, 2024 and January 1st, 2025 for outpatient services only

McLaren Bay Region - Pinconning: 

Open December 24th, 2024 from 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Closed December 25th, 2024

Open December 31st, 2024 from 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Closed January 1st, 2025

McLaren Bay Region - Uptown Bay City: 

Open December 24th, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Closed December 25th, 2024

Open December 31st, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Closed January 1st, 2025

McLaren Bay Region West Branch Medical Office Building: 

Closed December 25th, 2024 and January 1st, 2025 for outpatient services only

McLaren Bay Region - West Side Medical Mall: 

Open December 24th, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Closed December 25th, 2024

Open December 31st, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Closed January 1st, 2025

Please click HERE for a McLaren Bay Region Lab location flyer.

UPDATED PRE-PROCEDURE SCREENING PHONE NUMBERS

Please utilize the following numbers for Pre-Procedure Screening contact:

• (989) 894-3971
• (989) 894-3947
• (989) 894-3978
• (989) 894-3961

The previously used number, (989) 894-3940, is no longer active.

McLAREN MEDICAID INSURANCE

PRIOR AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS

The McLaren Health Plan (MHP) authorization rules have changed starting August 1, 2024. Click HERE for a list of all changes MHP has posted this year.

MHP posts all updates online at https://www.mclarenhealthplan.org/mclaren-health-plan/for-providers-mhp - Provider Authorization Updates

MHP AUTHORIZATION TURNAROUND TIMES

McLaren Health Plan adheres to the NCQA (National Committee for Quality Assurance) requirements for turn-around times:

• Non-urgent/emergent – up to 14 days to process
• Urgent/Emergent – 72 hours

PLEASE NOTE: Requests that are urgent/emergent must be marked as such to expedite processing. 

CERNER TIP OF THE MONTH

Please click HERE for a printed copy of the Cerner Tip of the Month as seen below.

MANDATORY ANNUAL FIT TEST

Submitted by Sara Robbins, Employee Health Clinician

As a reminder, all employed and independent providers who have direct patient care or enter precautions areas need to complete Fit Testing. 

Testing is open until December 31st.

Please contact Employee Health at (989) 894-3159 for more information.

DISABILITY SERVICES RESOURCE CENTER

Please see the list of services offered and items that can be provided to Bay County residents through the non-profit organization Disability Services Resource Center. 

A copy of this flyer can be printed for distribution by clicking HERE.

McLAREN OUTPATIENT REHABILITATION

Are you having issues with balance, pain, plantar fasciitis, joint pain?

Have you had an injury to your arm or hand?

Did you experience a stroke, or have another neurological diagnosis?

If so then the McLaren Outpatient Rehabilitation Occupational/Physical and Speech Therapy Teams can assist with your recovery. We have multiple convenient locations to better serve you.

Our trained therapists have over 100+ years of experience combined.

We offer many specialty services including:

• Women’s Health
• Lymphedema
• LSVT Big & Loud
• Pediatrics
• Work Hardening
• Functional Capacity Evaluations

We also provide free balance screenings throughout the year if you or someone you know is experiencing an increase in falls.

McLaren therapists provide top level client centered care. You and your therapist together establish the plan and goals for your therapy program. The McLaren therapy team utilize all their skills and knowledge to assist you in achieving your goals.

To schedule at one of our locations please call (989) 667-6600. The Outpatient Rehab brochure with programs and locations can be viewed HERE.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS AT McLAREN BAY REGION

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

Brought to you by Laura Love



December 20: American Red Cross Blood Drive; 10:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. at McLaren Bay Region Lincoln Center; 820 S. Lincoln Street, Bay City, 48708; for information or appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org (sponsor code: McLaren BC) or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767); Free; learn more HERE

January 8: Bay Area Stroke Education Series “Cooking on a Budget”; 3:00 p.m. at Center for Rehabilitation, 3190 E. Midland Road, Bay City, 48706; register online HERE or call toll-free 1-877-411-2762

January 21: Virtual Breastfeeding Class; 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.; contact (989) 894-3020 or baychildbirth@mclaren.org for questions; Free; learn more HERE

January 23: Hernia Screening; 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Community Health Services, McLaren Bay Region East Medical Mall, 1454 W. Center Road, Essexville, 48732; registration required by calling toll-free 1-877-411-2762; Free; learn more HERE

January 29: Hernia Screening; 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Community Health Services, McLaren Bay Region East Medical Mall, 1454 W. Center Road, Essexville, 48732; registration required by calling toll-free 1-877-411-2762; Free; learn more HERE

MONTHLY OBSERVANCES

December 2024

December Happy Holidays

December 25-January 2 Hanukkah

December 25 Christmas

December 26-January 1 Kwanzaa

December 31 New Year's Eve

McLaren Bay Region | mclaren.org/bayregion