Strengthening Community Care: Tawas Medical Center to Adopt Critical Access Status
As part of its commitment to providing excellent and sustainable health care services to its communities, the Midland-based non-profit health system MyMichigan Health has announced a transition for MyMichigan Medical Center Tawas. Over the next year, the Medical Center will complete the necessary steps to become designated as a Critical Access Hospital (CAH). This transition is driven by the shift in health care in the United States of inpatient services being offered as outpatient, which now aligns with the requirements for CAH status. As a result, MyMichigan Medical Center Tawas will gain a multitude of benefits, including securing its 340B status. MyMichigan’s Medical Center in Sault Ste. Marie will also transition to a CAH over the next year, as well.
“Switching to Critical Access status will make our community stronger by improving and keeping the health care services we have here in Tawas,” Mike Erickson, president, MyMichigan Medical Centers Tawas, Standish, Saginaw and Towne Centre. “This change is really important for making sure that important medical care is always available. It helps patients and their families get quick treatment close to home, which is crucial in emergencies.”
The CAH program was established in 1997 by the federal government to provide additional support to hospitals in rural areas. Hospitals with this designation benefit in many ways that help sustain services in areas where resources are often limited. When the transition is complete in Tawas and the Sault, the two Medical Centers will join MyMichigan Medical Centers in Gladwin and Standish that are already designated as CAH.
“The designation of Critical Access does not eliminate services. Instead, it helps us keep the current services strong,” confirmed Rose Goick Saddler, R.N., B.S., M.S.N., vice president of nursing, MyMichigan Medical Centers in Tawas and Standish. “Even more important, this change lets us grow our outpatient services, which helps us stay financially healthy. Then, by focusing on quality care, we can continue to purchase new technology, enhance patient visits, and do all we can to continue to improve the overall health of our community.”
Since joining MyMichigan Health last year, MyMichigan Medical Center Tawas has achieved several milestones including the addition of a whole body wound care program, as well as welcoming a full-time cardiac nurse practitioner and part-time medical oncologist to the health care team.
In addition to the transition of Tawas and Sault Medical Center status, MyMichigan Health has significantly enhanced its health care offerings over the past year, benefiting both patients and the health system at large. Notably, the introduction of a Comprehensive Stroke Center of Excellence in Saginaw now provides round-the-clock emergency care and serves as a Level II Trauma Center, elevating the region’s medical response capabilities. Additionally, the integration of NorthFlight Helicopter services ensures swift medical transport for critical cases throughout MyMichigan’s expansive 26-county service area. Finally, the expansion of advanced imaging and testing facilities across several MyMichigan locations has markedly reduced wait times, helping to improve patient care and efficiency.
“We have and will continue to remain committed to our promise to deliver high-quality health care to each of the communities we serve while upholding our Purpose in ‘Creating Healthy Communities – Together,” concluded Lydia Watson, M.D., president and CEO, MyMichigan Health. “The transition to a Critical Access Hospital designation in the Sault and Tawas represents a significant step in ensuring that communities across these service areas continue to receive the care they deserve for many, many more years to come. This, along with the advancements made across the system over the year, are vital in supporting all of our communities, ensuring equitable access to quality health care for everyone we serve.”
