“Why We Chose EMR”

"Most of my patients are totally unaware that the Federal Government has mandated that doctors and hospitals have Electronic Medical Records (EMR),” explained Dr. Hulon Crayton of The Arthritis and Infusion Center (AIC). “In fact, if medical practices do not comply by the year 2014, they will be penalized.

“Quite frankly, although it has greatly altered everything I do on a daily basis within the office, because I’ve had to learn a new way of doing things, I must say that my entire staff has acclimated quickly – and our patients like the efficiency of the process. We compile all prescriptions and tests ordered, as well as including test results and my personal notes regarding each specific patient,” said Dr. Crayton.

EMR systems are designed to keep a record of a person’s entire health and medical history in a computerized, electronic format. The initiative is not a new one. In fact, according to an article in US News and World Report, the Institute of Medicine began the process of encouraging such record keeping almost 20 years ago. The Institute maintained that EMRs “would make healthcare better, safer, and more efficient, if every person’s complete medical history was stored on computers linked across the country. Clinicians anywhere could then view every patient’s every blood test, hospital stay, and X-ray.”

According to Jon White, director of health information technology for the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality – “Electronic records help your doctor capture and manage your health information,” – which, in turn, should help deliver better care with better outcomes.

As usual, The Arthritis and Infusion Center is “ahead of the curve” in initiating this important digital process in maintaining patient records. “It is extremely important to me to be ‘connected’ to my patients, not only electronically, but also as a caring and compassionate physician, who really listens to their concerns. When my patients tell me they hurt, I believe them,” said Dr. Crayton. “I always tell them: Pain is not normal and we can help.

“I also encourage my patients to compile an electronic PHR – Personal Health Record – which they can bring into the office to make certain that whatever care they have received from other sources is accurately maintained within their AIC file.”

Used 2 Use

Dr. Hulon Crayton of The Arthritis and Infusion Center is thrilled to partner with The Bay Education Foundation in a drive to provide local students with musical instruments. If you have unused instruments at home, please consider donating your instrument. Donations can be dropped off at Almega Sports, the Bay County Courthouse or The Arthritis and Infusion Center. You can also drop off the instruments at any of the participating schools below. You will receive a tax letter for your records at the time of donation. Thank you for your support!

School	Address	Need
Bay H. S.	1200 Harrison Avenue	Band instruments
Breakfast Point Academy	601 N. Richard Jackson Blvd	Band instruments, esp. trumpet
Callaway E.S.	7115 Hwy 22	Guitars
Cherry St. E.S.	1125 Cherry St.	Small instruments for demonstration (non-working ok)
Deer Point E.S.	4800 Hwy. 2321	Keyboards
Everitt M.S.	608 School Avenue	Band instruments
Jinks M.S.	600 W. 11th Street	Band instruments
Mosley H.S.	501 Mosley Drive	Band instruments
Mowat M.S.	1903 Hwy. 390	Band instruments
North Bay Haven	1104 Balboa Avenue	Keyboards, hand drums, guiros, claves
Patterson E.S.	1025 Redwood Avenue	Drums, flute, clarinet
Springfield E.S.	520 School Avenue	Band instruments
St. Andrew	3001 W. 15th Street	Cello, violin

Can you predict the weather?

It’s that time of year that many dread – Hurricane Season.  Floridians are fortunate that we usually have time to prepare for such a weather-related occurrence; however, other people dread it because of the pain the low barometric pressure causes and the accompanying joint discomfort.  Patients of Dr. Hulon Crayton of The Arthritis and Infusion Center claim that they can actually “predict” weather changes.

Take our Virtual Tour!

The Arthritis and Infusion Center understands that when people are looking for a physician, the appearance of the office is part of that decision-making process. Dr. Hulon Crayton has made this procedure easier by making a Virtual Tour available to any of his potential patients.  Once you have taken this “tour”, if you have any additional questions about what makes Dr. Crayton so unique, contact our office. We believe you’ll find not only a pleasant and comfortable treatment area, but discover a kind and compassionate physician who truly listens to his patients. “When people tell me they hurt, I believe them!” said Dr. Crayton. “But, pain is not normal and we can help.” Call today!

DR. CRAYTON EXPLAINS WHY HE USES INFUSION THERAPY

Infusion Therapy is provided to people who need to receive nutritional or other medicines, which cannot be treated with drugs by mouth. The infusion of drugs or nutrients directly into the body, through veins, muscles, or under the skin, makes for a more exacting and effective treatment.

At The Arthritis and Infusion Center, only about 50% of Dr. Hulon Crayton’s patients actually need Infusion Therapy. However, those who receive this option experience a much better quality of life as a result.  

“Prior to this advanced technology, I’d actually have to watch patients’ health dwindle before my very eyes. Now, medical science has brought this more direct treatment forward, much to my relief. Although I did not create the technology, I’ve learned how to use it and have mastered the process, which brings relief to my patients,” said Dr. Crayton. 

Other physicians have also seen the benefit of infusions, and The Arthritis and Infusion Center infuses medication for Neurologists, Primary Care Physicians, Gastroenterologists, as well as Dermatologists. (Special note: Dr. Crayton does not infuse chemotherapy drugs.) 

Infusion Therapy isn’t for every patient of The Arthritis and Infusion Center.  Some medications are available by mouth and others can be injected. However, many of the newer medications are only available by Infusion Therapy, which just makes sense as an option for those who may have been suffering for years.

Dr. Crayton reminds his patients:  “Pain is not normal. Let us help.” If you would like to see if Infusion Therapy may be helpful to your condition, contact The Arthritis and Infusion Center at 873-6748.