Four Ways to Research Your Physician’s Credentials

Before you choose a physician, it is very important to thoroughly research their credentials.  For instance, one piece of vital information is where the doctor went to medical school, since not all medical schools are “created equal”.

1)  Check their website or ask for a CV -- The first obvious place to look would be on the particular doctor’s website, but not every physician includes all vital information, especially if the data isn’t favorable. Therefore, it is not unreasonable for you to ask for their CV. A curriculum vitae (CV) gives an overview of a person's experience and other qualifications, and in this case, should list every school the physician attended.

2)  Refer to Physician Rating Sites -- Directories like HealthGrades, RateMDs, UCompareHealthCare, Wellness, and Vitals can be very helpful.  However, don’t rely on online sources, because the information can be riddled with errors, and “reviews” may not be quite legitimate.  Because not all sites are 100% accurate, read the reviews with an open mind, and use these sites to compile your research.

3)  “Interview” the Physician – You can actually ask for a consult in order to determine whether or not this is a doctor you feel comfortable with and trust.  Take the materials you’ve collected online to address with the physician during the interview.

4)  Google is good!  Google the name of the school(s) where your physician attended to learn where it is located and what kind of reputation it has.

Dr. Hulon Crayton has been practicing Rheumatology since 1990, which makes him the most experienced Rheumatologist in this region. In addition, he is Board Certified in Rheumatology, has maintained his licenses in good standing with all state licensing boards, and also completed his Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration, which makes him specially qualified to run The Arthritis & Infusion Center.

Dr. Crayton’s credentials are as follows:

EDUCATION
 
1974-1978 B.S., Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO.-Biology
1979-1983 M.S., University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO.-Hospital Administration
1981-1985 M.D., University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.
 
POSTGRADUATE EDUCATION

1985-1986 Internship in Internal Medicine
      University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI.
1986-1987 Residency in Internal Medicine
      University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI.
1987-1988 Residency in Internal Medicine
      Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL.
1988-1990 Fellowship in Rheumatology
      University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI.

CERTIFICATIONS

• Diplomat, American Board of Internal Medicine, 9/89.
• Diplomat, American Board of Rheumatology, 11/90.
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support

LICENSURE

• Florida No. ME75227

MILITARY SERVICE

• 1978-1981, U.S. Army, 1LT, Chemical Corps, Ft. Carson, CO
• 1981-1985, U.S. Army Reserve, 1LT, Ft. McCoy, WI.
• 1985-1993, U.S. Army Reserve, CPT, Medical Corps

A Rheumatologist is an internist who received further training in the diagnosis/detection and treatment of arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases.  Also called “rheumatic” diseases, these conditions affect the joints, muscles, and bones.  Rheumatologists treat arthritis, certain autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain, and osteoporosis.  There are more than 150 rheumatic conditions, to include (but not limited to): Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, and tendinitis.

Dr. Crayton is a much sought-after consultant who advises other doctors about particular diagnoses and treatment plans. In other cases, Dr. Crayton acts as a manager of infusions needed by the patients of other physicians.