Planning a Healthcare Budget

At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we are all too aware of the struggles many people have in paying their medical bills. And, with the most recent changes in medical reimbursements due to government regulations, it is even more important to plan ahead. But, the most significant question is: How does someone prepare for an illness, or health issues, that come as a complete surprise?

      When you are trying to budget, communicate with your  insurance agent, as well as all the physicians/clinics who service your family’s medical needs. Ask, point blank, if their rates will be increasing in the near future. You have every right to ask this critical question.  Therefore, the areas you need to include in your healthcare budget include, but are not limited to:

• Insurance premium costs: Insurance coverage can be negotiable depending on your lifestyle (i.e., non-smoker, active lifestyle, etc.) 
•  When you know what your insurance covers, but more importantly, what it doesn’t cover, make a conscientious attempt at estimating out-of-pocket costs.
•  Once you’ve come to the two estimates (above), factor into the equation your medications, visits to the dentist, and eye appointments. (Remember, your health insurance policy will outline what dental services, if any, are covered.) 
•  If you take vitamins, belong to a gym, or take advantage of specialized services like therapeutic massage, these costs need to be estimated and included in your budget as well.

“Many of our patients struggle paying their bills, and many pharmaceutical companies have programs in place to help the truly disadvantaged,” said Dr. Hulon Crayton, owner of The Arthritis & Infusion Center. “In addition, there may be other government programs that may be able to be accessed.”

People on Medicare must also understand that healthcare services, at some point, may become rationed. Their healthcare budget must allow for them, as senior citizens, to pay – out of pocket – if they want to ensure that some yearly tests (mammograms, pap smears, etc.) are covered. Otherwise, these tests will only be done every other year.

At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we encourage our patients to ask us how to most effectively manage their healthcare, and we can certainly assist with the necessary data patients need in order to compile a comprehensive healthcare budget. Don’t wait another day to get started to take control of your healthcare finances.

3 Things to Remember when working with Seniors and Seasonal Depression

By:  Renece Holland, Arthritis & Infusion Center Practice Manager

Often, we partner with our community contacts regarding issues that affect our mutual clients. In a recent interview with Sherry Viehweger, who has been Activities Director for Community Health and Rehab for 18 years, she shared several insights about senior citizens and seasonal issues.

“Often, seniors revert back to memories of home and the holidays. They reminisce about times past, and often feel extreme loss at not being able to be a part of a family unit,” said Ms. Viehweger. “This can trigger depression for many seniors.”

Because families may be busy with their own daily lives, jobs, families, or with the holiday season’s activities, they may not be able to visit their senior family member as often as they would like. Activities play a big part in keeping seasonal depression at bay.

“At Community Health and Rehab, we may set up a store where the residents can shop for gifts at no charge. Often, we ask other residents to help wrap gifts to encourage them to get involved. In addition, we will assist the residents in mailing Christmas cards to family and friends,” said Ms. Viehweger. “The focus should be on helping seniors to be as helpful as possible in order to keep them from dwelling on the past.”

In addition, a senior may loathe the holidays because they have outlived their entire family.  The holidays may remind them of all they have lost.

Every senior, or those who care for them, should remember:  Stay busy.  Reach out to others as a volunteer rather than focusing on yourself.  Attitude plays a big part in coping with holiday struggles. Be positive and upbeat, because a good attitude is contagious!

Don’t forget that seniors love children as well as animals, so the family should not hesitate to bring these “day brighteners” along when visiting, but check with the facility regarding their individual guidelines before doing so.

Finally, it’s as simple as one, two, three – to help prevent seasonal depression in seniors, or with the chronically ill, don’t forget:

Dr. Hulon Crayton and the staff of the Arthritis & Infusion Center wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

DR. CRAYTON Continues to SPREAD Seasonal WARMTH!

For the THIRD year in a row, Dr. Hulon Crayton, Rheumatologist and owner of The Arthritis & Infusion Center, has seen the need for people to stay warm. “Cold rooms have a significant impact on people’s health,” said Dr. Crayton. One of the best ways of keeping yourself well during winter is to stay warm. Keeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu, or more serious health conditions such as pneumonia and depression. 

           

“When we became aware of the situation at the Children’s Home Society of Florida, we knew we had to take immediate action by purchasing extra blankets for the children to utilize,” said Dr. Crayton.

           

Felicia Robinson Cook, Director of Development at the Children’s Home Society of Florida was very grateful to Dr. Crayton and his team. “We never seem to have enough blankets to go around since our kids need to stay warm, may be transient, and must take their belongings with them. We are so very grateful to Dr. Crayton for this donation,” said Ms. Cook.

            

This winter, The Arthritis & Infusion Center would like to encourage Bay County residents to clean out their linen closets or purchase NEW blankets for Dr. Crayton and his staff to distribute to the Children’s Home Society of Florida. “We’d like to continue to ‘spread the warmth’ as much as possible. People who are interested in helping us with this important project can drop blankets at our medical practice any Monday through Thursday, 2917 Highway 77 in the Baldwin Plaza,” said Dr. Crayton. "Help us continue to spread the warmth during this entire winter season!" 

The Arthritis & Infusion Center will collect blankets to distribute from December 1 until March 31 at their medical practice. (Their office is closed between 12 noon and 1:30 each day.)

Am I crazy? Or, is FIBROMYALGIA real?

By: Dr. Hulon Crayton 
 

“Within the medical field, not all physicians believe in the condition referred to as Fibromyalgia. However, when I first meet with a patient, if they tell me they hurt … I believe them!  Doctors may look at an x-ray and just because it looks normal, they may assume that the patient is not experiencing any pain. Unfortunately, Fibromyalgia has no definitive way to diagnosis the condition, because there are no lab tests or x-rays that can determine this insipid disease. Conversely, an abnormal x-ray might not show the real source of the person’s pain,” said Dr. Crayton.

Diagnosis as a process:

“The way I approach the diagnosis of any disease is by compiling a thorough history of the patient in combination with a good physical. After reviewing that data, I listen to what the patient has to say about their symptoms and then ask them the right questions to finalize the most accurate assessment. It’s truly a team effort between me and the patient to reach a definitive conclusion regarding their health needs.

“Another misconception that people need to realize is that Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are not the same thing!  People experiencing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may not have any pain whatsoever. In addition, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome could be caused by thyroid problems, medications (like blood pressure prescriptions), or sleep apnea to name just a few possible culprits.

“As I indicated above, Fibromyalgia has no primary way of being diagnosed, but we often use lab work to rule out other causes of the patient’s condition so that we can be absolutely certain there is not another secondary cause of the pain. Prior to coming to our office, the person may have been seeing a series of doctors for the various symptoms, (Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Pain Management, Depression, and Sleep Apnea, etc.), but when these signs are combined they may point to Fibromyalgia.

There IS help!

“My work with patients who have Fibromyalgia has been very gratifying because I see their lives turn around for the better. People who have been reclusive, withdrawn from their family and friends, who haven’t been able to do the most common of daily routines like driving, grocery shopping, or interacting with the outside world – after therapy – become a part of society again, and have a new lease on life with a more positive attitude.One woman said, through her tears, ‘For someone to finally believe me when I say I have a problem, and that I’m not crazy, gives me hope for the future.’

“While the symptoms of Fibromyalgia may never totally go away, we try to work on the triggers within the patient’s environment to relieve some of their anxiety and pain. If you feel you may be a candidate for a consult regarding this “stealth disease”, we’d like to encourage you to contact our office so that Fibromyalgia won’t be able to steal any more of your life.”

“DOES AN INFUSION HURT?”

The only way to find out the truth is to ask someone who knows!  Keressa Roberts, age 44, was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at age 39. She was hunched over and walked like an 80-year-old woman until treatment by infusions were suggested. Keressa was terrified at the thought!  “I throw up at just the sight of a needle,” she said. “But at The Arthritis & Infusion Center, there is such a caring staff, my terrifying experience became nothing more than just a small stick and a slight burn … that’s all.  Infusions have saved my life.  I’m convinced that without the experts at The Arthritis & Infusion Center, I wouldn’t be alive today.” 

(This is our infusion suite)

By way of explanation, an infusion is a standard procedure that delivers a fluid (medication or solution) into a patient’s bloodstream. The fluid flows from a sterile bag through plastic tubing and a small needle into one of the person’s veins and into the bloodstream.

“Our patients tell us that infusions do not hurt. And, if the needle is placed in the back of the hand, there is less bruising than the arm,” said Dr. Hulon Crayton. “I encourage patients, who have a fear of needles, just to not watch the process.” 

The team of infusion specialists at The Arthritis & Infusion Center are proficient in getting infusions started using unique processes like soaking a hand in warm water, or wrapping a warm towel around it, to bring blood vessels closer to the surface, which makes insertion easier.

It is important for patients to wear comfortable, layered clothing that can be adjusted during the treatment in case of temperature fluctuations.  Plus, it is very important for patients to be hydrated prior to therapy.

Our practice specializes in intravenous (IV) treatments to include:

• Hydration therapy 
•  IV antibiotic therapy 
•  IV immune globulin 
•  Intramuscular injections 
•  Subcutaneous injections 
•  Gastrointestinal therapy

There are therapies to treat:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Psoriasis
• Arthritis associated with Psoriasis
• Osteoporosis
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Crohn’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• CIDP
• Anemia
• Gout

Things to remember before an infusion treatment:

1. Drink plenty of water or Gatorade
2. Eat before you get to the Infusion Center
3. Take all your regular medications unless your doctor prescribes otherwise
4. Know how long your therapy will take (we can give you an estimated time)
5. Arrange for transportation if needed.

The most important thing about your infusion session is to bring a smile and a positive attitude! 

(Dr. Crayton and a patient in the Infusion Center)

To take your mind off of needles, we have a pleasant atmosphere that includes flat screen TVs, personal headphones for music, and WIFI for the convenience of our patients.  Infusions are nothing to fear!  In fact, call for an appointment to tour our comfortable surroundings. As Ms. Roberts indicated, your treatments could be lifesaving!

Get in the Holiday Spirit, while getting Healthy at the same time!

Dr. Hulon Crayton: “Did you know that exercising can actually be good for arthritis sufferers?” Why not celebrate the holidays by helping others … and … helping yourself?  Find a Jingle Bell Run/Walk near you and run or walk to benefit Arthritis!

In our area, Massage Envy is a partner, but there are other areas in this region that are celebrating and you can find their events online:

·         On November 24:  Pensacola Beach, FL

·         On December 1:  Daphne, AL; Ft. Walton Beach; and Dothan, AL.

Get in the spirit!  Forming a team and participating in the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is a great way to give back each holiday season. Teams can be made up of co-workers, friends, family members, or anyone who wants to run or walk and fundraise for a great cause. So grab some friends and get started!

To start, just search:  http://www.arthritis.org/jingle-bell-run.php

The Arthritis & Infusion Center would like to encourage you to make a difference in your life and the lives of others. Join or form a team today!

What is a Rheumatologist?

What is a Rheumatologist?

Rheumatology is the study, diagnosis, and treatment of more than 100 rheumatic diseases and related conditions. A Rheumatologist is most often an internal medicine physician who has completed an additional two to three years of specialized training in the field of Rheumatology.

What type of diseases does a Rheumatologist treat?

There are more than 100 types of rheumatic conditions treated by Rheumatologist. We have listed the top 10 most common conditions treated at The Arthritis & Infusion Center.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Gout
• Fibromyalgia
• Lupus
• Osteoporosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Sjogrens Syndrome
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica
• Raynauds

When should I visit a Rheumatologist?

You are your best advocate for your healthcare. Listen to your body. Dr. Hulon E. Crayton wants you to know that pain is not normal, and he can help.

What information should I provide to a Rheumatologist?

To get the most from your appointment, first, take inventory of your signs and symptoms. Make a list and keep it with you so you can keep a running record of your symptoms.

Second, take your medicine bottles with you to your visit. It is important that your Rheumatologist knows exactly what you are taking, how much, and why.

Lastly, talk to your Rheumatologist. Open up to him/her. Tell your story. Don't hold back details, as it is often in the details that the discovery is made.

It is important to remember that Rheumatology is a wide specialty that often crosses over  many specialties. Establishing a comfortable and reliable relationship with your Rheumatologist is important. The team at The Arthritis & Infusion Center is here for you, ready to hear your story, and ready to help.

5 FRACTURE FACTS to KNOW regarding OSTEOPOROSIS!

At the Arthritis & Infusion Center, we always like to keep our patients informed regarding the most current information on Rheumatologic conditions.  One such disorder is Osteoporosis, a debilitating ailment that causes fracturing of the bones. 

October 20^th is “World Osteoporosis Day”, and the International Osteoporosis Foundation has provided several warnings for you to consider:

• Each year, millions of (usually older) adults will suffer a devastating hip fracture caused by a simple fall.  Millions more will suffer fractures of the wrist, shoulder, pelvis, or spine.  These fractures are no accident!  It is likely the underlying cause is Osteoporosis!

• If you are 50 years or older and have had a fracture, you should ask Dr. Hulon Crayton to do a full clinical assessment, which will include a bone mineral density test; and a fracture risk assessment with the online FRAX calculator.

• Your first fracture is a warning sign!  If you have experienced such a break, it should have resulted in an immediate screening and, if indicated, the implementation of a plan to manage and treat your osteoporosis.

• Over 80% of fracture patients are never offered screenings and/or treatment for Osteoporosis within the hospital setting, despite the fact that there are effective medications that can reduce fracture risks by as much as 30-70%.

 

Why wait for an accident to happen?  At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we have several screening technologies that could give you a “preview” regarding your specific condition, before you experience a fracture.

As Dr. Crayton always advises – “Pain is not normal.  We can help.”  Once you’ve read the information above, don’t you think it’s time you considered your risks for Osteoporosis?  Don’t wait for a fracture to occur!  Take preventative measures by having a full clinical assessment of your tendency for Osteoporosis by calling The Arthritis & Infusion Center at 850-873-6748.