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.

Up Close and Personal with Women & Their Work Life

Recently, members of our team represented The Arthritis & Infusion Center at the 4^th Annual Work-Life Symposium hosted by The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce.  Renece Holland, Practice Manager; Jennifer Trapp, Infusion Center Manager; and Danell Bailey, Physician Liaison manned a booth where information was provided to interested people regarding the services of Dr. Hulon Crayton and his staff.  In addition to giving directions on the various ways to communicate with the office, questions were answered about personal concerns, or concerns about loved ones, who suffer from the various connective tissue disorders treated by a Rheumatologist.

In addition, Jennifer Trapp conducted Body Composition Analysis screens, which measure the percent of body fat versus water and lean body mass in a person’s body.  This was an extremely popular feature of our booth, and participants lined up waiting their turn.

We were very proud to be a part of this symposium that featured interesting speakers who presented subjects designed to help women balance busy lives, see the importance of laughter and having fun, and value the role that friendships play in our lives.  We believe this mindset would also help many of the patients we see on a day-to-day basis.

One of the highlights of the day was a presentation by Beth Holloway, mother of Natalie Holloway, the teen who went missing in Aruba several years ago.  She focused on women and overcoming adversity and explained how she has personally triumphed by making the personal decision to change her role from victim to victor!

And that’s also a message we like to give our patients at The Arthritis & Infusion Center.  “Pain is not normal.  Let us help.”  You do not have to be a victim of your condition when help is available to alleviate your suffering. Contact us to schedule a consult.

LUPUS: Women at Risk – 10 TIMES as much as men!

The scientific name is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, usually referred to as “lupus”; however, it is often called “The Great Imitator” because of the multiple symptoms that present in the patient.  Men do contract lupus, but more women are susceptible.  Patients may have skin rashes and arthritis as well as fatigue and fever, and most aggravating, the attacks can alternate between periods of activity and when the disease remains dormant.  Lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease, affects the joints, kidneys, and skin; plus, – unfortunately, if not treated – lupus can be fatal.

According to the American College of Rheumatology:

• Lupus usually develops in people in their 20s and 30s, and often tends towards blacks and Asians (although Caucasians are also affected).
• Treatment depends on the symptoms and their severity.
• Because it is a complex disease, lupus requires treatment by a rheumatologist and the patient’s active participation in working towards good health.

Patients with lupus typically experience:

• Fever, fatigue, and weight loss 
• Arthritis lasting for several weeks in multiple joints 
• Butterfly-shaped rash over the cheeks or other rashes 
• Skin rash appearing in areas exposed to the sun 
• Sores in the mouth or nose lasting for more than a month 
• Loss of hair, sometimes in spots or around the hairline 
• Seizures, strokes, and mental disorders (depression) 
• Blood clots 
• Miscarriages
• Blood or protein in the urine or tests that suggest poor kidney function 
• Low blood counts (anemia, low white blood cells, or low platelets)

So what causes Lupus?  No one really knows for sure.  Scientists have theorized that people are actually born with the genes to develop lupus, and that something “triggers” the disease.  However, other causes should not be ignored like a combination of genetics/heredity, environment, and hormones.

Once there is a diagnosis … is there help?  YES!  After 50 years, the FDA has recently approved a new drug for lupus that is administered through an infusion.  At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we provide the medication as well as a comfortable environment in which to rest during the application of the medication.

Remember this:  Patients with lupus can expect to live normal lives.  However, Dr. Hulon Crayton must carefully monitor and treat the disease … and … YOU are equally as important to the treatment process.  We listen, but you decide on what medical road you choose to travel.  Just know: we are here for you.  And remember:  “Pain is not normal.  Let us help.”

Women’s Symposium Reminder

It was Oprah Winfrey who said: “Women aren't on their own list of priorities.
After taking care of everyone else, they are always putting themselves last on the list, and often have very little left to give.”

At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we are all too aware of this concern, which is why we chose to participate in The 4th Annual Women’s Work-Life Symposium. Be sure to stop by our booth to learn how our team of experts can help you meet the healthcare issues of women as they age.

 

Our team will join you in attending sessions that connect body, mind, and spirit in our day-to-day lives. Joan Martin will present an interesting concept: “When you’re in the position of having no choice but to make it, you’ll be surprised how strong and able you really are.” A similar theme will be presented by Beth Holloway, addressing the disappearance of her daughter Natalee. “How does one muster the courage to persevere in the face of sheer adversity? Do we all have the capacity to overcome tragedy? How does one keep going?”

Dr. Hulon Crayton and his team deal with such questions every day when they consult with patients who are dealing with debilitating diseases. How DO you deal with rheumatic diseases that can leave you totally incapacitated? Dr. Crayton always tells his patients that “Pain is not normal.  Let us help.” Stop by our booth and we will give you numerous ways you can connect with our practice in order to get the help you need and desire.

We’ll see you then!  Friday, June 14^th, Florida State University – 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  

Meet our Team: Lab Specialist Kimberly Sheckles

At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, our lab offers our rheumatology patients an early and accurate diagnosis through our onsite laboratory. Our Lab is overseen by Lab Specialist  Kimberly Sheckles.  

Kim has been with The Arthritis & Infusion Center for three and a half years, and has a diverse healthcare background as a former Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). In addition, she is a Certified Behavioral Health Technician as well as maintains her Certified Nursing Assistant license. 

 

When asked what she loves about her work, she was very quick to respond:  “My employer – Dr. Hulon Crayton. He provides such a nice, easy, peaceful, and fun environment in which to work,” but she was just as quick to compliment her peers. “We have an absolutely awesome team that is amazing to work with, and because our days can be quite stressful, it’s nice to have a professional team where everyone works together.”

Kim gets a lot of gratification from being able to let a patient know, following lab work, that their tests are satisfactory … or … “When something is found that is abnormal within the lab tests, we try to find out exactly what is going on in order for Dr. Crayton to know how to treat them.”

Dr. Hulon Crayton brings specialized expertise to the analysis of tests administered in the lab, and then analyzes, recommends, and administers test results. “Our testing methods are particularly important in the screening and diagnosis of rheumatic disease, as well as for measuring the patient’s response to the various therapies available,” said Kim. “I’ve seen patients come in for their first visit in a wheelchair, and within two treatments, they are able to walk on their own accord. What’s especially rewarding is that some of these patients had been told that they’d never walk again!”

The Arthritis & Infusion Center patients have benefited from our advanced and prompt research utilizing the most advanced diagnostic tests and treatment methods for diseases such as fibromyalgia and lupus. Once lab work is finalized, we carefully administer follow-up care, which can ensure a better treatment plan and greatly improve a patient’s quality of life.

“When my patients tell me they hurt, I believe them,” said Dr. Crayton. “With our in-house laboratory, the time a person has to remain in pain is greatly diminished, because we provide prompt results along with an accurate diagnosis.” Pain is not normal. Let us help!

MEET OUR TEAM: Practice Manager, Renece Holland

It only seems appropriate to introduce Renece Holland on her one-year anniversary as Practice Manager for Dr. Hulon Crayton of The Arthritis & Infusion Center.

Renece has been in some level of customer service all her life – first, in Atlanta, and then for a digital imaging company here in Panama City. It was at that local business where she first became acquainted with Dr. Crayton.

“We became business associates and when I decided to make a change in my career, it just so happened that he needed a practice manager right at the same time,” said Ms. Holland.  And, her career wasn’t the only thing that needed adjustments. “This has been a year of great change within the practice, but where we are now makes all the blood, sweat, and tears all worthwhile. Now, we have a great team that works extremely well together in the best interest of the patients, practice, and Dr. Crayton. Everyone ‘has each other’s back’.”  This fact becomes quite obvious when observing their group dynamics.

Individually, Renece is a person of faith, which is displayed in how she walks her walk:

“For the past six years, I’ve been a caregiver to my mother and am a devoted wife to my wonderful husband. Plus, I’m a loyal friend who loves to laugh,” she said.

Renece’s philosophy regarding her leadership role within the practice is simple, yet profound:  “I want everything to run smoothly and for all the patients to be happy as well as pain free,” she said. “However, medicine is changing due to all the federal government’s new policies, so it becomes a challenge to balance all the regulations, while at the same time taking the best care of the patient. My ‘end game’ every day is to make certain that we have provided the most exemplary customer service possible.”

This life-long focus on others is what makes Renece Holland all the more valuable as a team member on Dr. Crayton’s staff. “If patients ever have issues, I’d like them to know they have a compassionate advocate working on their behalf,” she said.

Because, like Dr. Crayton, Renece also understands that pain is not normal.  “We stand ready to help in any way possible.” That sentiment isn’t just a slogan … it’s a promise.

Women's Symposium

Don’t miss The Arthritis & Infusion Center’s booth at The Women’s Symposium, Friday, June 14th, at Florida State University Panama City’s Holley Academic Center from 7:30-3:00 PM. Click here to find out more about this event. 

The Arthritis & Infusion Center Announces Association with Darr McKeown, M.D., Radiologist

Dr. Hulon Crayton, Medical Director and owner of The Arthritis & Infusion Center, is very

pleased to announce the association with Darr McKeown, MD, Radiologist.

“I chose to work with Dr. McKeown because he is highly technical, thorough, and in my opinion is, hands down, the best in his field in the Southeast United States,” said Dr. Crayton. “I know if he gives me his professional opinion on a diagnosis, it is official.”

Darr McKeown, M.D. was raised in the Atlanta area. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Oglethorpe University and received his M.D. from the Medical College of Georgia. He completed his residency at Memorial Medical Center in Savannah and returned to Atlanta to begin private practice in 1986. He is Board Certified and licensed to practice in Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. Dr. McKeown often lectures on the differences between X-ray and MRI.

Drs. Crayton and McKeown have been friends, and professional colleagues, since 1999.  The following Q&A with Dr. McKeown explains the significance of this new partnering of services:

Why are your services so critical to the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other connective-tissue disorders?

“Dr. Crayton bases his diagnosis and treatment plans on the discoveries I make with certain abnormalities found in MRI or ultrasound exams. There are new and improved treatments for arthritis all the time, and Dr. Crayton stays current on these options; however, without a specific diagnosis, he doesn’t know if the condition is a food allergy, sprain, or a true arthritis,” said Dr. McKeown. “If my diagnosis is arthritis, this condition will require strong medications that can be effective in slowing, or curing, some types of this disease.  However, without knowing which arthritis you are dealing with, it’s like taking your car to the mechanic without anything being checked under the hood to find out what is wrong.”

With current technology, it is no longer necessary for a radiologist to be in the immediate area to read X-rays or MRIs. How is this information transmitted between you and Dr. Crayton?

“With our advanced technology, we can push images across the street or around the world.  This digital equipment allows doctors to partner with specialists who don’t have to be geographically situated nearby,” explained Dr. McKeown. “In fact, many doctors in Northwest Florida use my services because my many years of experience allow me to know exactly what they need, and I have a reputation for very detailed analysis of the exams.  I focus on the precise diagnosis and tell the physician what he wants to know, narrowing all the options to help them make an educated decision on treatment.”

Dr. Crayton uses both MRIs as well as musculoskeletal ultrasounds. What are the advantages of ultrasounds?

 

The important things for the lay person to remember are that ultrasounds are:

1) Cost effective

2) Significantly cheaper than an MRI or CAT scan

3) Quick, easy, and totally painless

“Radiologists are at the mercy of the expertise of the ultrasound tech, but Dr. Crayton’s technologist is highly credentialed, so I know the patients are getting a thorough reading,” said Dr. McKeown. “Plus, there is no heat, pressure, or radiation with ultrasounds. MRIs do not use radiation either, but this option is not very comfortable, is very expensive, not to mention time consuming; however, sometimes, it is the physician’s only option due to herniations or tears of tendons, etc. Ultrasounds, on the other hand, can be performed right in the office, to monitor the progress of treatment, and without any waiting times.”

Regardless of the choice in technology – MRIs or Ultrasounds – the expertise offered by Drs. Crayton and McKeown provide patients with confidence in knowing the exam is going to be done well.  Dr. Crayton has built a team of experts within his practice to ensure exemplary care combined with compassion.  Remember:  “Pain is not normal.  We can help.”