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.

Communicating with your physician – THE most important component in your health care involves just two steps!

#1 – KNOW your physician:

Dr. Hulon Crayton has been practicing Rheumatology since 1990, which makes him the most experienced, longest tenured, 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.  (* See additional information below.)

#2 – Communicate honestly with the physician you trust!

Most important, Dr. Crayton maintains there is no such thing as “cookie-cutter medicine”:  “I have learned over the years that what works for one patient may not work for others. If some medicine, or treatment plan, doesn’t work; or, if there are side effects, patients need to TELL me!”

There are no lab tests or x-rays that can show pain. “And, I’m not Bill Clinton in that I can’t ‘feel your pain’,” said Dr. Crayton with his usual humor. “Some patients tend to try to be stoic and push through the pain. I’d rather they open up about what’s really going on in their body. Communication with a doctor is THE most important component of good health care.”

“I really care about how my patients are doing under my treatment plans, but all too often they don’t want to complain. I wish they’d drop their politeness! When I ask how a patient is doing, ‘feeling fine’ is a reflex answer. The face a patient displays to the world is one thing, but I need to know what’s really going on, physically and emotionally, to provide the utmost in medical care.”

Teamwork is very important for doctor-to-patient and doctor-to-doctor relationships, and Dr. Crayton has a proven reputation of really listening to his patients in order to help them, and their families, cope with the changes rheumatic diseases may cause in their lives.

Some rheumatic diseases are very serious and can be hard to diagnose and treat, which is why it is very important to choose a rheumatologist who has the most experience in the region for treating rheumatic disease … and that person is Dr. Hulon Crayton! No referral is necessary. Learn more about Dr. Crayton at drcrayton.net.

·        Additional footnote information about Dr. Crayton:

What is a Rheumatologist?

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 100 rheumatic conditions, to include (but not limited to): Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, and tendinitis.

Why Choose Dr. Crayton?

In addition to his four (4) years of medical school, three (3) years of residency, and (2) years of fellowship training, Dr. Crayton has been practicing his specialty for almost a quarter of a century!  During that time, Dr. Crayton has compiled extensive training, and experience, in the successful treatment of his patients. Dr. Crayton has a commitment to life-long learning and frequently completes appropriate continuing-education courses.

 

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

Are Rheumatologists pain management doctors?

First of all, it’s important to understand what both doctors do – specifically.

According to The American College of Rheumatology, a Rheumatologist is an internist who received further training in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases, which affect the joints, muscles, and bones. In addition to arthritis, they treat certain autoimmune diseases (when the body comes under attack by its own immune system), musculoskeletal pain, and osteoporosis. There are other conditions they treat to include:  rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, and tendinitis to name just a few.

On the other hand, a Pain Management doctor is someone who is an authority on managing pain in their field, which may include neurology, anesthesiology, or even psychiatry.

When you feel you need pain management, your first call should be to your primary care physician, who will assess which specialist would be right for your condition. In addition, you should only seek pain management for chronic pain that focuses on your ability, or inability, to function in daily living activities. Remember:  some pain medicines may be addictive.

Dr. Hulon Crayton is a board certified Rheumatologist and owner of The Arthritis & Infusion Center. Within his practice, it sometimes becomes necessary to prescribe pain medications for certain specific conditions; however, Dr. Crayton does refer patients to pain management specialists if needed. Dr. Crayton always tells his patients:  “Pain is not normal! We can help.” You can ask your primary-care physician to refer you to Dr. Crayton; or, if your insurance allows, you can self-refer to our practice.

You don’t need a referral to see Dr. Crayton!

At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we prefer that our patients discuss their symptoms with their primary care physician and then ask for a referral to Dr. Hulon Crayton. However, if you have not received satisfactory answers to your questions, you may self-refer to our medical center.

Dr. Crayton is the most experienced, Board Certified Rheumatologist in the region, who also has his Master’s in Hospital Administration. Because of these dual certifications, he is uniquely qualified to run his medical practice as well as the adjoining Infusion Center.

Our medical practice prides itself in staying current on all the latest treatment options available for dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Gout as well as all connective-tissue diseases.  Never before have there been as many options for the treatment of these conditions, which include not only prescription alternatives, but the most current medical technology as well.

“I always tell my patients that pain is not normal! Early, and aggressive, treatment is necessary within the first year of diagnosis. If left untreated, Rheumatoid Arthritis can decrease a person’s life by 10 to 15 years,” said Dr. Crayton. Don’t wait … you can refer yourself to our medical practice; however, be sure you have checked with your insurance provider, before your visit, to make certain our practice is within your network of care. We can help!