Meet our Team of Office Assistants

At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we understand that patients expect a good experience in all areas of their visit to Dr. Hulon Crayton’s practice. To ensure that our clinical and administrative tasks are completed with accuracy and exemplary service, we’ve put together a team of outstanding Office Assistants. These individuals make it their daily mission to support our other team members in assuring that our medical practice runs efficiently and effectively.

 The Arthritis &  Infusion Center Office Assistants

(L-R:  Megan Gibbs, Carla Lancaster, Corinna Crayton, and Crystal Luterman)

Megan Gibbs’ major responsibility is Insurance Verification and Financial Assistance, when needed, for Infusion patients.

Carla Lancaster’s major responsibilities are answering phones, scheduling new and follow-up patients for appointments, as well as scheduling patients Dr. Crayton refers to outside specialists.

Corinna Crayton provides part-time backup in several areas of the medical practice.

Crystal Luterman is the smiling face patients see when they first enter the practice. As receptionist, Crystal greets and gets patients checked in, answers the phone, and schedules appointments as backup to Carla Lancaster.

Although everyone has their individual, assigned tasks, providing excellent customer service is everyone’s foremost priority! 

Dr. Crayton, the area’s most tenured Rheumatologist, reminds his patients that “Pain is not normal. We can help!” No referral is necessary to see Dr. Crayton, but be certain to check with your insurance provider prior to contacting the office to make sure of your coverage.  Or, ask your Primary Care physician to refer you to our medical practice.
 

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.