Arthritis Tips for Daily Living #2

Continuing our series regarding “Arthritis Tips for Daily Living”, Dr. Hulon Crayton is always looking out for his patients and seeking ways to ease the pain associated with the simplest of daily tasks. The Arthritis and Infusion Center found an article in Significant Living magazine by Dr. Rick Caracciolo, and have adapted a list of his suggestions regarding things to keep in mind around the BATHROOM:  

• It should go without saying that non-skid mats should be used not only in the bathroom, but all through the house. (The use of throw rugs should be discouraged around senior citizens.)
• Within the tub, non-skid strips are helpful, as is a cushioned, suction mat.
• Some people prefer to utilize a tub bench, or bath chair, when bathing, but regardless of whether or not you are using one of these options or choose to sit in the tub, grab bars are suggested for both inside and outside the tub.
• Grab bars are also a good idea next to the toilet, and utilizing a raised toilet seat would eliminate a lot of straining to get up.
• Long-handled sponges and back brushes help reach areas of your body without putting stress on your joints and muscles.
• Place towels within easy reach. 
• Simple additions like liquid soap, toothpaste in a pump dispenser, and an electric toothbrush can help make the task of personal grooming less painful.

You may find other information that’s helpful from the National Institutes of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, you may want to consider a subscription to Arthritis Today magazine, which covers other helpful hints to ease the pain of day-to-day living.

However, it’s vital that you find a doctor who really listens to you. Dr. Hulon Crayton has garnered a reputation for not only listening to his patients, but working in tandem with them to develop the most effective treatment plan available. Call us today to see how The Arthritis and Infusion Center can help  make your life easier and more pain free!

Take our Virtual Tour!

The Arthritis and Infusion Center understands that when people are looking for a physician, the appearance of the office is part of that decision-making process. Dr. Hulon Crayton has made this procedure easier by making a Virtual Tour available to any of his potential patients.  Once you have taken this “tour”, if you have any additional questions about what makes Dr. Crayton so unique, contact our office. We believe you’ll find not only a pleasant and comfortable treatment area, but discover a kind and compassionate physician who truly listens to his patients. “When people tell me they hurt, I believe them!” said Dr. Crayton. “But, pain is not normal and we can help.” Call today!

DR. CRAYTON EXPLAINS WHY HE USES INFUSION THERAPY

Infusion Therapy is provided to people who need to receive nutritional or other medicines, which cannot be treated with drugs by mouth. The infusion of drugs or nutrients directly into the body, through veins, muscles, or under the skin, makes for a more exacting and effective treatment.

At The Arthritis and Infusion Center, only about 50% of Dr. Hulon Crayton’s patients actually need Infusion Therapy. However, those who receive this option experience a much better quality of life as a result.  

“Prior to this advanced technology, I’d actually have to watch patients’ health dwindle before my very eyes. Now, medical science has brought this more direct treatment forward, much to my relief. Although I did not create the technology, I’ve learned how to use it and have mastered the process, which brings relief to my patients,” said Dr. Crayton. 

Other physicians have also seen the benefit of infusions, and The Arthritis and Infusion Center infuses medication for Neurologists, Primary Care Physicians, Gastroenterologists, as well as Dermatologists. (Special note: Dr. Crayton does not infuse chemotherapy drugs.) 

Infusion Therapy isn’t for every patient of The Arthritis and Infusion Center.  Some medications are available by mouth and others can be injected. However, many of the newer medications are only available by Infusion Therapy, which just makes sense as an option for those who may have been suffering for years.

Dr. Crayton reminds his patients:  “Pain is not normal. Let us help.” If you would like to see if Infusion Therapy may be helpful to your condition, contact The Arthritis and Infusion Center at 873-6748.

What is a Prior Authorization?

Have you experienced this statement “I’m sorry, but this requires a prior authorization.”  This very common phrase has become a major complication in the medical community and it is now becoming a heavy burden on the shoulders of patients.

According to insurance companies, Prior Authorizations, also known as P.A.’s, are an extra precautionary step in your overall medical care.  The insurance companies may attach the P.A. requirement to any medical procedure or medication.  Then, they will require the ordering physician to either produce a medical record or conduct a peer –to-peer conversation to justify the medical need.  Examples of such prior authorizations would include:  name- brand medications, MRI scans, and “elective” surgery. 

What does this extra step mean to the patient?  A prior authorization essentially puts a hold on the medication or procedure until the physician meets the necessary requirements set by the insurance company.   The patient will not receive the medication, or be permitted to have the medical procedure, until the P.A. has been satisfied.  Therefore, there is a disruption to your medical care.

What should you do if your medicine or medical procedure requires a P.A.? 

1.   Contact your physician.  Do not assume that your pharmacy or medical facility (such as a diagnostic imaging center), has contacted them.  Make sure they are aware of the issue in detail.

2.   Ask questions.  There are instances that will require the physician to rely on the patients’ past medical history to prove the need for the medication or procedure.  Ask your physician if there is any information you can provide to help speed the P.A. along.

3.   Follow up.  Things fall through the cracks from time to time.  After five to seven business days, call and follow up on the status of the P.A. 

4.   Be patient.  P.A. request are used heavily by insurance companies and your physician’s office has to address each and every request.  It is estimated that each request takes an office staff member approximately 15-25 minutes to complete.

The Arthritis and Infusion Center prides ourselves in “fighting” for the rights of our patients.  We will take the time to complete Prior Authorization requests and prove the need for the medication or procedure.  This personal attention to the needs of our patients is what makes the team at The Arthritis and Infusion Center stand above the rest.

GETTING the MOST from Your FIRST Appointment: What Should I Bring?

At The Arthritis and Infusion Center, we want your first appointment to be a pleasant as possible.  Therefore we request that you bring the following information with you:

• Medical Records – Knowing your medical history and what care you have previously received (hospitalizations, office visits, treatments) helps us with compiling a more thorough medical history.
• Referring Physician Information – Although you do not have to be referred by another physician to see Dr. Crayton, we may want to consult with the physician who may have referred you to our practice.  Please bring addresses, with phone/fax number of your primary care and referring physicians to your first appointment.
• Medications – As we mentioned in our previous blog post, knowing what medications you are taking is important.  Please bring all bottles with you.
• X-rays -- If possible, please bring any actual x-ray films related to your condition. 
• Insurance pre-authorization form and an ID card – Your healthcare insurance coverage may have been discussed before you arrive, but please bring your health insurance ID card, along with a photo ID, such as a driver’s license.

For more information, new patient forms, driving directions and more visit our Patient Center.

This information is very important to ensure the most prompt and thorough care of you – our patient.  And remember, “Pain is not normal.  Let us help.”

Come Inside our INFUSION Center

Walk inside The Infusion Center at 2917 Highway 77, and you immediately sense an environment of calm professionalism, which we believe is important to the treatment process.

What is an infusion?  It’s 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 placed into one of the patient’s veins in order to reach the patient’s bloodstream.  This is a common, as well as highly effective, way of administering a medication over a specific period of time.  Getting an infusion feels a little like having blood drawn out of a vein in your arm, except in this case, you’re having fluid put into your body.

All you need to bring to an infusion is a smile and positive attitude.  However, you can do a variety of activities while you are receiving an infusion.  Call us to receive a brochure about our infusion services.

There are many benefits to an OUTPATIENT Infusion Center:

• Physician on site
• Lower cost to the patient (Physician-based infusion centers are typically 60% less than infusions down within hospitals.)
• One-on-one patient care
• No hospital-based Infusion Center or pharmacy wait time.  (Private infusion centers often take less than half the time of hospital-based infusion centers.)
• Expertise:  We have infused thousands of patients and are well equipped without the use of an emergency department.
• Excellent customer service.  We strive for maximum efficiency for our patients’ convenience and safety.
• Insurance pre-certification and verification.  There will be no surprises on your bill!

We’ll be happy to send you more complete information on our infusion services.  Call 873-6748 to learn more.  However, the most important fact to remember is:  We teach patients how to care for themselves during therapy so they can be active participants in their own health care.