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.

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.”

March is National Nutrition Month

From New York City (where you can’t get an oversized soda any longer) to school lunch rooms, nutrition is being discussed more than any other time in recent history. And because nutrition plays an important part in better health for those with arthritis and other connective-tissue disorders, The Arthritis & Infusion Center would like for you to consider adding fiber (vegetables and fruits), as well as healthy fats to your diet. (For a complete list of acceptable foods, go to the federal government’s “Dietary Guidelines for Americans”.) Of course, it should go without saying that you should also drink plenty of fluids, but watch your intake of caffeine and alcohol.


But why is good nutrition so important? If you stick to real food, as opposed to processed meals, it literally fuels your body. Reducing the quantity of food in favor of quality meals is critical. Eating properly will help reduce cholesterol levels, reduce your risk of colon cancer, and help you remain “regular”, especially if you add yogurt with live cultures.  If you eat a lot of fiber, you’ll find it easier to lose weight, because your appetite will be satiated; and, the less weight you put on your joints, the better!

For people who suffer from arthritis, Omega-3 fats have an anti-inflammatory effect, and Calcium is also recommended to strengthen your bones in order to prevent breakage.

Don’t forget that Dr. Crayton always advises his patients: “Pain is not normal!” So, if you are maintaining good dietary habits, but pain persists, contact us to get to the root of your discomfort. Don’t let a poor diet complicate your health issues! The better you eat … the better you’ll feel!

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.)