We Test Everything but Your Patience! ©

At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, our lab offers our rheumatology patients an early and accurate diagnosis through our onsite laboratory. Headed by Dr. Hulon Crayton, who brings specialized expertise to the analysis of tests administered in the lab, he then recommends, analyzes, and administers test results. Our testing methods are particularly important in the screening and diagnosis of rheumatic disease, as well as measuring your response to the various therapies available.

Our 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 your lab work is finalized, we carefully administer follow-up care, which can ensure a better treatment plan and greatly improve your 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!

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!

The Spread the Warmth Initiative Continues!

Recently, Dr. Hulon Crayton delivered a large box of blankets to the Children’s Home Society of Florida.

“We never seem to have enough blankets to go around since our kids need to stay warm, may be in transient, and must take their belongings with them. We are so very grateful to Dr. Crayton for this donation,” said Ms. Cook.

 L-R:  Dr. Hulon Crayton; Linda Williams, Development Support Specialist; 

and Felicia Robinson Cook, Director of Development)

If you would like to contribute to the Spread the Warmth 2012/13 Campaign, drop your donation by The Arthritis & Infusion Center, 2917 Highway 77.  Donations will be accepted through the month of March.  

“What you don’t know can hurt you. Arthritis is not just a joint disease.”

When Dr. Hulon Crayton speaks to the public, as well as to his patients, he provides them with vital information about Rheumatology.  Most people do not realize that Rheumatology is the diagnosis and treatment of more than 150 arthritic and connective-tissue disorders.

Fortunately, The Arthritis & Infusion Center provides a wide range of specialized services for arthritis. Did you know that, by definition, “arthritis” refers to any of more than 100 joint disorders characterized by pain, swelling, and limited motion or movement? Arthritis can be caused by inflammation or infection in a joint, by degeneration of a joint due to age, or by a disorder of which arthritis is a major symptom.

It might surprise you to learn that in the United States alone more than 31 million people of all ages suffer from various degrees of the disease.

Our practice deals with these three major categories of arthritis:

v  Osteoarthritis  
v  Rheumatoid Arthritis
v  Gout

Our medical practice prides itself in staying current on all the latest treatment options in dealing with arthritis, but we also deal with Osteoporosis, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, as well as all connective-tissue diseases. Dr. Crayton is the most experienced Rheumatologist in this area, and is the Medical Director of our Infusion Center.

Never before have there been as many options for the treatment of these conditions. Dr. Crayton always tells people:  “Pain is not normal. Let us help!” Not only are there prescription alternatives, but our practice provides the most current in medical technology as well. To view a complete list of conditions commonly treated in our office, go to www.DrCrayton.net.

REMEMBER:  What you don’t know can hurt you!  Early, and aggressive, treatment is necessary within the first year of the diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. If left untreated, it can decrease a person’s life by 10 to 15 years, and can also cause paralysis. Don’t wait any longer!  Call The Arthritis & Infusion Center …today – 873-6748.

Dr. Crayton "speaks" to the issues of Arthritis

Recently, Dr. Hulon Crayton was asked to speak to the Rotary Club of Panama City Beach, FL.  (Erica Spivey, President is on the left). As the owner of The Arthritis & Infusion Center, Dr. Crayton educated and entertained the group on the topic: “What you don’t know can hurt you. Arthritis is not just a joint disease.” 

The topic encompassed the latest technology being used to diagnose and treat the conditions covered by a Rheumatologist, as well as the various medications that are now on the market that can halt, or in some cases, reverse the symptoms of arthritis.

What you don’t know can hurt you! If you have a club or organization you believe may benefit from Dr. Crayton, he is a knowledgeable and articulate speaker; plus, he is the most experienced Rheumatologist in our region. If you would like to book Dr. Crayton as a presenter, contact his practice manager at 873-6748.

Experience and Board Certification: A Powerful Combination

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.

 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.

  
In addition to his four (4) years of medical school and three (3) years of residency, and (2) year 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. He continues to evaluate his physician-patient communications by surveying patients, which guides the practice in quality improvement. 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.

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.

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.