Coordinated care and infusion therapy helps Rodney manage his multiple sclerosis.

Rodney Hogan has been coming to Kelsey-Seybold Clinic for treatment of his multiple sclerosis (MS) for years. What keeps him coming back is the coordinated care he’s receiving – which he sees as a significant advantage in managing his condition – and the warm and caring environment of the clinic’s Infusion Center.

Dr. Azam Kundi, who is board-certified in Internal Medicine, is his primary care physician. His condition is closely monitored by nurse practitioner Susan Reed.

“What we’re trying to do is slow down the progression of the disease. Rodney is aware of where it’s going. We talk about the future and plan the next step, the next phase, and we try to stay ahead of the curve,” Susan said.

Kelsey-Seybold’s coordinated care model is a benefit to patients like Rodney, Susan pointed out. A disease like MS can affect many different parts of the nervous system.

"Having all your doctors under one roof with one Electronic Medical Record is key. It just makes it easier on someone who has this many symptoms to have all the doctors under one roof, with one Electronic Medical Record. A progressive disease like Rodney’s requires treating different symptoms and body systems. Within Kelsey-Seybold, we have more than 65 medical specialties, which means patients can be seen by Optometry, GI, Urology, Orthopedics and their primary care physician. We can see each other’s notes without having to wait to get a letter. I immediately know of any changes in what he can or cannot do and what I need to do,” Susan said.

“If Rodney were seeing multiple physicians at different locations who aren’t connected, he would have to coordinate his care himself,” she added.

Rodney is aware of the coordinated care he’s receiving and sees this as an advantage.

“When I go to any of my doctors, they just pull it up my Electronic Medical Record and they all have access to the same information about me and my condition. That’s an excellent tool – you don’t have all that paperwork or have to fill out the same forms over and over,” Rodney said.

Every other Wednesday, Rodney comes for infusion therapy at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic’s Main Campus Infusion Therapy – a routine he’s followed for more than five years under his doctors’ watchful eyes.

‘I know I’m in good hands’

Infusion therapy involves the administration of IV medications directly into the bloodstream through a vein, usually in the arm. In the case of MS, these medications go from the bloodstream into the central nervous system where they help to shut off inflammation and prevent further damage.

His MS is stable, but every now and then he’ll have a bad day and trouble walking.

“That’s my main problem. Other than some difficulty walking I do pretty well. Sometimes I can tell when it’s time for my treatment because I’ll start having problems. I’ll come to the Infusion Center at Main Campus where I know I’m in good hands.”