Transforming Lives,
Redefining Healthcare

General practitioner talking to patient

With a focus on acute pain management for conditions like sickle cell disease, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis, Ponos introduces a novel solution that blends primary and specialty care seamlessly—right at home. As your health ally, we aim to enhance cost-efficiency, decrease emergency department and inpatient hospital utilization, and elevate our patients’ overall quality of life.

The Problem

Healthcare Disparities
Affecting Patients

Sickle cell disease and inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) present significant healthcare disparities, especially for marginalized communities. Black Americans in particular face challenges that lead to inadequate medical care, such as limited specialists trained in cultural sensitivity, health illiteracy paired with decreased ability to advocate for better health options, and biased labeling as non-compliant patients.

These inequities lead to a reduction in regular primary care visits, heightened reliance on emergency department services, limited treatment choices, and the underutilization of advanced therapies that are more readily accessible to other patient demographics.

Ponos recognizes these systemic issues and strives to bridge the gap, offering a personalized and culturally sensitive approach to healthcare.

Our Solution

At Home Centers of Excellence

Ponos redefines healthcare with 'Primacialist' model, merging primary and specialty care. Dual board-certified Hematologists and Gastroenterologists serve as dedicated providers, offering routine check-ups, risk assessments, specialty infusions, and acute pain management. Care is securely documented on the existing care management platform via VPN.

Our approach not only ensures superior health outcomes but also addresses the root causes of emergency department over-utilization.

Our Services

Comprehensive and Personalized Care

From counseling and referrals to additional psychiatry services, connections to community resources, and personalized medication management, Ponos is dedicated to every aspect of well-being.

Integrated Acute Pain Solutions

We offer a range of services encompassing on-call nursing, behavioral health support, nutrition care, community resource matching to address social determinants of health, and pharmacist-led medication therapy management and dosing calculations, and avoidance of any deleterious drug-drug interactions.

Tailored In-Home Healthcare

RN team is readily available to provide home infusions for on-demand acute pain episodes, pre-scheduled biological IV medication therapy, and hydration needs.

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About Us

Trusted Leadership, Compassionate Care

Ponos is more than a healthcare provider; it is a beacon of trust and compassion led by seasoned industry leaders. Founded by Tommy Duncan, a trailblazer in healthcare management, and Dr. Gil Bultron, a distinguished Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Ponos brings a unique blend of expertise and empathy to the forefront of healthcare innovation.

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Mission

Empowering Health, Transforming Lives

Ponos empowers those with chronic conditions, focusing on sickle cell, Crohn's, and colitis, breaking healthcare disparities with personalized, accessible care."

Our commitment is rooted in transforming our patients’ lives by offering holistic solutions that go beyond symptom management, addressing the entirety of the patient's well-being.

Core Values

Integrity, Inclusivity, Innovation

Integrity is at the heart of Ponos. We uphold the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all our interactions. Inclusivity is our guiding principle, recognizing and respecting the diverse needs and backgrounds of our patients. We embrace innovation, continuously seeking novel solutions to enhance healthcare delivery and improve the quality of life for those we serve.

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A trusted partner on the journey to better health

We believe in a future where healthcare is not just a service but a compassionate collaboration that uplifts and empowers individuals, fostering a healthier and happier community.

Leadership

Leadership in Healthcare Management

Led by Tommy Duncan, founder of Trusted Health Networks, and Dr. Gil Bultron, a board-certified Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Ponos brings together a team with extensive experience in healthcare management. Driven by a mission to eradicate healthcare disparities, our leaders aim to provide accessible, high-quality care to individuals with chronic conditions.

Portrait photo of Tommy Duncan

Tommy Duncan

Business Lead, Founder & CEO, TVN

Tommy Duncan is a visionary leader in healthcare, renowned for founding Trusted Health Plans in 2013...

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Portrait photo of Tommy Duncan
Tommy Duncan
Business Lead, Founder & CEO, TVN

Tommy Duncan is a visionary leader in healthcare, renowned for founding Trusted Health Plans in 2013, a Medicaid managed care company that expanded its reach across multiple states. Serving as the CEO, Tommy grew the company into a multi-state plan, catering to 50 thousand enrollees between Washington, D.C., and Southeastern Michigan. In 2020, he successfully orchestrated the sale of Trusted Health Plans to the BlueCross BlueShield affiliate CareFirst. Building on this success, Tommy established Trusted Value Networks (TVN) in 2022, a clinically-integrated, value-based management company committed to transforming healthcare.

Portrait photo of Dr. Gil Bultron

Dr. Gil Bultron, MD

Medical Lead, Founder & CEO, Ponos

Dr. Gil Bultron is a distinguished board-certified Pediatric Gastroenterologist and a seasoned...

Read more
Portrait photo of Dr. Gil Bultron
Dr. Gil Bultron, MD
Medical Lead, Founder & CEO, Ponos

Dr. Gil Bultron is a distinguished board-certified Pediatric Gastroenterologist and a seasoned healthcare professional. Holding the position of Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at UCLA, Dr. Bultron brings a wealth of expertise to the field. He has served as the Director of Pediatric Sub-Specialties at Los Angeles County Department of Health Services and as Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology at Los Angeles General and Olive View-UCLA Medical Centers. Dr. Bultron is recognized for his commitment to advancing healthcare, and he continues to contribute significantly to the field as the Founder and CEO of Ponos, an innovative healthcare solution focused on transforming the lives of individuals with chronic conditions.

Answers to Your Questions

Led by Tommy Duncan, founder of Trusted Health Plans, and Dr. Gil Bultron, a board-certified Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Ponos brings together a team with extensive experience in healthcare management. Driven by a mission to eradicate healthcare disparities, our leaders aim to provide accessible, high-quality care to individuals with chronic conditions.

1
What makes Ponos different from traditional healthcare providers?

Ponos stands out with its innovative "Primacialist" model, where dual board-certified specialists act as both primary and specialty care providers. We bring comprehensive healthcare directly to your doorstep, addressing the social, mental, physical, and economic aspects of your well-being.

2
How does Ponos handle acute pain management at home?

Our in-home concierge programs offer scheduled and on-demand services, including home infusions for acute pain episodes, hydration needs, and scheduled biological IV medications. This approach ensures timely and personalized care, reducing the need for ambulance rides and emergency department visits.

3
What conditions does Ponos specialize in?

Ponos specializes in acute pain management for conditions such as sickle cell disease, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals is equipped to assist both children and adults, providing tailored care for optimal health outcomes.

4
How does Ponos address social determinants of health in its care model?

Ponos is committed to addressing social determinants of health as an integral part of our care model. Our team, including Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers (LICSWs), actively works to understand and mitigate social factors that may impact well-being. From counseling for mental health challenges to connecting patients with community resources and support for personalized nutrition plans and food insecurity programs, we consider the broader social context to provide holistic care.

5
How does Ponos address mental health in its care model?

Mental health is a core component of Ponos' care management. We have Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers (LICSWs) on our team who provide counseling for depression/anxiety, referrals to psychiatry, access to community resources, and support for mindfulness exercises, meditation, and yoga.

6
Can Ponos help with nutritional needs for specific conditions?

Absolutely. Ponos includes registered dietitians in its team to provide customized nutrition care. Whether it's addressing nutritional needs for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis or managing food insecurity issues, our experts are here to support our patients’ dietary requirements.

7
How does Ponos ensure safe medication management?

Our pharmacist plays a crucial role in ensuring drug monitoring, dose calculations, and avoiding any deleterious drug-drug interactions. This meticulous approach guarantees the safe and effective administration of medications in the comfort of your home.

8
What benefits does the "Primacialist" care model offer?

The "Primacialist" care model integrates routine primary care visits with specialty care infusions and acute pain triggered visits. This innovative approach, led by dual board-certified specialists, ensures a cohesive and comprehensive healthcare experience, enhancing overall health outcomes.

Partner with Ponos

Ready to transform healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes? Contact Ponos today to discuss partnerships or inquire about our services. Join us on the journey to redefine healthcare, one home at a time.

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