Swollen Ankles and Tired All the Time? Your Guide to Next Steps in Dallas, TX
Swollen Ankles and Tired All the Time? Your Guide to Next Steps in Dallas, TX
If you’ve been feeling constantly tired and have noticed swelling in your legs and ankles, along with changes like foamy urine and more frequent nighttime urination, it’s understandable to feel worried. These symptoms can feel unsettling, especially when they don’t go away and start to hurt. You’re not alone—and it’s good that you’re paying attention to your body. This guide is here to help you understand what might be going on, who you could see to get checked, and what the initial medical visits and tests might cost in the Dallas, TX area. You’re in the right place to take the next important steps toward your health.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Dallas, TX
Based on your symptoms, there are a few types of healthcare providers who could be good starting points to get a professional evaluation:
- Family Practice Doctor: A generalist doctor who diagnoses and treats a wide range of health issues. They are a great first step and can help coordinate any further testing or referrals.
- Internal Medicine Doctor: Specialists in adult health, often managing chronic illnesses and complex symptoms. They can offer detailed evaluations and guide you through specialized testing.
- Cardiologist: A heart specialist who can assess if your swollen ankles and fatigue may be related to heart or circulation problems.
- Nephrologist: A kidney specialist who can evaluate symptoms like swelling, foamy urine, and frequent urination, which may indicate kidney issues.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s an outline of common procedures and costs you might expect when visiting each type of provider in Dallas, along with why these tests matter.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: This is a thorough medical check-up to discuss your symptoms and medical history with a doctor who can guide your care.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.57 (typically ranges from $145.18 to $241.96)
This estimate is based on 494 providers in the Dallas area. -
Procedure: Automated urinalysis test (CPT Code: 81003)
Purpose: A quick test of your urine to check for abnormal protein or other changes that can point to kidney or other health problems.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $6.16 (typically ranges from $2.63 to $9.70)
This estimate is based on 85 providers. -
Procedure: Creatinine level test (CPT Code: 82570)
Purpose: A blood test to assess how well your kidneys are working.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $10.38 (typically ranges from $6.07 to $14.68)
This estimate is based on 29 providers. -
Procedure: Urine microalbumin (protein) analysis (CPT Code: 82044)
Purpose: This urine test detects small amounts of protein that may indicate early kidney damage.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $10.70 (typically ranges from $7.31 to $14.09)
This estimate is based on 30 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: A blood test to check overall health and look for signs of infection or anemia, which can cause fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.47 (typically ranges from $9.10 to $17.84)
This estimate is based on 57 providers. -
Procedure: Blood test for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
Purpose: Tests thyroid function, as thyroid issues can cause tiredness and swelling.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $27.60 (typically ranges from $19.72 to $35.48)
This estimate is based on 49 providers. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: Measures heart rhythm and function to rule out heart-related causes of swelling and fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $24.13 (typically ranges from $16.97 to $31.30)
This estimate is based on 212 providers.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
- Procedures and costs are very similar to Family Practice, including office visits and blood and urine tests, since internal medicine often manages complex health issues.
Visit with a Cardiologist
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Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Assesses if heart or vein problems could be causing leg swelling and fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $188.93 (typically ranges from $141.70 to $236.16)
This estimate is based on 170 providers. -
Procedure: Ultrasound study of arm or leg veins (CPT Code: 93970)
Purpose: Imaging test to check for blood clots or circulation problems in your legs.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $250.05 (typically ranges from $187.54 to $312.56)
This estimate is based on 18 providers. -
Procedure: Ultrasound of heart with color flow (CPT Code: 93306)
Purpose: A detailed heart ultrasound to evaluate heart valves and blood flow.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $150.63 (typically ranges from $109.24 to $192.02)
This estimate is based on 153 providers. -
Additional common blood tests are similar to those listed above.
Visit with a Nephrologist
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Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Specialist evaluation of kidney health related to swelling, urine changes, and fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $173.97 (typically ranges from $130.48 to $217.46)
This estimate is based on 145 providers. -
Procedure: Urinalysis using microscope (CPT Code: 81015)
Purpose: A more detailed test of urine sediment to check for kidney disease or infection.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $6.59 (typically ranges from $3.59 to $9.60)
This estimate is based on 1 provider. -
Procedure: Needle biopsy of kidney (CPT Code: 50200)
Purpose: In some cases, a small tissue sample from the kidney may be needed for diagnosis.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $657.88 (typically ranges from $148.15 to $1,167.60)
This estimate is based on 1 provider. -
Other blood tests similar to those above are also used.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Taking care of these symptoms is important. Here’s what you can do next:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor in Dallas to get started. They can evaluate your symptoms and refer you to specialists like a Cardiologist or Nephrologist if needed.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms, how long they’ve been happening, any new changes (like foamy urine and swelling), and questions you have for your doctor.
- Discuss Costs: When you call to book your appointment, ask the office about the cost of the visit and tests. The costs shared here are estimates based on Dallas area self-pay rates.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Remember, seeing a healthcare professional is the best way to understand the cause of your symptoms and get peace of mind.
Need Help Navigating Your Options?
Finding affordable, trustworthy care can be confusing, especially if you’re uninsured or new to the system. That’s why we built Transparent Health: a tool to help you understand your options and find the right provider for your needs.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and estimated costs based on local data. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.