Always Thirsty and Tired? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Fort Worth, TX

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Always Thirsty and Tired? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Fort Worth, TX

Feeling constantly thirsty, frequently needing to urinate—even at night—and experiencing persistent tiredness can be both annoying and worrying. Add blurry vision to the mix, and it’s natural to wonder if something might be wrong. If these symptoms sound familiar, you’re not alone in searching to understand what’s going on and what you should do next. This post is here to help guide you through the initial steps towards getting answers and care. We’ll explain which types of doctors are likely best to see first in Fort Worth, Texas, and provide you with a clear idea of what kinds of exams and tests you might need along with their estimated costs. You’re taking a responsible step by seeking information, and we’re here to support you.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Fort Worth, TX

Based on your described symptoms—thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, and blurry vision—a few kinds of healthcare providers could be good starting points:

  • Family Practice Doctors: These are generalist doctors who treat people of all ages. They can diagnose a wide range of health issues and coordinate any further specialist care you might need.
  • Internal Medicine Doctors: Specialists in adult medicine focusing on diagnosing and managing complex or chronic conditions. They’re well-equipped to investigate symptoms related to blood sugar levels and other systemic concerns.
  • Endocrinologists: Specialists in hormone-related conditions, including diabetes, which is often linked to symptoms like yours.
  • Ophthalmologists: Eye doctors who can check your vision and eye health to see if conditions like diabetic retinopathy or other eye issues are contributing to your blurry vision.

Seeing one or more of these providers can help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and get you the appropriate care quickly.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of the typical visits and tests you might expect from each type of provider along with estimated self-pay costs in Fort Worth, TX.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Your family doctor will listen to your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform a physical exam to assess your overall health. They can order tests to check for causes like diabetes or kidney function issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.38 (typically ranges from $144.29 to $240.48)
Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 350 family practice providers in Fort Worth.

Procedure: Blood glucose (sugar) level test (CPT Code: 82947)
Purpose: Measures your current blood sugar to help detect or monitor diabetes.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.50 (ranges from $4.58 to $10.42)
Provider Availability: 3 providers offer this test.

Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level (CPT Code: 83036)
Purpose: Shows your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, important for diabetes diagnosis and management.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $17.42 (ranges from $11.33 to $23.51)
Provider Availability: 86 providers offer this test.

Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Checks your overall blood health including red and white blood cells which can indicate infections or anemia contributing to fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.14 (ranges from $9.11 to $15.18)
Provider Availability: 39 providers offer this test.

Procedure: Creatinine level to test kidney function (CPT Code: 82570)
Purpose: Evaluates how well your kidneys are working, since kidney issues can cause symptoms like tiredness and frequent urination.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.05 (ranges from $6.08 to $12.02)
Provider Availability: 39 providers offer this test.

Procedure: Automated urinalysis test (CPT Code: 81003)
Purpose: Analyzes your urine for signs of infection, sugar, or kidney problems.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $5.46 (ranges from $2.63 to $8.30)
Provider Availability: 49 providers offer this test.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A specialist doctor who will evaluate your symptoms more deeply and coordinate necessary lab testing.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.37 (typically ranges from $145.78 to $242.96)
Provider Availability: 224 internal medicine providers in Fort Worth.

Same blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, vein insertion, and urinalysis tests as listed under Family Practice are also commonly performed here, with costs very similar.

Visit with an Endocrinologist

Procedure: New patient office or other outpatient visit, 45-59 minutes (CPT Code: 99204)
Purpose: An endocrinologist specializes in hormonal disorders like diabetes. This longer visit helps them thoroughly understand your symptoms and plan your care.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $261.36 (ranges from $196.02 to $326.70)
Provider Availability: 18 endocrinologists available in Fort Worth.

Blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c tests are also done here with similar costs.

Visit with an Ophthalmologist

Procedure: New patient office or other outpatient visit, 45-59 minutes (CPT Code: 99204)
Purpose: Eye exams to check for vision concerns or eye damage that may explain blurry vision and uncover conditions related to diabetes.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $261.39 (ranges from $196.04 to $326.74)
Provider Availability: 43 ophthalmologists in Fort Worth.

Taking action now can help you get the answers and care you need. Here’s what to do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice or Internal Medicine provider first—they are great starting points for these symptoms. If your doctor recommends it, you may then be referred to an endocrinologist or ophthalmologist.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, including how long they’ve been happening, any changes in your thirst, urination, energy, or vision, and list any questions you want to ask.
  3. Discuss Costs: When you book your appointment, ask the office about self-pay rates or insurance coverage. The cost figures provided here are estimates to help you plan.
  4. Follow Through on Testing: Be ready to have blood and urine tests that provide important clues to your health.
  5. Trust Your Judgment: Seeking professional advice is the right step and the best way to get reassurance and treatment if needed.

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 post is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare provider promptly.