Unexplained Weight Loss and Lump? Find Clinics in Long Beach
Unexplained Weight Loss and Lump? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Long Beach
If you’ve been losing weight without trying, feeling unusually tired, and recently noticed a lump that worries you, it’s completely natural to feel scared and uncertain. These symptoms can be concerning, and wanting to understand what’s going on is the first important step toward taking control of your health. While it might not be cancer directly, these unusual and ongoing symptoms definitely deserve professional attention.
This post will help guide you in understanding which types of healthcare providers you might consider seeing in Long Beach, CA, what typical initial procedures and tests might involve, and an overview of the estimated costs you can expect. You’re in the right place for clear, helpful information to prepare for your next step toward getting answers.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Long Beach
Based on your symptoms—unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and a new lump—a few types of doctors could be good starting points:
- Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can evaluate a wide range of symptoms, order initial blood tests, and examine lumps. They are an excellent first step to help decide if a specialist is needed.
- Internal Medicine Doctor: Focused on adult care, these doctors handle complex medical issues and can conduct detailed diagnostic testing to uncover underlying causes.
- Hematology-Oncology Specialist: Doctors who specialize in blood disorders and cancers. They are important if blood tests or physical findings suggest something that needs more targeted evaluation.
- Medical Oncology Specialist: Experts in cancer diagnosis and treatment, they may be involved if further investigation points toward cancer.
- General Surgeon: If a lump requires biopsy or removal for diagnosis, a surgeon can perform these procedures safely.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
-
Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: This is a standard office visit where the doctor assesses your symptoms, examines your lump, and discusses your health history.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $212.06 (typically ranges from $159.05 to $265.08)
This estimate is based on 574 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: A blood test that checks your red and white blood cells and platelets, helping detect infections or blood disorders related to your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.24 (typically ranges from $9.11 to $21.37)
This estimate is based on 13 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level (CPT Code: 83036)
Purpose: Measures blood sugar levels over time, useful if fatigue could be linked to diabetes.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.70 (typically ranges from $11.39 to $20.00)
This estimate is based on 31 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for collection of blood sample (CPT Code: 36415)
Purpose: The standard blood draw procedure to collect samples for various lab tests.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.00 (typically ranges from $9.00 to $15.00)
This estimate is based on 239 providers in the Long Beach area.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
-
Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: This visit involves more detailed evaluation for adult patients with ongoing symptoms like weight loss and lumps.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.33 (typically ranges from $157.00 to $261.66)
This estimate is based on 602 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Helps detect blood cell abnormalities that could explain your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.29 (typically ranges from $9.13 to $21.44)
This estimate is based on 15 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
Purpose: A broad blood chemistry panel to check organ function and other key health markers.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $46.79 (typically ranges from $12.42 to $81.16)
This estimate is based on 15 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for collection of blood sample (CPT Code: 36415)
Purpose: Standard blood draw to collect samples for testing.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.74 (typically ranges from $9.55 to $15.92)
This estimate is based on 232 providers in the Long Beach area.
Visit with a Hematology-Oncology Specialist
-
Procedure: New patient office or outpatient visit, 60-74 minutes (CPT Code: 99205)
Purpose: A longer visit focused on detailed evaluation of blood-related concerns and lumps.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $347.50 (typically ranges from $260.63 to $434.38)
This estimate is based on 100 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Essential for evaluating blood cell types and counts, important for diagnosing blood disorders.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.79 (typically ranges from $9.11 to $16.48)
This estimate is based on 32 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
Purpose: Measures various chemicals in your blood for a comprehensive view of your health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.87 (typically ranges from $12.38 to $21.35)
This estimate is based on 11 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Biopsy and aspiration of bone marrow sample for diagnosis (CPT Code: 38222)
Purpose: A specialized procedure to collect bone marrow to diagnose blood diseases if needed.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $263.95 (typically ranges from $167.26 to $360.65)
This estimate is based on 2 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Drawing of blood for a medical problem (CPT Code: 99195)
Purpose: Additional blood draw that may be required for specific tests.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $181.28 (typically ranges from $135.96 to $226.60)
This estimate is based on 4 providers in the Long Beach area.
Visit with a Medical Oncology Specialist
-
Procedure: New patient office or outpatient visit, 60-74 minutes (CPT Code: 99205)
Purpose: For evaluation related to cancer diagnosis and management.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $328.56 (typically ranges from $246.42 to $410.70)
This estimate is based on 20 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for collection of blood sample (CPT Code: 36415)
Purpose: Blood collection for necessary testing related to oncology care.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.44 (typically ranges from $10.08 to $16.80)
This estimate is based on 6 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Standard blood test to assess your blood cell counts.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.77 (typically ranges from $9.13 to $28.42)
This estimate is based on 3 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
Purpose: Detailed blood panel looking at various health indicators.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.56 (typically ranges from $12.42 to $20.70)
This estimate is based on 1 provider in the Long Beach area.
Visit with a General Surgeon
-
Procedure: New patient office or outpatient visit, 45-59 minutes (CPT Code: 99204)
Purpose: Consultation to evaluate your lump for possible biopsy or removal.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $268.05 (typically ranges from $201.04 to $335.06)
This estimate is based on 71 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Biopsy or removal of deep lymph nodes of underarm (CPT Code: 38525)
Purpose: Procedure to remove lymph nodes for diagnosis if the lump involves lymph tissue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $748.30 (typically ranges from $322.01 to $1,174.60)
This estimate is based on 8 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Removal of skin and tissue, 20.0 sq cm or less (CPT Code: 11042)
Purpose: Surgical removal of lump or suspicious skin tissue for further analysis.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $108.08 (typically ranges from $76.32 to $139.84)
This estimate is based on 12 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Removal of muscle and/or tissue, 20.0 sq cm or less (CPT Code: 11043)
Purpose: Surgical procedure to remove deeper tissue if needed for diagnosis or treatment.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $262.05 (typically ranges from $196.54 to $327.56)
This estimate is based on 11 providers in the Long Beach area.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Your health and peace of mind matter most right now. Taking the next steps will help you get the answers and care you need.
- Schedule an Appointment: Start by contacting a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor in Long Beach. They can evaluate your symptoms, perform initial tests, and refer you to specialists if needed.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms, when they began, how they have changed, and any other health concerns or questions to share during your appointment.
- Discuss Costs: When you call to book your visit, ask about the expected costs and your payment options. The costs listed here are estimates to help you plan.
- Follow Through on Referrals: If your provider recommends seeing a specialist like a Hematologist or Surgeon, don’t delay—early evaluation is key.
- Stay Positive: Seeking care is the right and brave thing to do. Whatever the outcome, professional guidance will provide clarity and the best path forward for your health.
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 provides general information based on self-pay cost estimates for healthcare services in Long Beach, CA. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.