Understanding Weight Gain and Tiredness: Next Healthcare Steps in Houston, TX
Understanding Weight Gain and Tiredness: Next Healthcare Steps in Houston, TX
Noticing weight gain without eating more, feeling constantly tired, dealing with knee pain, and getting short of breath climbing stairs can be worrying—and you’re not alone in searching for answers. These symptoms may feel frustrating and confusing, and it’s natural to wonder if something serious might be going on with your health. You’ve come to the right place for guidance. This post will help you understand what types of doctors can help, what tests you might expect, and how much initial visits and procedures might cost in Houston, TX.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Houston, TX
Given your symptoms, a few types of healthcare providers could be a good starting point to find answers and relief:
- Family Practice Doctors: Generalists skilled at diagnosing and treating many health issues, including weight changes and fatigue. They can coordinate care and refer you to specialists if needed.
- Internal Medicine Specialists: Doctors focusing on adult health who can evaluate complex symptoms like tiredness and weight gain to uncover underlying medical conditions.
- Endocrinologists: Specialists in hormone-related conditions, including thyroid problems and diabetes, which often cause changes in weight and energy levels.
- Rheumatologists: Experts in joint and muscle pain, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases that might explain your knee pain and fatigue.
- Cardiologists: Heart specialists who assess symptoms like getting out of breath easily, which could relate to heart or circulation issues.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s an overview of typical procedures and their estimated self-pay costs in Houston associated with each provider type. These costs are based on averages from local providers.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A longer visit to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical exam to start diagnosing your condition.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.94 (typically ranges from $146.95 to $244.92)
Provider Availability: Based on 511 providers in Houston. -
Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level (CPT Code: 83036)
Purpose: A blood test to check your average blood sugar levels over the past few months, important to rule out or monitor diabetes.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.10 (ranges from $11.33 to $18.88)
Provider Availability: 90 providers. -
Procedure: Blood test, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
Purpose: Checks your thyroid function to identify if thyroid problems could be causing weight gain and fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.27 (ranges from $19.70 to $32.84)
Provider Availability: 50 providers. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) with interpretation (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: A heart tracing to check for heart-related causes of tiredness and breathlessness.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $24.25 (ranges from $17.44 to $31.06)
Provider Availability: 108 providers. -
Procedure: Face-to-face behavioral counseling for obesity, 15 minutes (CPT Code: G0447)
Purpose: Counseling to help manage weight if that is affecting your health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $41.26 (ranges from $30.95 to $51.58)
Provider Availability: 11 providers.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Specialist
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Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A detailed visit to review symptoms, perform an exam, and develop a care plan for complex or chronic issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.75 (ranges from $146.06 to $243.44)
Provider Availability: 492 providers. -
Procedure: Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) (CPT Code: 80061)
Purpose: To assess your blood fats, which can influence heart disease risk and overall health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $22.45 (ranges from $15.71 to $29.18)
Provider Availability: 40 providers. -
Procedure: Blood test, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
Purpose: Check thyroid function as it affects metabolism and energy.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.32 (ranges from $19.74 to $32.90)
Provider Availability: 35 providers. -
Procedure: Routine ECG with interpretation (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: Heart rhythm check to evaluate causes of breathlessness and fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $23.94 (ranges from $17.41 to $30.47)
Provider Availability: 159 providers. -
Procedure: DXA bone density measurement (CPT Code: 77080)
Purpose: A scan to measure bone strength, helpful if knee pain is related to bone issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $59.47 (ranges from $44.60 to $74.34)
Provider Availability: 44 providers.
Visit with an Endocrinologist
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Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Specialist consultation focusing on hormones, metabolism, and related conditions causing your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.94 (ranges from $143.95 to $239.92)
Provider Availability: 92 providers. -
Procedure: Comprehensive blood chemistry panel (CPT Code: 80053)
Purpose: Broad blood test to assess multiple organ functions that affect weight and energy.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.90 (ranges from $12.36 to $25.44)
Provider Availability: 10 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Checks for anemia or infections that may cause tiredness.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.27 (ranges from $9.13 to $17.40)
Provider Availability: 6 providers. -
Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level (CPT Code: 83036)
Purpose: Blood sugar monitoring test related to diabetes.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.38 (ranges from $11.30 to $29.45)
Provider Availability: 33 providers. -
Procedure: DXA bone density measurement (CPT Code: 77080)
Purpose: Bone density scan to check for osteoporosis or other bone conditions.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $113.25 (ranges from $44.75 to $181.75)
Provider Availability: 15 providers.
Visit with a Rheumatologist
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Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Specialist visit to diagnose autoimmune or inflammatory diseases that may cause joint pain and fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.06 (ranges from $147.05 to $245.08)
Provider Availability: 68 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Checks for inflammation, infection, or anemia.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.35 (ranges from $9.10 to $15.60)
Provider Availability: 4 providers. -
Procedure: Comprehensive blood chemistry panel (CPT Code: 80053)
Purpose: Blood tests to assess organ health and inflammation markers.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $21.20 (ranges from $12.40 to $30.00)
Provider Availability: 3 providers. -
Procedure: Blood test, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
Purpose: Rule out thyroid conditions influencing symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.34 (ranges from $19.75 to $32.92)
Provider Availability: 1 provider. -
Procedure: X-ray of hand, minimum 3 views (CPT Code: 73130)
Purpose: Imaging to check joints and bones for arthritis or damage.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $58.77 (ranges from $44.08 to $73.46)
Provider Availability: 2 providers.
Visit with a Cardiologist
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Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Heart specialist evaluation for symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.50 (ranges from $145.87 to $243.12)
Provider Availability: 248 providers. -
Procedure: Comprehensive blood chemistry panel (CPT Code: 80053)
Purpose: Blood tests to assess heart health-related chemicals.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.97 (ranges from $12.42 to $21.53)
Provider Availability: 8 providers. -
Procedure: Routine ECG with interpretation (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: Heart rhythm and electrical activity check.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $29.44 (ranges from $17.29 to $41.58)
Provider Availability: 208 providers. -
Procedure: Ultrasound of heart with blood flow (CPT Code: 93306)
Purpose: Detailed heart imaging to see heart valves and blood flow.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $213.38 (ranges from $123.83 to $302.94)
Provider Availability: 225 providers. -
Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: Imaging to check lungs and heart size.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $55.04 (ranges from $41.28 to $68.80)
Provider Availability: 8 providers.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Taking action today can help you get answers and feel better. Here’s what you can do next:
- Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to a Family Practice doctor or Internal Medicine specialist first. They can evaluate your symptoms and guide you to the right specialist if needed.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long you have had them, and any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
- Discuss Costs: When booking, confirm pricing and insurance coverage with the provider’s office. The costs listed here are estimates for self-pay patients in Houston and can help you plan.
- Stay Positive: Remember, seeking professional advice is the best way to understand your symptoms and start your journey to improved 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 is for informational purposes only and does not substitute 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.