Feeling Tired All the Time and Losing Weight? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Sugar Land, TX

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Feeling Tired All the Time and Losing Weight? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Sugar Land, TX

If you’ve been feeling tired all the time without an obvious reason, noticed some unintended weight loss, and found strange lumps in your neck, it’s completely natural to feel worried and seek answers. These symptoms can arise from a variety of health issues — some minor, others more serious — which is why it’s important to take these signs seriously and get professional evaluation. The good news is, you’re already taking the right step by researching and looking for guidance.

This post is here to help you understand the types of healthcare providers who can evaluate your symptoms, what kinds of initial tests and visits you might expect, and the estimated costs for this care in Sugar Land, TX. Our goal is to empower you with clear next steps for seeking the right medical help quickly and confidently.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Sugar Land, TX

Based on the symptoms you’re experiencing — tiredness, weight loss, and lumps in your neck — a few types of doctors are likely to be a good starting point for assessment:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. They are often your first stop and can help determine if you need to see a specialist next.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Specializes in adult care and complex or chronic illnesses. They can perform thorough evaluations of unexplained symptoms like fatigue and weight loss.
  • Endocrinologist: Focuses on hormonal and gland-related conditions, such as thyroid problems, which can cause tiredness and weight changes.
  • Hematologist-Oncologist: Specializes in blood disorders and cancers, which might be relevant especially if lumps and unexplained weight loss are present.

Each of these providers can help get to the root of what might be causing your symptoms and suggest appropriate tests and treatment.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Understanding what procedures might be done during your evaluation and their costs can help you prepare. Below is an overview for each provider type available in Sugar Land, TX.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This visit lets your doctor learn about your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform a physical exam. It’s your first step to start diagnosis.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.70 (typically ranges from $147.53 to $245.88)
    This estimate is based on 453 providers in the Sugar Land area.

  • Procedure: Blood test, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
    Purpose: Checks thyroid function, which can cause tiredness and weight changes if not working correctly.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.27 (typically ranges from $19.70 to $32.84)
    This estimate is based on 50 providers in Sugar Land.

  • Procedure: Thyroxine (thyroid chemical), free (CPT Code: 84439)
    Purpose: Measures free thyroid hormone levels, helping to diagnose thyroid disorders.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $14.13 (typically ranges from $10.60 to $17.66)
    This estimate is based on 25 providers.

  • Procedure: Thyroid hormone, T3 measurement, free (CPT Code: 84481)
    Purpose: Another test to assess thyroid hormone levels if needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.45 (typically ranges from $19.84 to $33.06)
    This estimate is based on 8 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Comprehensive evaluation for unexplained symptoms to help identify underlying causes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.22 (typically ranges from $144.91 to $241.52)
    This estimate is based on 462 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
    Purpose: Thyroid function screening to check for hormone imbalances.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.32 (typically ranges from $19.74 to $32.90)
    This estimate is based on 31 providers.

  • Procedure: Thyroxine (thyroid chemical), free (CPT Code: 84439)
    Purpose: Measures free thyroid hormone levels to confirm thyroid status.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $14.10 (typically ranges from $10.57 to $17.62)
    This estimate is based on 20 providers.

  • Procedure: Pathology examination of tissue using a microscope, intermediate complexity (CPT Code: 88305)
    Purpose: If tissue samples are collected (e.g., from lumps), this test helps diagnose any abnormalities.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $53.42 (typically ranges from $40.07 to $66.78)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for collection of blood sample (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Simple blood draw to collect samples for different tests.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.07 (typically ranges from $9.80 to $16.34)
    This estimate is based on 72 providers.

Visit with an Endocrinologist

  • Procedure: New patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-44 minutes (CPT Code: 99203)
    Purpose: A detailed consultation to assess hormone-related issues possibly causing your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $167.86 (typically ranges from $125.89 to $209.82)
    This estimate is based on 6 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound scan of head and neck soft tissue (CPT Code: 76536)
    Purpose: Imaging to examine lumps or abnormalities in the neck and thyroid area. Non-invasive and very useful to understand lumps.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $173.50 (typically ranges from $130.13 to $216.88)
    This estimate is based on 17 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
    Purpose: To check thyroid function comprehensively.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.45 (typically ranges from $19.75 to $33.15)
    This estimate is based on 8 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Measures red and white blood cells and platelets to check for infections, anemia, or blood diseases.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.27 (typically ranges from $9.13 to $17.40)
    This estimate is based on 6 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: Broad testing of various blood chemistries to assess organ function and overall health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $19.56 (typically ranges from $12.35 to $26.78)
    This estimate is based on 8 providers.

Visit with a Hematology-Oncology Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Specialized evaluation focusing on blood disorders or tumors that might explain your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $170.50 (typically ranges from $127.87 to $213.12)
    This estimate is based on 111 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: To check blood cells for signs of disease, infection, or cancer.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.93 (typically ranges from $9.10 to $16.76)
    This estimate is based on 17 providers.

  • Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for collection of blood sample (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Blood sample collection for testing.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.42 (typically ranges from $10.07 to $16.78)
    This estimate is based on 17 providers.

  • Procedure: Biopsy and aspiration of bone marrow sample for diagnosis (CPT Code: 38222)
    Purpose: Collecting bone marrow tissue to investigate blood disorders or cancers. Usually done if initial tests suggest it’s needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $259.65 (typically ranges from $168.50 to $350.80)
    This estimate is based on 3 providers.

Understanding your symptoms and costs can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps can help you get clarity and peace of mind. Here’s what to do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor first to discuss your symptoms. They can order initial tests and refer you to an endocrinologist or hematologist-oncologist if needed.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms including how long you’ve felt tired, details about your weight loss, and the lumps you noticed. Jot down any other questions or concerns you have to discuss with your doctor.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask about out-of-pocket costs based on your insurance status and confirm if they accept your plan. The cost estimates here will give you a helpful starting point.
  4. Remember: Early evaluation is key to identifying and addressing any health concerns. Taking this step means you are actively taking care of your health, which is the right and important thing to do.

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 replace 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.