Always Thirsty and Tired? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Houston, TX

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

Feeling thirsty all the time, having to pee frequently, and experiencing unusual tiredness and dizziness can definitely feel worrying. It’s completely natural to want to understand what might be going on and whether you should seek medical advice. Many people start by looking up their symptoms online to see if others have similar experiences or to find out how serious these signs might be.

If you live in Houston and are curious about what your symptoms could mean and how to move forward, you’re in the right place. This post will guide you through potential next steps, including who you might want to see for an evaluation, what to expect during your first visits, and an overview of estimated costs you might face if you’re paying out of pocket. Our goal is to help you make clear, informed decisions to take care of your health.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Houston

Your symptoms of constant thirst, frequent urination, unusual tiredness, and dizziness may point to an underlying condition that requires professional evaluation. Based on these signs, here are some types of healthcare providers you might consider:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues. They are a great first step for evaluating your symptoms and can order the necessary tests or refer you to a specialist if needed.

  • Endocrinologist: A doctor specializing in hormone-related conditions, including diabetes and thyroid disorders. If your symptoms suggest something related to blood sugar or hormone imbalance, this might be the specialist you’ll see.

  • Internal Medicine Physician: Similar to family practice but focused mainly on adult health, internal medicine doctors manage complex or chronic conditions and can also help diagnose the cause of your symptoms.

All these providers are well-equipped to help you identify the reason behind your symptoms and start appropriate treatment.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of common visits and tests you might have with each provider in Houston, along with estimated costs if you are self-paying.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is a typical appointment where the doctor will review your symptoms, medical history, and possibly perform a physical exam to understand the cause of your thirst and tiredness.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.94 (typically ranges from $146.95 to $244.92)
    This estimate is based on 511 providers in the Houston area.

  • Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c test (CPT Code: 83036)
    Purpose: This blood test checks your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. It helps diagnose or rule out diabetes, which is a common reason for increased thirst and tiredness.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.10 (typically ranges from $11.33 to $18.88)
    Based on 90 providers in Houston.

  • Procedure: Blood glucose (sugar) level (CPT Code: 82947)
    Purpose: A quick test to see your current blood sugar level, important for diagnosing immediate blood sugar problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $6.64 (typically ranges from $4.60 to $8.68)
    Based on 15 providers in Houston.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CBC) test (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: This test looks at your red and white blood cells and platelets to check for infections, anemia, or other blood disorders that might be causing your fatigue.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.11 (typically ranges from $9.08 to $15.14)
    Based on 55 providers in Houston.

  • Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for blood sample (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: This is the standard procedure to draw blood for testing.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.83 (typically ranges from $9.62 to $16.04)
    Based on 86 providers in Houston.

Visit with an Endocrinologist

  • Procedure: New patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-44 minutes (CPT Code: 99203)
    Purpose: As a first visit, the endocrinologist will evaluate your symptoms and hormone-related health, including potential diabetes or thyroid issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $170.00 (typically ranges from $127.50 to $212.50)
    Based on 6 providers in Houston.

  • Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c test (CPT Code: 83036)
    Purpose: Blood test to monitor average glucose control, essential for diabetes diagnosis.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.38 (typically ranges from $11.30 to $29.45)
    Based on 33 providers in Houston.

  • Procedure: Blood glucose (sugar) level (CPT Code: 82947)
    Purpose: Immediate blood sugar measurement to check your current glucose level.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.23 (typically ranges from $4.57 to $13.89)
    Based on 13 providers in Houston.

  • Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for blood sample (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Blood draw required for lab tests.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.18 (typically ranges from $9.89 to $16.48)
    Based on 11 providers in Houston.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Physician

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Similar to family practice, this visit will help your doctor understand your symptoms and decide on necessary tests or treatments.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.75 (typically ranges from $146.06 to $243.44)
    Based on 492 providers in Houston.

  • Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c test (CPT Code: 83036)
    Purpose: Monitors average blood sugar levels to check for diabetes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.41 (typically ranges from $11.38 to $21.45)
    Based on 79 providers in Houston.

  • Procedure: Blood glucose (sugar) level (CPT Code: 82947)
    Purpose: Checks your current blood sugar level.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.82 (typically ranges from $4.61 to $11.03)
    Based on 6 providers in Houston.

  • Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for blood sample (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Blood collection for tests.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.01 (typically ranges from $9.76 to $16.26)
    Based on 87 providers in Houston.

If you’re experiencing persistent thirst, frequent urination, unusual tiredness, or dizziness, the best thing you can do is see a healthcare professional to get to the bottom of these symptoms. Here’s how to proceed:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Start by contacting a Family Practice, Internal Medicine, or Endocrinology doctor near you in Houston. Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctors make great first contacts.

  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, note how long they’ve been occurring, and list any other health concerns or questions you want to discuss. This helps your provider make a proper diagnosis.

  3. Discuss Costs: When you book your appointment, ask the office about self-pay costs or what your insurance might cover. The costs shared here are estimates to give you an idea of what to expect.

  4. Take Care of Yourself: Remember, feeling worried is understandable, and seeking care is the right step. Early evaluation can give you answers and 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 post is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your health or symptoms, please consult a qualified healthcare provider promptly.