Achy Joints and Tired All the Time? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Fort Worth, TX
Achy Joints and Tired All the Time? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Fort Worth, TX
If you’ve been feeling unusually tired no matter how much you sleep, coupled with moving joint pain that switches between your hands and knees, as well as intermittent redness on your cheeks and odd skin sensations, it’s completely understandable to feel concerned and want answers. Your body is sending you signals that something isn’t quite right, and sometimes these symptoms can be confusing and discouraging when they don’t improve on their own.
This post is here to help you make sense of these symptoms and guide you through your next important steps. You’ll learn who to see for your symptoms in Fort Worth, TX, what kinds of tests or visits you can expect initially, and an idea of the costs involved if you are paying out-of-pocket. You’re in the right place to start turning those worries into action and professional support.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Fort Worth, TX
Based on your symptoms—fatigue, joint pain that moves around, skin redness, and unusual skin spots—a few types of healthcare providers could be the best starting points to help diagnose and manage your condition:
- Rheumatologist: A specialist focused on diagnosing and treating joint, muscle, and autoimmune conditions. Since your symptoms could be related to inflammation or an autoimmune disorder, a rheumatologist is very likely to help.
- Family Practice Doctor: A generalist doctor who can evaluate a wide range of symptoms, run initial tests, and decide if you need to see a specialist. Family doctors are a great first step because they take a holistic view of your health.
- Internal Medicine Doctor: Physicians who specialize in adult medicine and complex diagnoses. They can assess chronic symptoms and conduct or coordinate thorough testing.
- Dermatologist: A skin specialist who can examine and diagnose skin-related symptoms, such as redness on your cheeks and any unusual spots or sensations on your skin. They can help rule out or treat skin conditions that might be linked to your symptoms.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here is an overview of common procedures and visits you may have with these providers in Fort Worth, including estimated self-pay costs based on local data. These costs can help you plan, especially if you don’t have insurance or want to estimate out-of-pocket expenses.
Visit with a Rheumatologist
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A detailed in-person exam where the rheumatologist reviews your symptoms, medical history, and physical findings to guide diagnosis and treatment.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.02 (typically ranges from $145.51 to $242.52)
This estimate is based on 22 providers in the Fort Worth area. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CBC) to check red and white blood cells and platelets (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: A blood test to assess your overall blood health and detect signs of anemia, infection, or inflammation.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.05 (ranges from $9.04 to $15.06)
Based on 5 providers. -
Procedure: C-reactive protein (CRP) test for infection or inflammation (CPT Code: 86140)
Purpose: Blood test that detects inflammation in your body, which can point to autoimmune or infectious causes.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.03 (ranges from $6.02 to $10.04)
Based on 5 providers. -
Procedure: Rheumatoid factor level test (CPT Code: 86431)
Purpose: Blood test looking for antibodies linked to rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.78 (ranges from $6.59 to $10.98)
Based on 3 providers. -
Procedure: Screening test for autoimmune disorder (CPT Code: 86038)
Purpose: Broader blood screening to check for signs of autoimmune diseases that might explain joint pain and fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.37 (ranges from $13.78 to $22.96)
Based on 2 providers.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Comprehensive visit to discuss symptoms and overall health. Good for an initial assessment and possible referrals.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.38 (ranges from $144.29 to $240.48)
Based on 350 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: General blood test to check for infections or blood disorders.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.14 (ranges from $9.11 to $15.18)
Based on 39 providers. -
Procedure: Creatinine level test to check kidney or muscle function (CPT Code: 82570)
Purpose: Blood test to make sure kidneys are working properly, as some causes of fatigue can relate to kidney health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.05 (ranges from $6.08 to $12.02)
Based on 39 providers. -
Procedure: Red blood cell sedimentation rate (ESR) to detect inflammation (CPT Code: 85652)
Purpose: Blood test that helps detect inflammation, often used alongside other tests for autoimmune disorders.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $4.24 (ranges from $3.18 to $5.30)
Based on 3 providers. -
Procedure: Stool analysis for blood (CPT Code: 82274)
Purpose: To check for signs of internal bleeding or related digestive issues that could contribute to tiredness.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $25.17 (ranges from $17.94 to $32.40)
Based on 5 providers.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Detailed medical evaluation for adults with complex or chronic symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.37 (ranges from $145.78 to $242.96)
Based on 224 providers. -
Procedure: Red blood cell sedimentation rate (CPT Code: 85652)
Purpose: Test for systemic inflammation to help diagnose autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $4.79 (ranges from $3.17 to $6.40)
Based on 9 providers. -
Procedure: Rheumatoid factor level test (CPT Code: 86431)
Purpose: Blood test identifying antibodies linked to rheumatoid arthritis.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.34 (ranges from $6.67 to $30.00)
Based on 1 provider. -
Procedure: C-reactive protein test (CPT Code: 86140)
Purpose: Detects presence of inflammation or infection in the body.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.78 (ranges from $6.06 to $13.50)
Based on 8 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Basic blood test to evaluate general health and detect issues such as anemia or infection.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.16 (ranges from $9.12 to $15.20)
Based on 43 providers.
Visit with a Dermatologist
- Procedure: New patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-44 minutes (CPT Code: 99203)
Purpose: Evaluation focused on skin-related symptoms like redness and spots to identify any dermatological causes or concerns.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $175.23 (ranges from $131.42 to $219.04)
Based on 50 providers.
Your Recommended Next Steps
The most important thing right now is to connect with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms in person and guide you toward the right diagnosis and treatment.
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact one of the provider types listed above — a Family Practice doctor is a convenient first stop if you’re unsure, or a Rheumatologist for a specialist assessment.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms including how long they have lasted, how often they move around, and any changes in your skin or energy levels. Also, note any questions you want to ask.
- Discuss Costs: When you call to make your appointment, ask about the self-pay cost or your insurance coverage for visits and lab tests. The prices shared here are estimated based on local providers and may vary.
- Take Reassurance in Action: Seeking professional advice is the right and brave thing to do. Proper diagnosis can bring relief, treatment options, 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 blog post is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your symptoms worsen or you experience severe pain, swelling, fever, or other concerning signs, seek immediate medical attention.