Chronic Cough Won’t Go Away? Your Guide to Next Steps in Dallas, TX
Chronic Cough Won’t Go Away? Your Guide to Next Steps in Dallas, TX
Having a cough that just won’t go away for weeks can be really frustrating and worrying, especially when it’s accompanied by chest tightness, mucus, and feeling tired easily. You’re not alone in feeling concerned about these symptoms. It’s understandable to wonder if something serious is going on and what you should do next. This blog post is here to guide you through the possible causes, who you might see for help, and what typical costs look like in Dallas, TX, so you feel confident when reaching out for the care you need.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Dallas, TX
Based on your symptoms of a persistent cough with chest tightness and mucus production, there are a few types of doctors who are good places to start:
- Pulmonary Disease Specialists: These doctors focus specifically on lung and respiratory conditions. If your cough is related to asthma, chronic bronchitis, or other lung diseases, they are the experts who can provide specialized care and testing.
- Internal Medicine Doctors: These physicians handle adult health concerns and can diagnose a broad range of diseases. They are well-equipped to evaluate your symptoms and determine if further testing or a specialist referral is needed.
- Family Practice Doctors: A family practice doctor is a generalist who treats patients of all ages for a variety of health concerns, including respiratory issues. They can be a convenient first step to start an evaluation and guide you toward the right specialist if needed.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here is an overview of the typical procedures you might undergo with each type of provider and what you can expect the costs to be if you are paying out of pocket in the Dallas, TX area.
Visit with a Pulmonary Disease Doctor
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Procedure: Established Patient Office or Other Outpatient Visit (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A longer visit to discuss your symptoms and medical history in detail, and to perform a physical exam to understand your lung health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $185.71 (typically ranges from $139.28 to $232.14)
This estimate is based on 95 providers in the Dallas area. -
Procedure: X-ray of Chest, 2 Views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: A simple imaging test to check your lungs and chest for signs of infection, inflammation, or other problems.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $49.76 (typically ranges from $37.32 to $62.20)
This estimate is based on 12 providers in the Dallas area. -
Procedure: Test to Measure Expiratory Airflow and Volume (CPT Code: 94010)
Purpose: This test measures how well you can breathe out and checks for airway obstructions like asthma or chronic bronchitis.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.77 (typically ranges from $15.55 to $37.99)
This estimate is based on 66 providers in the Dallas area. -
Procedure: Test to Examine How Well the Lungs Exchange Gases (CPT Code: 94729)
Purpose: A test to see how efficiently oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in your lungs.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $48.26 (typically ranges from $31.16 to $65.36)
This estimate is based on 75 providers in the Dallas area. -
Procedure: Inhalation Treatment for Airway Obstruction or Sputum Production (CPT Code: 94640)
Purpose: A treatment session that may help open your airways or loosen mucus to relieve symptoms during your visit.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $22.39 (typically ranges from $10.58 to $34.20)
This estimate is based on 1 provider in the Dallas area.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Established Patient Office or Other Outpatient Visit (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A detailed appointment to review your symptoms and overall health, and to plan further evaluation or treatment.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.08 (typically ranges from $145.56 to $242.60)
This estimate is based on 508 providers in the Dallas area. -
Procedure: X-ray of Chest, 2 Views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: An imaging test to inspect the lungs and chest structure for abnormalities.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $48.72 (typically ranges from $36.54 to $60.90)
This estimate is based on 72 providers in the Dallas area. -
Procedure: Automated Urinalysis Test (CPT Code: 81003)
Purpose: A simple urine test that can help check for infections or other conditions that might be related to your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $5.02 (typically ranges from $2.64 to $7.40)
This estimate is based on 68 providers in the Dallas area. -
Procedure: Complete Blood Cell Count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: A blood test that measures different cells in your blood to detect infection, anemia, or inflammation.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.47 (typically ranges from $9.10 to $17.84)
This estimate is based on 57 providers in the Dallas area. -
Procedure: Routine Electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: A heart rhythm test to rule out heart-related causes of chest tightness and fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $24.13 (typically ranges from $16.97 to $31.30)
This estimate is based on 212 providers in the Dallas area.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
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Procedure: Established Patient Office or Other Outpatient Visit (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A comprehensive visit to understand your symptoms and provide initial treatment or referrals.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.57 (typically ranges from $145.18 to $241.96)
This estimate is based on 494 providers in the Dallas area. -
Procedure: X-ray of Chest, 2 Views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: To obtain images of your lungs and chest to look for infections or other lung conditions.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $47.31 (typically ranges from $35.48 to $59.14)
This estimate is based on 42 providers in the Dallas area. -
Procedure: Automated Urinalysis Test (CPT Code: 81003)
Purpose: To check for urinary tract infections or other factors that might affect your health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $6.16 (typically ranges from $2.63 to $9.70)
This estimate is based on 85 providers in the Dallas area. -
Procedure: Routine Electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: Heart rhythm check to help rule out cardiac causes of chest discomfort or fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.60 (typically ranges from $16.93 to $36.28)
This estimate is based on 133 providers in the Dallas area. -
Procedure: Detection Test for Influenza Virus (CPT Code: 87804)
Purpose: A rapid test to check if the flu virus could be causing your cough and fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.36 (typically ranges from $19.44 to $37.28)
This estimate is based on 39 providers in the Dallas area.
Your Recommended Next Steps
The most important next step is to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to get a proper evaluation and peace of mind. Here’s what you can do:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Pulmonary Disease specialist, Internal Medicine doctor, or Family Practice physician in Dallas. Each of these providers is well-prepared to help you investigate your chronic cough and related symptoms.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down how long your cough has lasted, any other symptoms, and any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
- Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask the provider’s office about estimated costs and payment options so you are prepared financially. The costs shared above are estimates for self-pay patients in Dallas.
- Stay Positive: Seeking professional advice is the right and proactive choice for your health. Most often, persistent coughs can be effectively treated once the cause is found.
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 information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your symptoms.