Trouble Breathing? What to Do and Where to Go in Phoenix, AZ

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Trouble Breathing? What to Do and Where to Go in Phoenix, AZ

If you’re experiencing trouble catching your breath and a tight feeling in your chest that just won’t go away, it’s completely understandable to feel worried. These symptoms can be unsettling, especially if it’s something new for you. Many people in Phoenix consider whether the dry air or weather might be making it worse, adding to the concern.

This post is here to help you feel more informed and empowered. We’ll walk you through what types of healthcare providers can help with your symptoms, what to expect during your visit, and a general idea of costs in the Phoenix area. You’re in the right place to learn the next important steps to take toward peace of mind and proper care.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Phoenix

When you have trouble breathing or chest tightness, a few types of doctors could be good places to start. These providers can evaluate your symptoms, perform necessary tests, and guide you toward treatment:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A general doctor who can diagnose and treat many health conditions and coordinate your care. They are often the best first step for new or unclear symptoms.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Specialists in adult health who manage a range of chronic and acute illnesses, including heart and lung issues.
  • Pulmonary Disease Specialist (Pulmonologist): Doctors who focus on lung and breathing problems, ideal if your trouble breathing is related to lung function.
  • Cardiology Specialist (Cardiologist): Heart experts who evaluate chest tightness, heart rhythms, and overall heart health to rule out cardiac causes.
  • Emergency Medicine Provider: If symptoms become severe, such as sudden worsening of breathlessness or chest pain, emergency care is critical.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of common procedures these providers might use to evaluate your trouble breathing and what you might expect to pay if paying out-of-pocket in Phoenix.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established Patient Office Visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is a 30-39 minute outpatient visit where the doctor will review your symptoms, ask about your health history, and examine you. It helps identify what might be causing your breathing issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.39 (typically ranges from $143.54 to $239.24)
    This estimate is based on 602 providers in the Phoenix area.

  • Procedure: Routine Electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: A simple heart test records your heart’s electrical activity to check for any irregularities that might cause chest tightness or breathlessness.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $22.19 (ranges from $16.64 to $27.74)
    Based on 209 providers.

  • Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: An X-ray to look at your lungs and heart for signs of infection, fluid, or other problems affecting breathing.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $47.36 (ranges from $35.52 to $59.20)
    Based on 28 providers.

  • Procedure: Inhalation Treatment for Airway Obstruction (CPT Code: 94640)
    Purpose: Treatment to help open your airways if you have wheezing or obstruction.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.29 (ranges from $10.24 to $26.35)
    Based on 6 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established Patient Office Visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Similar to family practice, a detailed visit to evaluate symptoms and decide if further testing is needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $189.36 (ranges from $142.02 to $236.70)
    From 438 providers.

  • Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Helps detect lung or heart issues that could explain breathing difficulty.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $40.91 (ranges from $30.68 to $51.14)
    Based on 18 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine Electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Tests your heart’s rhythm and overall condition to rule out heart causes of tight chest.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $22.14 (ranges from $16.61 to $27.68)
    Based on 154 providers.

  • Procedure: Inhalation Treatment (CPT Code: 94640)
    Purpose: Helps open airways if breathing is restricted.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.01 (ranges from $10.37 to $19.64)
    Based on 3 providers.

  • Procedure: Lung Gas Exchange Test (CPT Code: 94729)
    Purpose: Measures how well your lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, important if lung disease is suspected.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $50.50 (ranges from $37.87 to $63.12)
    From 2 providers.

Visit with a Pulmonary Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: Established Patient Office Visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A focused lung specialist visit to diagnose breathing problems or lung diseases.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.09 (ranges from $143.32 to $238.86)
    Based on 72 providers.

  • Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Imaging to check lung condition.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $51.38 (ranges from $38.53 to $64.22)
    Based on 15 providers.

  • Procedure: Lung Gas Exchange Test (CPT Code: 94729)
    Purpose: Evaluates how lungs transfer oxygen into the blood.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $70.48 (ranges from $52.86 to $88.10)
    Based on 58 providers.

  • Procedure: Expiratory Airflow Test (CPT Code: 94010)
    Purpose: Measures airflow from your lungs to detect possible obstruction.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $36.26 (ranges from $27.19 to $45.32)
    Based on 42 providers.

  • Procedure: Inhalation Treatment (CPT Code: 94640)
    Purpose: Treatment to ease breathing difficulty.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $17.21 (ranges from $10.39 to $24.03)
    Based on 12 providers.

Visit with a Cardiology Specialist

  • Procedure: Established Patient Office Visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A specialist evaluates if your chest tightness or breath issues are connected to heart problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $182.46 (ranges from $136.85 to $228.08)
    Based on 181 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine Electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Checks your heart’s electrical signals for abnormalities.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $24.10 (ranges from $16.74 to $31.45)
    Based on 161 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of the Heart (Echocardiogram) (CPT Code: 93306)
    Purpose: Uses sound waves to view heart structure and function, important for diagnosing heart causes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $160.52 (ranges from $114.08 to $206.95)
    Based on 169 providers.

  • Procedure: Stress Test with ECG (CPT Code: 93015)
    Purpose: Tests heart function under exercise or medication-induced stress.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $99.10 (ranges from $74.33 to $123.88)
    Based on 118 providers.

  • Procedure: Sleep Study (CPT Code: 95800)
    Purpose: Measures heart rate, breathing, and sleep patterns if sleep apnea or related issues may affect breathing.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $224.91 (ranges from $168.68 to $281.14)
    Based on 4 providers.

Emergency Medicine Providers

If your breathing difficulty suddenly worsens, or you have severe chest pain, dizziness, or fainting, seek emergency care immediately.

  • Procedure: Emergency Department Visit (moderate decision making) (CPT Code: 99284)
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $366.89 (ranges from $141.49 to $592.30)
    Based on 384 providers.

  • Procedures: ECG, Chest X-ray, Oxygen Therapy, Inhalation Treatment available as needed with varying costs.

If you’re dealing with persistent trouble breathing and chest tightness, taking action promptly can bring you the answers and relief you need. Here’s how to move forward:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Pulmonary, or Cardiology provider near you in Phoenix to discuss your symptoms. Start with what feels most accessible or recommended by your health plan.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms, when they started, any triggers you’ve noticed, and questions you want to ask your doctor. This helps the provider understand your situation clearly.
  3. Discuss Costs Upfront: When booking, ask about estimated costs and payment options. The estimates here give you a ballpark but can vary by office, insurance, and treatments needed.
  4. In an Emergency, Go to the ER: If your symptoms escalate suddenly, do not wait – seek emergency care immediately.

Remember, feeling anxious about breathing problems is normal, but seeking professional advice is the best choice you can make for your health 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 information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing severe or worsening symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately.