Always Tired and Losing Weight? Next Steps for Care in Fort Worth, TX
Always Tired and Losing Weight? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Fort Worth, TX
It’s understandable to feel worried when you’ve been feeling constantly tired over the past few weeks, losing weight without trying, and experiencing night sweats. These symptoms understandably cause concern, especially when they don’t go away despite getting enough rest. You’re taking a thoughtful, careful approach by seeking to understand what might be causing these symptoms without jumping to conclusions.
This blog post is here to guide you through the next practical steps: helping you understand which healthcare providers in Fort Worth, TX, you might consider seeing, what kinds of visits and tests to expect, and the typical costs based on local data. You’re in the right place to take an informed step toward your health and peace of mind.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Fort Worth, TX
Feeling fatigued, losing weight, and sweating at night can be caused by a variety of health issues—from infections and thyroid problems to diabetes or other systemic conditions. Based on your symptoms, here are some types of doctors you might consider starting your care with in Fort Worth:
- Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can evaluate a wide range of symptoms, order necessary initial tests, and refer you to specialists if needed. They are an excellent first point of contact.
- Internal Medicine Doctor: Specializes in adult health and complex medical conditions. They can do thorough evaluations and manage many internal diseases.
- Endocrinologist: A specialist in hormone-related conditions, including thyroid issues and diabetes, which are common causes of tiredness and weight changes.
- Infectious Disease Specialist: Focuses on infections that might cause systemic symptoms like fever, sweating, and weight loss.
- Hematology-Oncology Doctor: A specialist who investigates blood disorders and cancers, sometimes needed if initial tests suggest more serious underlying conditions.
Starting with a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor is often the practical approach, as they can evaluate your symptoms broadly and guide your care effectively.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Below are typical office visits and common tests these providers order to help diagnose causes for your symptoms, along with cost estimates for self-pay patients in Fort Worth, TX.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: This is a standard appointment where your doctor will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical exam. It helps start the diagnostic process and decide which tests are needed.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.38 (typically ranges from $144.29 to $240.48)
This estimate is based on 350 providers in the Fort Worth area. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: This blood test checks your red and white blood cells and platelets. It can detect anemia, infections, or inflammation.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.14 (ranges from $9.11 to $15.18)
Based on 39 local providers. -
Procedure: Comprehensive blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
Purpose: Measures various substances in your blood to evaluate liver, kidney, and electrolyte function. Helps identify organ issues that might be causing fatigue or weight loss.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $17.29 (ranges from $12.38 to $22.19)
Based on 36 providers. -
Procedure: Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test (CPT Code: 84443)
Purpose: Tests thyroid gland function. Thyroid problems are a common cause of tiredness and weight changes.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.30 (ranges from $19.73 to $32.88)
Based on 34 providers. -
Procedure: Automated urinalysis test (CPT Code: 81003)
Purpose: Analyzes urine to detect infections, kidney disease, or other conditions. It’s a simple test that helps rule out some causes of your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $4.97 (ranges from $2.63 to $7.30)
Based on 82 providers.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.37 (range $145.78–$242.96) based on 224 providers. -
Complete blood cell count, comprehensive blood chemicals, TSH, and Hemoglobin A1c are often ordered here as well, with estimated costs similar to Family Practice.
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Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level (CPT Code: 83036)
Purpose: Measures blood sugar control over the past 3 months. Can help detect diabetes, which can cause fatigue and weight loss.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.94 (range $11.23–$26.65)
Based on 65 providers.
Visit with an Endocrinologist
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Procedure: New patient office or other outpatient visit, 45-59 minutes (CPT Code: 99204)
Purpose: Longer, detailed visit focused on hormone and metabolic problems like thyroid disorders or diabetes.**
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $261.36 (range $196.02–$326.70) based on 18 providers. -
Hemoglobin A1c and lipid blood tests may also be ordered with similar costs.
Visit with an Infectious Disease Specialist
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Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $188.37 (range $141.28–$235.46) based on 25 providers. -
Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.44 (range $10.08–$16.80)
Visit with a Hematology-Oncology Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office visit (CPT Code: 99214)
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.22 (range $144.91–$241.52) based on 37 providers. -
Comprehensive blood tests such as blood chemicals and cell counts with variable costs.
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Red blood cell sedimentation rate (CPT Code: 85651)
Purpose: Detects inflammation in the body.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.41 (range $5.02–$19.80). -
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) protein level (CPT Code: 82378)
Purpose: A test sometimes used to monitor certain cancers.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $40.78 (range $22.16–$59.40).
Your Recommended Next Steps
Taking the right next step can feel overwhelming, but here’s a straightforward plan:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor in Fort Worth to start. They can evaluate your symptoms and order appropriate tests.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms including how long they’ve lasted, any weight changes, night sweats, and any other concerns or questions you have for the doctor.
- Discuss Costs: When you book your appointment, ask the office about self-pay or insurance coverage costs. The estimates here are typical but can vary by provider.
- Follow Up as Recommended: Depending on initial results, your doctor might refer you to an endocrinologist, infectious disease specialist, or other experts.
- Stay Positive and Proactive: You’re doing the right thing by seeking professional advice — it’s the best path to finding the cause and getting treatment.
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 should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of health conditions.