Persistent Headache and Dizziness? Your Next Steps in Atlanta, GA
Persistent Headache and Dizziness? Your Next Steps in Atlanta, GA
If you’ve been dealing with a really bad headache that just won’t go away, feel dizzy, notice your heart beating faster than usual, and experience shortness of breath during normal activities, it’s completely natural to feel worried. These symptoms can feel unsettling and concerning, especially when they persist. Searching for a “walk in clinic near me” shows you’re taking a thoughtful step toward understanding what might be causing this and getting professional help.
This post is designed to guide you through the next steps: who you might want to see based on your symptoms, what kind of exams and procedures you can expect, and an overview of estimated costs for care in the Atlanta, GA area. You’re in the right place to get clear, helpful information and move confidently toward the care you deserve.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Atlanta, GA
Based on your symptoms — headache, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and breathlessness — there are several types of healthcare providers that could be a good place to start. Here’s a quick guide to each:
- Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who diagnoses and treats a wide variety of health issues, including headaches and common heart-related symptoms. They’re often the first stop for new or ongoing symptoms.
- Internal Medicine Doctor: Specialists in adult health who focus on complex or chronic conditions, including heart and lung health. Good for a detailed evaluation if your symptoms suggest something more involved.
- Emergency Medicine Doctor: If your symptoms worsen suddenly or you feel severely unwell, emergency providers can evaluate and treat urgent or potentially serious conditions.
- Neurologist: A specialist focusing on the brain and nervous system, particularly useful if your headaches and dizziness might be linked to neurological causes.
- Cardiologist: A heart specialist who evaluates symptoms like rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and chest-related issues to check for heart-related causes.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s an overview of typical procedures for each provider type, along with estimated self-pay costs in Atlanta, GA. These figures can help you prepare financially but remember to check with your provider for exact prices.
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: A thorough check-up where the doctor listens to your symptoms, examines you, and discusses your health concerns.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.48 (typically ranges from $147.36 to $245.60)
This estimate is based on 348 providers in the Atlanta area. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads with interpretation (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: A simple heart test to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity—important if you feel your heart racing.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.05 (typically ranges from $17.18 to $38.92)
This estimate is based on 93 providers in the Atlanta area. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: An imaging test to check your lungs and chest structure if you’re feeling short of breath.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $52.22 (typically ranges from $39.17 to $65.28)
This estimate is based on 32 providers in the Atlanta area.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A detailed examination specifically for adults that can explore your symptoms deeply and check for underlying conditions.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.58 (typically ranges from $146.69 to $244.48)
This estimate is based on 444 providers in the Atlanta area. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: Tests your heart’s electrical pattern to help determine if the heart is causing your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.86 (typically ranges from $17.26 to $40.46)
This estimate is based on 210 providers in Atlanta. -
Procedure: Ultrasound of heart with blood flow (CPT Code: 93306)
Purpose: Uses sound waves to create images of your heart’s function—important if your rapid heartbeat or breathlessness needs detailed review.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $248.57 (typically ranges from $155.35 to $341.79)
This estimate is based on 22 providers in Atlanta. -
Procedure: Exercise or drug-induced heart stress test with ECG (CPT Code: 93016)
Purpose: Checks how your heart performs under physical stress, which can reveal problems causing your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $41.06 (typically ranges from $25.07 to $57.05)
This estimate is based on 4 providers in Atlanta.
Visit with an Emergency Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Emergency department visit with high medical decision making (CPT Code: 99285)
Purpose: An in-depth and urgent medical evaluation for serious symptoms needing immediate attention.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $464.12 (typically ranges from $208.01 to $720.24)
This estimate is based on 423 providers in Atlanta. -
Procedure: Routine ECG (CPT Code: 93010)
Purpose: Quick heart rhythm test during an emergency visit.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $24.29 (typically ranges from $9.61 to $38.96)
This estimate is based on 269 providers in Atlanta. -
Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: Imaging to check lungs and chest in urgent situations.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $52.06 (typically ranges from $39.05 to $65.08)
This estimate is based on 6 providers in Atlanta.
Visit with a Neurologist
- Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A focused neurological exam to explore causes of persistent headaches and dizziness.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.77 (typically ranges from $147.58 to $245.96)
This estimate is based on 85 providers in Atlanta.
Visit with a Cardiologist
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Detailed heart health evaluation to identify causes of rapid heartbeat and breathlessness.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.18 (typically ranges from $147.13 to $245.22)
This estimate is based on 161 providers in Atlanta. -
Procedure: Routine ECG (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: Heart rhythm and electrical activity test.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.12 (typically ranges from $17.22 to $39.03)
This estimate is based on 127 providers in Atlanta. -
Procedure: Ultrasound of heart (CPT Code: 93306)
Purpose: Checks heart valve and blood flow function, important for thorough cardiac assessment.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $146.40 (typically ranges from $92.16 to $200.63)
This estimate is based on 132 providers in Atlanta. -
Procedure: Exercise or drug-induced heart stress test with ECG review (CPT Code: 93018)
Purpose: Tests heart function under stress to detect hidden issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $25.46 (typically ranges from $16.48 to $34.45)
This estimate is based on 81 providers in Atlanta.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Your symptoms deserve prompt professional attention. Here’s what you should do next:
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Schedule an Appointment
Contact a Family Practice doctor or Internal Medicine physician near you to start with a comprehensive exam. Based on your initial evaluation, they may refer you to a neurologist or cardiologist if needed. -
Prepare for Your Visit
Write down all your symptoms including how long they’ve been happening, if anything makes them better or worse, and any other health concerns you want to discuss. -
Discuss Costs Upfront
Call the provider’s office to confirm pricing and what your out-of-pocket costs might be, especially if you’re paying without insurance. Use the cost estimates above as a helpful guide. -
Seek Emergency Care if Symptoms Worsen
If you experience severe chest pain, fainting, sudden severe headache, difficulty breathing, or any rapid deterioration, go to the emergency room immediately.
Remember, taking this step to get expert advice is the best way to find out what’s causing your symptoms and how to feel better.
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 you have any urgent symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.