Lump in Neck and Tired? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Houston, TX
Lump in Neck and Tired? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Houston, TX
If you’ve been feeling unusually tired for weeks, losing weight without trying, and notice a lump in your neck that won’t go away, it’s natural to feel worried. These symptoms can be concerning and may not be related to a common cold or simple infection. You’re taking an important step by seeking more information to understand what these signs could mean. This post is here to help guide you through what type of healthcare providers you should consider seeing next, what tests and procedures may be involved, and what you might expect in terms of cost if you’re in Houston, TX. You’ve come to the right place for practical, clear information.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Houston, TX
Based on your symptoms—persistent lump in the neck, fatigue, and unintended weight loss—a few types of healthcare providers could be your best first step:
- Family Practice Doctor: A general doctor who diagnoses and treats a wide range of health issues. They are often the first contact and can help coordinate further care.
- Internal Medicine Doctor: Specialists in adult medicine who manage more complex or prolonged illnesses, often including issues with glands, infections, and chronic fatigue.
- Hematology-Oncology Specialist: If the lump and symptoms suggest possible blood disorders or cancers like lymphoma, this specialist focuses on blood and cancer conditions.
- Infectious Disease Specialist: If an infection is suspected as the cause of your symptoms, these doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating complex infections.
Choosing the right provider depends on your exact symptoms and health history, but starting with a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor is usually a good place.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s what typical visits and tests might look like for each provider type, along with estimated self-pay costs in Houston based on available pricing data. Keep in mind these are estimates and costs can vary.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: This is a 30-39 minute in-office visit where the doctor will review your symptoms, examine the lump, and discuss your fatigue and weight loss. It’s the first step to understanding your health concern.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.94 (typically ranges from $146.95 to $244.92)
Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 511 providers in Houston. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: A blood test to check your red and white cells and platelets. This helps assess if your tiredness or lump might be related to blood or immune system issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.11 (ranges from $9.08 to $15.14)
Provider Availability: 55 providers. -
Procedure: Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test (CPT Code: 84443)
Purpose: Measures thyroid function. Thyroid problems can cause fatigue and swelling in the neck.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.27 (ranges from $19.70 to $32.84)
Provider Availability: 50 providers. -
Procedure: Automated urinalysis test (CPT Code: 81003)
Purpose: Analyzes urine for infections or kidney problems that might cause your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $5.07 (ranges from $2.64 to $7.50)
Provider Availability: 26 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)
Purpose: Similar to family practice, this visit helps the doctor evaluate your symptoms in detail and decide on further testing if needed.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.75 (ranges from $146.06 to $243.44)
Provider Availability: 492 providers. -
(Blood draws and thyroid tests like those above are also available through internal medicine specialists with similar costs.)
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Procedure: Pathology examination of tissue (CPT Code: 88305)
Purpose: If the lump is biopsied, this microscopic exam checks for abnormal or cancerous cells.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $54.22 (ranges from $40.67 to $67.78)
Provider Availability: 1 provider.
Visit with a Hematology-Oncology Specialist
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Procedure: New patient office or other outpatient visit, 60-74 minutes (CPT Code: 99205)
Purpose: A longer, detailed visit for patients with new, serious symptoms possibly related to blood cancers or disorders.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $304.08 (ranges from $228.06 to $380.10)
Provider Availability: 83 providers. -
Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of abdomen (CPT Code: 76700)
Purpose: Imaging to check if the lump is connected to swollen lymph nodes or other internal organs.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $133.25 (ranges from $91.09 to $175.41)
Provider Availability: 2 providers. -
Procedure: MRI scan of brain with contrast (CPT Code: 70553)
Purpose: Advanced imaging if neurological symptoms arise or spread is suspected.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $369.52 (ranges from $221.03 to $518.00)
Provider Availability: 1 provider. -
Procedure: Complete blood count (CPT Code: 85025) and ferritin blood test (CPT Code: 82728)
Purpose: Detailed blood tests for anemia, infection, or iron levels.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.67 and $21.38 respectively.
Provider Availability: 17 and 1 provider(s).
Visit with an Infectious Disease Specialist
- Procedure: New patient office or outpatient visit, 45-59 minutes (CPT Code: 99204)
Purpose: Evaluation of possible infections causing your symptoms, if initial tests suggest this.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $236.30 (ranges from $177.23 to $295.38)
Provider Availability: 14 providers.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Your symptoms deserve careful attention, and the best course of action is to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional who can personally evaluate your condition. Here’s how to move forward:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor in Houston as your first step. They can start evaluating your lump and symptoms and refer you to specialists if needed.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms, how long you’ve noticed them, and any questions or concerns you have to discuss.
- Discuss Costs: When you book the appointment, ask the provider’s office to confirm their current prices. The costs shared here are estimates to help you plan.
- Stay Calm and Informed: Remember, lumps and fatigue can have many causes—some serious, some less so. A professional evaluation is the key to understanding and treating your symptoms effectively.
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 provides general information based on cost data and typical provider roles in Houston, TX. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.