Swollen Ankles and Belly? Next Healthcare Steps in Los Angeles, CA
Swollen Ankles and Belly? Next Healthcare Steps in Los Angeles, CA
If you’ve been feeling very tired for weeks, notice swelling in your ankles, a bloated belly, itchy skin, and have a yellowish tint to your skin, it’s completely understandable to feel worried and want answers. These symptoms can be concerning, and you’re taking the right step by searching for guidance on what to do next. In this post, we will walk you through the possible healthcare professionals you can consult in Los Angeles, CA, what kinds of tests and visits you may need, and what typical costs look like. You’ll get clear, simple information to help you take confident next steps toward feeling better.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles, CA
Based on your symptoms, a few types of healthcare providers could be a good starting point to determine what’s causing the swelling and other symptoms:
- Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can diagnose and treat a wide range of health concerns. Great for an initial visit to explore various causes and coordinate any needed tests or referrals.
- Gastroenterologist: A specialist in digestive system conditions, who can investigate causes related to your belly bloating, liver function, or any related issues.
- Hematologist: A doctor focusing on blood disorders and related problems, helpful for detailed blood tests or if there are concerns about liver or blood function.
- Internal Medicine Physician: A specialist in adult medicine who can provide comprehensive care and coordinate various tests and evaluations for complex or unclear symptoms.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s a breakdown of common procedures you might encounter with these providers in Los Angeles, along with estimated self-pay costs based on recent data. This can help you prepare financially and understand what to expect during your visit.
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 detailed office visit where your doctor will review your symptoms, perform an exam, and discuss next steps.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.58 (typically ranges from $157.19 to $261.98)
Provider Availability: Estimate based on 799 providers in Los Angeles. -
Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
Purpose: Blood tests can assess your liver, kidney function, and other chemical balances to help find causes of swelling and yellowish skin.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $55.91 (ranges from $12.41 to $99.42)
Provider Availability: 23 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (red cells, white blood cell, platelets), automated test (CPT Code: 85027)
Purpose: Evaluates your blood cell counts to check for infection, anemia, or other blood-related issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.35 (ranges from $7.61 to $17.10)
Provider Availability: 2 providers. -
Procedure: Analysis of urine, except immunoassays (CPT Code: 81005)
Purpose: Urine analysis helps detect kidney function or possible infections that might contribute to swelling.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $10.28 (ranges from $2.56 to $18.00)
Provider Availability: 1 provider. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: A chest X-ray can check for heart or lung issues that might cause swelling.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $51.81 (ranges from $38.86 to $64.76)
Provider Availability: 70 providers.
Visit with a Gastroenterologist
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A specialist visit focusing on digestive and liver health which could explain bloating and yellowish skin.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $206.69 (ranges from $155.02 to $258.36)
Provider Availability: 253 providers. -
Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of abdomen (CPT Code: 76700)
Purpose: An ultrasound helps visualize your liver, gallbladder, and abdomen to detect swelling causes.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $225.35 (ranges from $138.80 to $311.90)
Provider Availability: 13 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count with automated differential (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Detailed blood count to evaluate immune system and possible infections.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.56 (ranges from $9.12 to $24.00)
Provider Availability: 5 providers. -
Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
Purpose: Tests for chemical markers related to liver and metabolic function.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.48 (ranges $12.41 to $40.56)
Provider Availability: 5 providers. -
Procedure: Measurement of liver stiffness (CPT Code: 91200)
Purpose: Non-invasive test to assess liver health and detect scarring or fibrosis.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $54.99 (ranges $33.01 to $76.97)
Provider Availability: 20 providers.
Visit with a Hematologist
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Detailed examination specifically related to blood and liver function issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $170.13 (ranges from $127.60 to $212.66)
Provider Availability: 40 providers. -
Procedure: Liver function blood test panel (CPT Code: 80076)
Purpose: Measures specific liver enzymes and proteins to check liver health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $53.26 (ranges $9.61 to $96.91)
Provider Availability: 1 provider. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count with automated differential (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Examines your blood cells for detailed insights into infection or anemia.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $50.24 (ranges $9.13 to $91.34)
Provider Availability: 1 provider. -
Procedure: Blood test, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
Purpose: Tests your thyroid, which when imbalanced can cause swelling and fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $109.58 (ranges $19.75 to $199.41)
Provider Availability: 1 provider. -
Procedure: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) protein level (CPT Code: 82378)
Purpose: Blood marker test sometimes used to monitor certain diseases including some cancers.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $121.93 (ranges $22.30 to $221.57)
Provider Availability: 1 provider.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Physician
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Comprehensive office visit for adults addressing complex or multiple symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $204.24 (ranges $153.18 to $255.30)
Provider Availability: 1176 providers. -
Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
Purpose: Lab tests to check your overall metabolic and organ function.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $40.82 (ranges $12.42 to $69.22)
Provider Availability: 76 providers. -
Procedure: Uric acid level, blood (CPT Code: 84550)
Purpose: Checks for uric acid, which if high, might contribute to swelling and pain.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.32 (ranges $5.32 to $13.32)
Provider Availability: 58 providers. -
Procedure: Bilirubin level, total (CPT Code: 82247)
Purpose: Tests a yellow pigment processed by the liver; high levels can cause yellowish skin.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.95 (ranges $5.90 to $20.00)
Provider Availability: 6 providers. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: To rule out lung or heart conditions related to swelling symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $55.63 (ranges $41.72 to $69.54)
Provider Availability: 111 providers.
Your Recommended Next Steps
It’s important to move forward and get a professional evaluation soon. Here are practical steps to help you:
- Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to a Family Practice doctor or Internal Medicine physician first. They can evaluate your overall health and refer you to specialists like Gastroenterologists or Hematologists if needed.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, including when they started and how they’ve changed. Mention your tiredness, swelling, itchiness, and skin color changes to your doctor.
- Discuss Costs: When booking, ask about the estimated costs for visits and tests so you can plan financially. The figures here are estimates and may vary.
- Trust Your Choice: Seeking medical advice is the right and courageous decision for your health. Early evaluation can lead to better outcomes 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 blog provides general information about medical symptoms and healthcare services for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you have regarding your medical condition.