Feeling Yellow Skin and Tired All the Time? Here's How to Get Help in The Woodlands, TX
Feeling Yellow Skin and Tired All the Time? Here’s How to Get Help in The Woodlands, TX
If you’ve been feeling unusually tired for weeks and have noticed your skin and eyes turning yellow, it’s completely understandable to feel worried and unsure about what might be going on. You might also be concerned because your stomach appears swollen. These symptoms can be unsettling, and it’s important to know that you’ve taken a crucial first step by searching for information. This post is here to help guide you through what these symptoms might mean, the right kinds of doctors to see for an evaluation, and what you can expect regarding initial healthcare costs right here in The Woodlands, TX.
You’re in the right place to find clear, practical information to help you take your next steps toward feeling better.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in The Woodlands, TX
Based on your symptoms of yellow skin (which may be a sign of jaundice), ongoing fatigue, and a swollen stomach area, there are a few types of doctors who could be a good starting point for a professional evaluation:
- Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can examine your overall health, order basic blood tests, and provide referrals if specialist care is needed. They are often the first stop for new or unclear symptoms.
- Internal Medicine Specialist: Focuses on adult medicine and can help manage complex or unclear medical conditions. They perform detailed evaluations including comprehensive blood testing to look for liver, kidney, or thyroid issues.
- Gastroenterologist: A specialist in digestive system problems, including liver diseases. If jaundice or stomach swelling suggests liver or digestive tract problems, this is the provider who can perform specialized tests and procedures.
- Hematologist: A specialist in blood disorders who might be involved if blood conditions are suspected during your evaluation.
Each of these doctors has experience diagnosing and managing symptoms like yours, and they can coordinate testing and treatment.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s an overview of what visits and procedures might look like and the estimated self-pay costs in The Woodlands, TX, based on the latest local data.
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 visit allows the doctor to review your symptoms, exam you physically, and decide which tests to order next.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.28 (typically ranges from $149.46 to $249.10)
Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 239 providers in The Woodlands area. -
Procedure: Liver function blood test panel (CPT Code: 80076)
Purpose: This blood test checks how well your liver is working, important given the yellow skin.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $14.42 (typically ranges from $9.05 to $19.80)
Provider Availability: 1 provider. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Measures red and white blood cells and platelets — helps identify infection, anemia, or other blood issues contributing to fatigue or yellowing.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.86 (typically ranges from $9.12 to $24.61)
Provider Availability: 28 providers.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Specialist
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A detailed examination by a specialist focused on adult medicine to further evaluate ongoing unexplained symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.57 (typically ranges from $149.68 to $249.46)
Provider Availability: 155 providers. -
Procedure: Comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
Purpose: A broad blood test panel to assess liver, kidney, electrolytes, and other organ functions.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $22.19 (typically ranges from $12.37 to $32.00)
Provider Availability: 23 providers. -
Procedure: Thyroid stimulating hormone blood test (CPT Code: 84443)
Purpose: Checks thyroid function to see if it might be contributing to fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $33.88 (typically ranges from $19.72 to $48.04)
Provider Availability: 21 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: See above for purpose.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.79 (typically ranges from $9.10 to $22.48)
Provider Availability: 22 providers. -
Procedure: Creatinine level test (CPT Code: 82570)
Purpose: Tests kidney function to rule out causes of fatigue or swelling.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $10.26 (typically ranges from $6.05 to $14.48)
Provider Availability: 8 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 specialized evaluation focusing on liver and digestive tract health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.96 (typically ranges from $147.72 to $246.20)
Provider Availability: 47 providers. -
Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of abdomen (CPT Code: 76700)
Purpose: Uses ultrasound to look at liver size and condition, detect swelling or blockages causing yellowing or stomach enlargement.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $176.98 (typically ranges from $132.73 to $221.22)
Provider Availability: 4 providers. -
Procedure: Diagnostic exam of esophagus, stomach, and/or upper small bowel using a flexible endoscope (CPT Code: 43235)
Purpose: Allows the doctor to inspect the upper digestive tract for signs of disease, inflammation, or cancer.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $231.35 (typically ranges from $127.76 to $334.94)
Provider Availability: 13 providers. -
Procedure: Biopsy of esophagus, stomach, and/or upper small bowel (CPT Code: 43239)
Purpose: Taking tissue samples to check for disease causes if needed.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $257.32 (typically ranges from $109.96 to $404.68)
Provider Availability: 50 providers. -
Procedure: Measurement of liver stiffness (CPT Code: 91200)
Purpose: A non-invasive scan to assess liver scarring or stiffness, useful for diagnosing liver disease progression.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $50.46 (typically ranges from $37.85 to $63.08)
Provider Availability: 1 provider.
Visit with a Hematologist
- Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Specialist consultation if blood disorders are suspected from initial tests.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $149.23 (typically ranges from $111.92 to $186.54)
Provider Availability: 1 provider.
Your Recommended Next Steps
If you’re experiencing yellow skin, persistent tiredness, and swelling, taking action is very important. Here’s how to move forward:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice doctor or Internal Medicine specialist in The Woodlands, TX, to start your evaluation. They can perform initial exams and tests and refer you to a Gastroenterologist or Hematologist if needed.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long they’ve lasted, any changes you’ve noticed, and questions you want to ask your doctor. This helps make the most of your appointment.
- Discuss Costs: When making your appointment, ask the provider’s office for the estimated costs of visits and tests. The prices shared here are estimates and may vary based on insurance and provider specifics.
- Stay Reassured: While yellow skin and fatigue can indicate serious conditions, many causes are manageable or treatable when diagnosed early. Seeing a healthcare professional is the best way to understand your health and get the support you need.
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 for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing urgent symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, confusion, or worsening jaundice, seek emergency medical care immediately.