Always Thirsty and Tired? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Long Beach, CA
Always Thirsty and Tired? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Long Beach, CA
If you’ve been feeling unusually thirsty all the time, needing to urinate frequently, experiencing more tiredness than usual, and sometimes struggling with blurry vision, it’s completely normal to feel worried. These symptoms suggest that something in your body might not be quite right, and your concern is valid. You’re looking for answers, and you want to understand what might be causing these changes in your health.
This post is here to help you take the next important steps. We’ll guide you through who you might want to see for these symptoms in Long Beach, CA, explain what kind of visits and tests you may expect, and provide an idea of the typical costs you might encounter. Knowing this information can reduce uncertainty and help you confidently seek the care you need.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Long Beach, CA
Based on your symptoms of constant thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurry vision, several types of healthcare providers could be a good starting point. Here are the provider types that are commonly involved in diagnosing and managing conditions related to these symptoms:
- Family Practice Doctors: These are general doctors who can evaluate a range of health concerns, perform initial exams, and order necessary tests. They are a great first step to understanding what might be going on.
- Internal Medicine Doctors: Specialists in adult health, they can diagnose complex conditions and manage long-term illnesses. They also perform detailed testing to find causes behind symptoms like yours.
- Endocrinologists: These specialists focus on hormone-related disorders, including diabetes, which is a common cause of excessive thirst and tiredness. If your primary doctor suspects such a condition, they may refer you to an endocrinologist for more focused care.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s a breakdown of typical procedures for these providers in Long Beach, CA, along with estimated self-pay costs to help you plan. These costs can vary, so use them as a general guide.
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 review your symptoms, check your vital signs, and discuss your overall health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $212.06 (typically ranges from $159.05 to $265.08)
This estimate is based on 574 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level test (CPT Code: 83036)
Purpose: This blood test helps measure your average blood sugar level over the past few months, key in diagnosing diabetes.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.70 (typically ranges from $11.39 to $20.00)
This estimate is based on 31 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Blood glucose (sugar) level test (CPT Code: 82947)
Purpose: A quick test to check your current blood sugar level, which can alert your doctor to immediate concerns.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.18 (typically ranges from $4.62 to $13.73)
This estimate is based on 9 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Blood draw for sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
Purpose: Simple procedure where blood is drawn for testing like glucose and A1c levels.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.00 (typically ranges from $9.00 to $15.00)
This estimate is based on 239 providers in the Long Beach 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: Your internist will evaluate your symptoms, order relevant lab work, and help diagnose underlying issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.33 (typically ranges from $157.00 to $261.66)
This estimate is based on 602 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Blood glucose test performed by a hand-held instrument (CPT Code: 82962)
Purpose: Immediate checking of blood sugar levels to identify dangerous highs or lows.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $5.91 (typically ranges from $3.85 to $7.97)
This estimate is based on 36 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level test (CPT Code: 83036)
Purpose: Measures average blood sugar levels over time for diabetes diagnosis or management.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $17.41 (typically ranges from $11.42 to $23.39)
This estimate is based on 33 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test (CPT Code: 84443)
Purpose: Checks thyroid gland function, as thyroid issues can cause tiredness and other symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $33.08 (typically ranges from $19.75 to $46.42)
This estimate is based on 14 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Urinalysis, manual test (CPT Code: 81002)
Purpose: Examines urine to help detect infections, diabetes effects, or kidney issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.36 (typically ranges from $4.08 to $10.64)
This estimate is based on 77 providers in the Long Beach area.
Visit with an Endocrinologist
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A specialist visit focused on diagnosing and managing hormone and metabolic conditions like diabetes.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $215.41 (typically ranges from $161.56 to $269.26)
This estimate is based on 63 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level test (CPT Code: 83036)
Purpose: Key test for evaluating blood sugar control over time in diabetes.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.38 (typically ranges from $11.36 to $25.40)
This estimate is based on 21 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Blood glucose (sugar) level test (CPT Code: 82947)
Purpose: Quick check of current blood sugar level.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.91 (typically ranges from $4.62 to $13.20)
This estimate is based on 4 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Blood draw (CPT Code: 36415)
Purpose: To collect blood samples needed for the tests listed above.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.91 (typically ranges from $9.68 to $16.14)
This estimate is based on 18 providers in the Long Beach area.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Taking action on your symptoms is the best way forward. Here’s what you can do next:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice, Internal Medicine, or Endocrinology provider in Long Beach. Starting with a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor is often easiest, and they can refer you to a specialist if needed.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms – how long you’ve had them, how severe they are, and any other changes you’ve noticed. Also, prepare any questions you want to ask.
- Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask the provider’s office about the costs for visits and tests. The cost estimates above can help guide you, but actual prices may vary depending on your insurance and provider.
- Stay Positive and Proactive: Remember, seeking professional advice is key. Many causes of thirst and fatigue are treatable, especially when caught early.
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 replace professional medical advice. If your symptoms worsen or you experience severe symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.