Always Thirsty and Tired? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Atlanta, GA
Always Thirsty and Tired? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Atlanta, GA
Lately, you’ve been feeling unusually thirsty all the time, needing to pee more often—even waking up at night—and on top of that, you’re feeling super tired for no clear reason. It’s understandable to feel worried when these symptoms stick around. You might be searching for answers without medical terms, just trying to describe exactly what you’re feeling.
You’re in the right place. This post will guide you through the potential next steps, who to see for these symptoms, and the approximate costs for initial visits in Atlanta, GA. Understanding this can help you take that important first step toward getting professional care and peace of mind.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Atlanta, GA
Based on your symptoms of constant thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue, several types of doctors in Atlanta could help diagnose and treat what’s going on. Here are some good options:
- Endocrinology: Endocrinologists specialize in hormone-related conditions like diabetes, which often cause symptoms like excessive thirst and tiredness. They can perform specialized tests and manage more complex cases.
- Family Practice: Family Practice doctors are generalists who can diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues. They’re a great first stop to evaluate your symptoms and order initial tests.
- Internal Medicine: These doctors focus on adult health and manage various chronic conditions. They can perform thorough evaluations and order relevant laboratory tests to understand your symptoms better.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Visit with an Endocrinology Specialist
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Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: This is your detailed appointment where the specialist discusses your symptoms and medical history, helping to form a diagnosis.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.34 (typically ranges from $147.25 to $245.42)
This estimate is based on 66 providers in the Atlanta area. -
Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c test (CPT Code: 83036)
Purpose: A blood test that shows your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months, used to check for or monitor diabetes.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.10 (typically ranges from $11.35 to $24.85)
This estimate is based on 41 providers. -
Procedure: Blood glucose test by hand-held instrument (CPT Code: 82962)
Purpose: A quick test to measure your current blood sugar level with a small device.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $6.16 (typically ranges from $3.84 to $8.47)
This estimate is based on 28 providers. -
Procedure: Continuous blood sugar monitoring with sensor and report (CPT Code: 95251)
Purpose: Measures your blood sugar levels continuously over time using a sensor placed under the skin and creates a detailed report for your doctor.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $54.30 (typically ranges from $40.73 to $67.88)
This estimate is based on 42 providers.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A detailed check-up where your family doctor reviews your symptoms and overall health to identify possible causes.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.48 (typically ranges from $147.36 to $245.60)
This estimate is based on 348 providers in Atlanta. -
Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c test (CPT Code: 83036)
Purpose: Checks your average blood sugar level over time to see if diabetes may be causing your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.37 (typically ranges from $11.24 to $25.50)
This estimate is based on 80 providers. -
Procedure: Blood glucose test by hand-held instrument (CPT Code: 82962)
Purpose: A quick way to measure your current blood sugar and check for immediate concerns.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $6.72 (typically ranges from $3.83 to $9.61)
This estimate is based on 27 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: A blood test to check for infections or other issues that might explain tiredness or other symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.77 (typically ranges from $9.05 to $22.49)
This estimate is based on 27 providers. -
Procedure: Urinalysis, manual test (CPT Code: 81002)
Purpose: Tests your urine for signs of infection, diabetes, or other problems.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $6.47 (typically ranges from $4.06 to $8.89)
This estimate is based on 72 providers.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: An in-depth visit for adults to carefully review your symptoms, health history, and plan tests or treatment.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.58 (typically ranges from $146.69 to $244.48)
This estimate is based on 444 providers. -
Procedure: Blood glucose level test (CPT Code: 82947)
Purpose: Measures the current level of sugar in your blood to help detect diabetes or other causes of your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.20 (typically ranges from $4.54 to $11.86)
This estimate is based on 6 providers. -
Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c test (CPT Code: 83036)
Purpose: Shows your average blood sugar over a few months to help confirm diabetes.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.79 (typically ranges from $11.34 to $26.24)
This estimate is based on 103 providers. -
Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
Purpose: The process of drawing blood to run all the needed tests safely.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.26 (typically ranges from $9.95 to $16.58)
This estimate is based on 162 providers. -
Procedure: Urinalysis, manual test (CPT Code: 81002)
Purpose: Checks your urine for signs of infection, sugar, or other abnormalities.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.41 (typically ranges from $4.09 to $10.73)
This estimate is based on 82 providers.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Taking action now can bring you closer to feeling better. Here’s what you can do:
- Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to a Family Practice doctor, Internal Medicine specialist, or Endocrinologist in Atlanta. If you’re unsure where to start, a Family Practice doctor is a convenient first stop.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms, how long you’ve experienced them, any questions you want to ask, and relevant personal or family medical history.
- Discuss Costs: Call the provider’s office to confirm their pricing and what insurance may cover. The costs shared here are estimated self-pay prices to help you plan.
- Stay Positive: Remember, many conditions that cause thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue are manageable once properly diagnosed. Seeking professional advice is a wise and empowering step toward your health.
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. Always consult a healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.