Rash on Face with Joint Pain? Next Healthcare Steps in Los Angeles

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Rash on Face with Joint Pain? Next Healthcare Steps in Los Angeles

Feeling tired lately with joint pain and a persistent butterfly-shaped rash on your face can be unsettling. Add to that a bit of fever and fingers turning pale or blue at times, and it’s perfectly natural to feel worried and to want answers. You’re likely searching to understand if your symptoms are connected and, most importantly, to find out what you should do next.

This post is here to help guide you through the next steps: who you should see based on your symptoms, what tests and visits you might expect, and a clear idea of potential out-of-pocket costs in Los Angeles, CA. You’re in the right place to find the information you need to begin your path toward feeling better.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles

Given your symptoms—facial rash, joint pain, fatigue, fever, and changes in finger color—several types of healthcare providers in Los Angeles could help diagnose and treat your condition. Here are the specialists most likely to be helpful:

  • Internal Medicine Doctor: A specialist in adult medicine who can evaluate complex symptoms involving multiple body systems, such as rashes combined with joint pain and fatigue.
  • Dermatologist: A doctor who specializes in skin conditions and can evaluate and diagnose rashes, including unusual or persistent ones like the butterfly-shaped rash on your face.
  • Rheumatologist: A specialist in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions often causing joint pain and rashes. They can run specialized tests to check for disorders like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can evaluate a broad range of symptoms, help coordinate your care, and refer you to specialists if needed.

Each of these types of providers offers a valuable perspective on your symptoms, so starting with one of them will get you on the right track.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)

  • Purpose: A thorough evaluation of your overall health, listening to your symptoms like rash and joint pain, and deciding what tests might be necessary.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Los Angeles: $204.24 (typically ranges from $153.18 to $255.30)

  • Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 1,176 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Red blood cell sedimentation rate test, to detect inflammation (CPT Code: 85651)

  • Purpose: A simple blood test that checks for inflammation in the body, which is common in autoimmune or infectious diseases.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.47 (ranges from $5.00 to $13.94)

  • Provider Availability: 46 providers.

  • Procedure: High sensitivity C-reactive protein test for infection or inflammation (CPT Code: 86141)

  • Purpose: This test measures a protein that rises with inflammation or infection, helping to identify active disease.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $24.79 (ranges from $15.20 to $34.37)

  • Provider Availability: 41 providers.

  • Procedure: Measurement of antibody for assessment of autoimmune disorder (CPT Code: 86235)

  • Purpose: A test to detect antibodies that may indicate autoimmune diseases causing rashes and joint pain.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $93.65 (ranges from $20.76 to $166.54)

  • Provider Availability: 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Rheumatoid factor analysis (CPT Code: 86430)

  • Purpose: Blood test to look for rheumatoid factor antibodies involved in certain autoimmune joint diseases.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $23.67 (ranges from $7.20 to $40.14)

  • Provider Availability: 5 providers.

Visit with a Dermatologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)

  • Purpose: A detailed skin examination of your facial rash to diagnose its cause and recommend treatment.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $215.55 (ranges from $161.66 to $269.44)

  • Provider Availability: 238 providers.

  • Procedure: Fungal culture of skin (CPT Code: 87101)

  • Purpose: Test to check if fungi like mold or yeast are causing your rash.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $14.49 (ranges from $8.98 to $20.00)

  • Provider Availability: 3 providers.

  • Procedure: Smear for infectious agents (CPT Code: 87210)

  • Purpose: A test to detect infectious organisms that might be causing skin symptoms.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $11.65 (ranges from $6.84 to $16.46)

  • Provider Availability: 3 providers.

  • Procedure: Allergy test using allergenic extract (CPT Code: 95004)

  • Purpose: Checks if allergies could be contributing to your skin rash or other symptoms.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $10.52 (ranges from $5.44 to $15.60)

  • Provider Availability: 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Complete blood count (CBC) automated test (CPT Code: 85025)

  • Purpose: A common blood test to check overall health and detect signs of infection or anemia.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.97 (ranges from $9.13 to $16.80)

  • Provider Availability: 1 provider.

Visit with a Rheumatologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)

  • Purpose: Specialized consultation focusing on autoimmune and inflammatory diseases affecting joints and skin.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.86 (ranges from $154.49 to $265.24)

  • Provider Availability: 119 providers.

  • Procedure: Rheumatoid factor level (CPT Code: 86431)

  • Purpose: Measures specific antibodies linked to rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.85 (ranges from $6.64 to $11.06)

  • Provider Availability: 5 providers.

  • Procedure: Antibody measurement for rheumatoid arthritis assessment (CPT Code: 86200)

  • Purpose: Helps detect antibodies related to autoimmune joint diseases.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.14 (ranges from $15.11 to $25.18)

  • Provider Availability: 5 providers.

  • Procedure: C-reactive protein test for infection or inflammation (CPT Code: 86140)

  • Purpose: Another inflammation marker helping monitor disease activity.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.55 (ranges from $6.06 to $19.04)

  • Provider Availability: 11 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood count (CBC), automated (CPT Code: 85025)

  • Purpose: General health blood test to assist diagnosis.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.85 (ranges from $9.08 to $28.61)

  • Provider Availability: 12 providers.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)

  • Purpose: General evaluation and care coordination for your symptoms, including referrals if needed.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.58 (ranges from $157.19 to $261.98)

  • Provider Availability: 799 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood count, automated (CPT Code: 85027)

  • Purpose: Basic blood test to assess overall health and detect issues like infection.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.35 (ranges from $7.61 to $17.10)

  • Provider Availability: 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for blood collection (CPT Code: 36415)

  • Purpose: The standard procedure for drawing blood samples for testing.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.88 (ranges from $9.66 to $16.10)

  • Provider Availability: 351 providers.

  • Procedure: Injection of drug or substance under skin or into muscle (CPT Code: 96372)

  • Purpose: For administering treatments or medications if necessary.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $25.18 (ranges from $18.68 to $31.67)

  • Provider Availability: 133 providers.

  • Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)

  • Purpose: Helpful to understand the impact of illness on mental well-being.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $11.21 (ranges from $6.42 to $16.00)

  • Provider Availability: 12 providers.

Taking the step to see a healthcare provider is key to understanding and managing your symptoms. Here’s a simple plan to move forward confidently:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact an Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Dermatology, or Family Practice doctor in Los Angeles based on your preference or ease of access.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms (rash details, joint pain, fatigue, fever, finger color changes), how long you’ve had them, and any other health concerns or questions.
  3. Discuss Costs: When you call to book, ask about estimated costs so you can plan your visit financially. The prices above give you an idea, but your provider may give exact quotes.
  4. Follow Professional Advice: After your visit and any necessary tests, follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment or referrals to specialists.

Remember, seeking care is the best way to get the answers and relief you need. You’re taking an important and positive step for 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 is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal diagnosis and treatment.