Cough Won’t Go Away? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Fort Worth

coughpersistent coughFort Worthpulmonary diseasefamily practiceinternal medicinehealthcare costs

Cough Won’t Go Away? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Fort Worth

If you have a cough that just won’t go away and it’s making you feel tired, you’re not alone—and your concerns are completely valid. Noticing more mucus, especially in the mornings, and feeling short of breath can be worrying symptoms. It’s important to understand what might be causing this and to get the right care so you can start feeling better. This post will help guide you through who to see for these symptoms in Fort Worth, what kinds of visits and tests you might expect, and even give you an idea of the costs involved. You’re in the right place to find clear information and figure out your next steps.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Fort Worth

Based on your symptoms—a persistent cough, increased mucus, and shortness of breath—there are a few types of healthcare providers who would be good places to start:

  • Pulmonary Disease Specialists: These doctors focus on lung health and breathing problems. They are experts in diagnosing and treating chronic coughs, lung infections, and breathing difficulties.
  • Internal Medicine Doctors: Internal medicine physicians are specialists in adult healthcare who manage a wide range of illnesses. They can help diagnose the underlying cause of your cough and order needed tests.
  • Family Practice Doctors: Family practice doctors provide general healthcare for all ages. They are a great first step to evaluate your cough and decide if you need to see a specialist.

Each of these providers can evaluate your symptoms and help create a plan to get to the bottom of your persistent cough.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Below is an overview of common procedures linked to coughing evaluations with these providers in Fort Worth, along with estimated self-pay costs. Keep in mind these costs are estimates and checking with the provider’s office is always a good idea.

Visit with a Pulmonary Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is a thorough visit with the lung specialist to discuss your symptoms, examine you, and plan next steps like tests or treatments.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $198.22 (typically ranges from $148.67 to $247.78)
    This estimate is based on 29 providers in the Fort Worth area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: A chest X-ray helps the doctor look at your lungs to identify infections, inflammation, or other causes of cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $53.58 (typically ranges from $40.19 to $66.98)
    This estimate is based on 7 providers.

  • Procedure: Test to examine how well the lungs exchange gases (CPT Code: 94729)
    Purpose: This test measures how well your lungs move oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide—important for understanding breathing problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $69.34 (typically ranges from $47.24 to $91.43)
    This estimate is based on 26 providers.

  • Procedure: Exam of lung airways using an endoscope (CPT Code: 31623)
    Purpose: A closer look inside your lung airways with a thin scope to find blockages, infections, or other issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $177.19 (ranges broadly, $0.37 to $354.00)
    This procedure is offered by 1 provider in the area.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A detailed exam and discussion to assess your symptoms and decide what tests or treatments you may need.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.37 (typically ranges from $145.78 to $242.96)
    This estimate is based on 224 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: To check your lungs and chest to find causes of coughing or breathlessness.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $47.41 (typically ranges from $35.56 to $59.26)
    Based on 5 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ecg) using at least 12 leads with interpretation and report (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: An ECG looks at your heart’s electrical activity, which can be important if shortness of breath might relate to heart health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $27.09 (typically ranges from $16.93 to $37.25)
    Based on 69 providers.

  • Procedure: Bacterial culture (CPT Code: 87070)
    Purpose: A test to identify if there’s a bacterial infection causing your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $34.89 (typically ranges from $9.78 to $60.00)
    Offered by 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Test to examine how well the lungs exchange gases (CPT Code: 94729)
    Purpose: See above under pulmonary—helps assess lung function.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.86 (typically ranges from $10.39 to $17.32)
    Based on 2 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 discussion about your cough and overall health to guide next steps.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.38 (typically $144.29 to $240.48)
    Based on 350 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Imaging to check lungs for infection or abnormalities.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $47.82 (ranges from $35.87 to $59.78)
    Based on 22 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ecg) using at least 12 leads (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: To evaluate heart health related to symptoms like shortness of breath.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.55 (ranges from $16.88 to $36.22)
    Based on 63 providers.

  • Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for collection of blood sample (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Blood tests can help check for infection, inflammation, or other issues related to your cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.94 (ranges from $9.71 to $16.18)
    Based on 131 providers.

  • Procedure: Automated urinalysis test (CPT Code: 81003)
    Purpose: Urinalysis can help rule out other causes of symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $4.97 (ranges from $2.63 to $7.30)
    Based on 82 providers.

Taking that first action to address your persistent cough is critical. Here are some simple steps to help you move forward:

  1. Schedule an Appointment
    Reach out to a Pulmonary Disease specialist, Internal Medicine physician, or Family Practice doctor in Fort Worth to discuss your symptoms and get an evaluation.

  2. Prepare for Your Visit
    Write down how long you’ve had your cough, details about the mucus you’re coughing up, any other symptoms like shortness of breath, and any questions you want to ask your doctor.

  3. Discuss Costs Upfront
    Use the cost estimates above as a guide but check with the provider’s office about your specific costs before your visit—especially if you are self-pay or have insurance.

  4. Stay Positive and Proactive
    Seeking professional advice is the best way to understand your health and get relief. You’re doing the right thing by looking for answers.

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 and cost estimates based on available data for Fort Worth, TX. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your personal health condition.