Chest Pain and Tiredness? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Chicago, IL
Chest Pain and Tiredness? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Chicago, IL
If you’ve been feeling unusually tired recently and notice chest pain when you walk fast or climb stairs, along with getting short of breath more easily, it’s completely natural to feel concerned. These symptoms can be worrying, and you might be wondering what to do next or if it’s something serious. You’re not alone — many people start by looking for clear advice on what kind of medical care to seek.
This post is here to guide you through your next steps. We’ll help you understand which types of healthcare providers are best suited to evaluate your symptoms, what kinds of tests or visits you might expect, and the estimated self-pay costs for these services in Chicago, IL. Armed with this information, you can make a confident and informed decision about seeking medical care.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Chicago, IL
Based on chest pain, tiredness, and shortness of breath during exertion, a few types of doctors could be a great place to start:
- Internal Medicine Doctors: Specialists trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of adult illnesses, including cardiovascular and respiratory issues. They can assess your overall health and coordinate further testing.
- Family Practice Doctors: General practitioners who manage broad health concerns for all ages. They can evaluate your symptoms, provide initial treatment, and refer you to specialists if needed.
- Cardiologists: Heart specialists who focus on diagnosing and managing heart-related conditions. They’re key if your symptoms suggest a heart problem may be involved.
- Pulmonary Disease Specialists: Lung experts who evaluate breathing difficulties and lung function. They can be especially helpful if your shortness of breath might be related to lung issues.
Seeing one of these providers will help identify the cause of your symptoms and guide proper treatment.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s an overview of typical visits and tests these providers might perform, along with estimated self-pay costs in Chicago, IL.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A detailed check-up where the doctor reviews your symptoms, conducts a physical exam, and decides next steps.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.68 (typically ranges from $149.76 to $249.60)
This estimate is based on 1,099 providers in the Chicago area. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) with interpretation (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: A quick heart test that records your heart’s electrical activity to check for abnormalities.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $34.46 (typically ranges from $18.30 to $50.62)
This estimate is based on 339 providers in Chicago. -
Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level test (CPT Code: 83036)
Purpose: A blood test for checking your average blood sugar level over time, which can affect energy and heart health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $22.85 (typically ranges from $11.34 to $34.36)
This estimate is based on 231 providers. -
Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
Purpose: The process of drawing blood needed for various lab tests.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.30 (typically ranges from $9.97 to $16.62)
This estimate is based on 401 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: An appointment to discuss your symptoms and overall health, including physical examination and planning next steps.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $202.91 (typically ranges from $152.18 to $253.64)
This estimate considers 854 providers nearby. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) with interpretation (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: Heart electrical activity test to detect potential heart problems.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $32.01 (typically ranges from $18.16 to $45.86)
Based on 160 providers in the area.
Visit with a Cardiologist
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Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Specialized heart evaluation to investigate chest pain and tiredness more deeply.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.02 (ranges from $144.01 to $240.02)
Available from 260 cardiologists in Chicago. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) with interpretation (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: Cardiac electrical activity check to rule out heart rhythm issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $34.92 (ranges from $18.06 to $51.77)
Provided by 157 cardiology specialists locally. -
Procedure: Ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram) (CPT Code: 93306)
Purpose: Detailed imaging of your heart’s structure and function to assess for heart disease.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $152.63 (ranges from $93.91 to $211.35)
Offered by 224 providers. -
Procedure: Exercise or drug-induced heart stress test (CPT Code: 93018)
Purpose: Monitors your heart’s response to stress to detect problems not visible at rest.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $37.78 (ranges from $16.92 to $58.64)
Conducted by 153 cardiologists.
Visit with a Pulmonary Disease Specialist
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Procedure: New patient office or outpatient visit, 45-59 minutes (CPT Code: 99204)
Purpose: Comprehensive evaluation for breathing problems and lung function assessment.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $256.34 (ranges from $192.25 to $320.42)
Based on 93 providers in Chicago. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) with interpretation (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: Heart test to help differentiate lung vs. heart causes of symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $45.47 (ranges from $18.35 to $72.60)
Provided by 1 pulmonary specialist locally. -
Procedure: Test to examine lung gas exchange (CPT Code: 94729)
Purpose: Measures how well your lungs transfer oxygen into the blood, important if you have shortness of breath.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $33.27 (ranges from $17.38 to $49.17)
Available from 101 providers. -
Procedure: Test to measure lung airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
Purpose: Assesses how much air your lungs can move, highlighting possible lung conditions.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $31.60 (ranges from $16.06 to $47.14)
Provided by 52 specialists. -
Procedure: Test to determine lung volumes using sensors (CPT Code: 94726)
Purpose: Measures the size and capacity of lung sections to detect abnormalities.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $35.36 (ranges from $19.81 to $50.90)
Offered by 90 providers.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Taking that first step can feel overwhelming, but acting promptly is important.
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact an Internal Medicine or Family Practice doctor first for a broad evaluation. If symptoms strongly suggest heart or lung problems, consider reaching out directly to a Cardiologist or Pulmonary Disease specialist.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Note down all your symptoms, when they started, how often they occur, and any questions you want to ask. This will help the doctor understand your situation clearly.
- Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask about any costs or fees so you know what to expect. The estimates here reflect common self-pay costs in Chicago, but actual prices may vary.
- Stay Reassured: Remember, many causes of chest pain and tiredness can be effectively treated once diagnosed. Seeking medical advice is the best way to get the help you need and gain peace of mind.
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 information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. If you experience severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or any sudden worsening of symptoms, please seek emergency care immediately.