Cough Won’t Go Away? Your Guide to Care in Atlanta
Cough Won’t Go Away? Your Guide to Care in Atlanta
If you’ve been coughing for weeks, sometimes struggling to catch your breath even when doing simple activities like walking or climbing stairs, it’s completely normal to feel worried. Bringing up mucus occasionally and not seeing improvement on your own can make this more concerning. You’re not alone, and it’s good you’re looking for answers.
This post is designed to help you understand the possible next steps for your persistent cough in Atlanta. We’ll guide you through who you might want to see, what kinds of tests or visits you can expect, and give you a clear idea of the typical costs you might encounter. You’re in the right place to get a straightforward snapshot of what your healthcare journey could look like.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Atlanta
When a cough won’t quit and breathing feels difficult, a few types of healthcare providers could be a wise starting point:
- Family Practice: A family practice doctor is a generalist who can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including common infections and chronic diseases. They’re an excellent first stop to evaluate your cough and overall health.
- Pulmonary Disease Specialist: This doctor specializes in lung and airway conditions. If your cough might be connected to breathing problems or lung diseases, they have the expertise to help.
- Internal Medicine Doctor: Internal medicine doctors focus on adult health and can manage complex medical issues. They’re skilled in evaluating ongoing symptoms and can coordinate further testing or referrals if needed.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s a breakdown of what an initial visit with each type of provider might involve, including typical procedures and their estimated self-pay costs in Atlanta. These prices are averages and may vary, but they give you a helpful ballpark figure.
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 your main consultation where the doctor will ask about your symptoms, examine you, and discuss your case.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.48 (typically ranges from $147.36 to $245.60)
This estimate is based on 348 providers in the Atlanta area. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: A chest X-ray helps the doctor check your lungs for infections, inflammation, or other problems contributing to your cough.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $52.22 (typically ranges from $39.17 to $65.28)
This estimate is based on 32 providers in Atlanta. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads with interpretation and report (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: An ECG checks your heart’s rhythm and function, ensuring your symptoms aren’t related to heart issues, which can sometimes cause breathing problems.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.05 (typically ranges from $17.18 to $38.92)
This estimate is based on 93 providers in the Atlanta area. -
Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for collection of blood sample (CPT Code: 36415)
Purpose: Blood tests can help identify infections, inflammation, or other health issues behind your cough.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.06 (typically ranges from $9.79 to $16.32)
This estimate is based on 122 providers in Atlanta. -
Procedure: Detection test by immunoassay with direct visual observation for influenza virus (CPT Code: 87804)
Purpose: This rapid flu test checks if influenza is causing your symptoms, which helps guide treatment decisions.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $25.28 (typically ranges from $18.96 to $31.60)
This estimate is based on 28 providers in Atlanta.
Visit with a Pulmonary Disease Specialist
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A more focused visit to evaluate lung and airway health, especially useful if your cough is chronic and linked to breathing difficulty.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $197.50 (typically ranges from $148.13 to $246.88)
This estimate is based on 79 providers in Atlanta. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: Imaging to check for lung abnormalities related to your cough and shortness of breath.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $42.66 (typically ranges from $31.99 to $53.32)
This estimate is based on 35 providers in Atlanta. -
Procedure: Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
Purpose: This lung function test measures how well air moves out of your lungs, important for diagnosing conditions like asthma or COPD.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $41.63 (typically ranges from $28.62 to $54.65)
This estimate is based on 39 providers in Atlanta. -
Procedure: Test to examine how well the lungs exchange gases (CPT Code: 94729)
Purpose: This checks how effectively your lungs transfer oxygen into your blood and remove carbon dioxide, key for assessing lung health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $75.52 (typically ranges from $55.55 to $95.50)
This estimate is based on 71 providers in Atlanta. -
Procedure: Inhalation treatment for airway obstruction or sputum production (CPT Code: 94640)
Purpose: This treatment helps open your airways and clear mucus, often used during visits to provide immediate relief.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $22.67 (typically ranges from $10.93 to $34.40)
This estimate is based on 3 providers in Atlanta.
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: Thorough consultation focused on adult health and ongoing symptoms including complex cases of cough and breathing difficulty.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.58 (typically ranges from $146.69 to $244.48)
This estimate is based on 444 providers in Atlanta. -
Procedure: Inhalation treatment for airway obstruction or sputum production (CPT Code: 94640)
Purpose: Treatment to relieve airway narrowing and help clear mucus during your visit.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $17.64 (typically ranges from $10.81 to $24.47)
This estimate is based on 3 providers in Atlanta. -
Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for collection of blood sample (CPT Code: 36415)
Purpose: Blood tests to help understand any underlying infections or inflammations causing your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.26 (typically ranges from $9.95 to $16.58)
This estimate is based on 162 providers in Atlanta. -
Procedure: Urinalysis, manual test (CPT Code: 81002)
Purpose: A simple urine test that can reveal other health issues or infections possibly related to your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.41 (typically ranges from $4.09 to $10.73)
This estimate is based on 82 providers in Atlanta. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads with interpretation and report (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: A heart rhythm check to rule out cardiac causes of breathlessness and cough.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.86 (typically ranges from $17.26 to $40.46)
This estimate is based on 210 providers in Atlanta.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Taking action can feel overwhelming, but these clear steps will help you move forward confidently:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact a family practice doctor, internal medicine physician, or pulmonary specialist in Atlanta to discuss your symptoms. Starting with a family practice doctor is often easiest.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, and any concerns or questions you want to bring up.
- Discuss Costs: When making your appointment, ask the provider’s office about their specific charges and payment options so you are fully informed. Use the cost estimates here as a general guide.
- Stay Positive: Seeking professional advice is the right choice, and early evaluation can make a big difference in managing your cough and breathing concerns.
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 not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your specific condition.