Swollen Ankles and Tiredness? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Phoenix, AZ

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Swollen Ankles and Tiredness? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Phoenix, AZ

Feeling tired all the time, experiencing swollen ankles, and noticeably peeing more at night can be worrisome. It makes sense that you would start by looking up swollen ankles, as that’s a clear change in how your body feels. You may be concerned about circulation or other underlying health issues. The good news is you’re not alone, and you’re taking the right first step by seeking more information.

This post will help guide you on what these symptoms might mean, who you should consider seeing in Phoenix, AZ, and what the initial visit and test costs might look like. With this information, you can feel more confident about taking the next steps to care for yourself.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Phoenix, AZ

Based on your symptoms—swollen ankles, tiredness, and frequent nighttime urination—a few types of healthcare providers could be a good starting point:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues. They are an excellent first stop to evaluate your symptoms and decide if specialist care is needed.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Similar to family medicine but focused on adult care. They can perform thorough evaluations for underlying conditions causing your symptoms.
  • Cardiologist: A heart specialist who can check if your swollen ankles and tiredness are related to circulation or heart problems.
  • Nephrologist: A kidney specialist who can assess if your symptoms, including increased urination, are related to kidney function or fluid balance.

Each of these providers can offer valuable insight, and your choice may depend on your personal risk factors and preferences.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of common procedures these providers might perform during your initial visits in Phoenix, AZ, along with estimated self-pay costs.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is a standard appointment where the doctor will discuss your symptoms, review your health history, and perform a physical exam to understand what might be causing your swollen ankles and tiredness.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.39 (typically ranges from $143.54 to $239.24)
    This estimate is based on 602 providers in the Phoenix area.

  • Procedure: Blood draw (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Taking a small blood sample to run important tests that help diagnose infections, kidney issues, anemia, or inflammation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $11.39 (ranges from $8.54 to $14.24)
    Based on 229 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count test (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: This test checks your blood cells to identify any infections, anemia, or other blood disorders that might explain fatigue or swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.11 (ranges from $9.08 to $15.14)
    Based on 49 providers.

  • Procedure: Creatinine test for kidney function (CPT Code: 82570)
    Purpose: Measures how well your kidneys are working to filter waste from your blood, which can be linked to swelling and urination changes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.08 (ranges from $6.06 to $10.10)
    Based on 41 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of leg arteries (CPT Code: 93922)
    Purpose: An imaging test to check blood flow in your legs and look for circulation issues that could cause swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $125.04 (ranges from $93.78 to $156.30)
    Based on 18 providers.

Visit with a Nephrologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: The kidney specialist will review your symptoms and test results to determine if your kidneys are contributing to leg swelling and tiredness.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $176.77 (ranges from $132.58 to $220.96)
    Based on 109 providers.

  • Procedure: Kidney function blood test panel (CPT Code: 80069)
    Purpose: A more detailed set of blood tests to evaluate kidney health and function.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.50 (ranges from $10.13 to $16.88)
    Based on 27 providers.

  • Procedure: Total protein level in urine (CPT Code: 84156)
    Purpose: Testing urine protein levels can indicate kidney damage or disease, which might explain your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $5.71 (ranges from $4.28 to $7.14)
    Based on 26 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Similar to family practice, this visit includes a detailed history and physical to find causes of your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $189.36 (ranges from $142.02 to $236.70)
    Based on 438 providers.

  • Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: To check lung and heart conditions that could cause swelling and tiredness.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $40.91 (ranges from $30.68 to $51.14)
    Based on 18 providers.

Visit with a Cardiologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: The heart specialist will evaluate blood circulation and heart function related to your swollen ankles and fatigue.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $182.46 (ranges from $136.85 to $228.08)
    Based on 181 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of leg veins with compression (CPT Code: 93970)
    Purpose: This test looks for blood clots or vein problems causing swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $272.45 (ranges from $204.34 to $340.56)
    Based on 33 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (EKG) (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Measures your heart’s electrical activity to detect any abnormalities affecting circulation and energy levels.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $24.10 (ranges from $16.74 to $31.45)
    Based on 161 providers.

Taking care of your health starts with reaching out for professional advice. Here’s what you can do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor first if you want a general evaluation. If you or your doctor suspect heart or kidney issues, ask for a referral to a Cardiologist or Nephrologist.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, any changes in urination, and any questions or concerns.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask the provider’s office about estimated costs. The prices listed here are averages for self-pay patients in Phoenix, AZ, and your actual costs may vary.
  4. Stay Positive: Remember that many causes of swollen ankles and tiredness are manageable or treatable once diagnosed. Seeing a doctor is the right step toward feeling better.

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 seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.