Why Am I So Forgetful? Steps to Take in Long Beach, CA
Why Am I So Forgetful? Steps to Take in Long Beach, CA
If you’ve been noticing that you’re forgetting things more often—like misplacing your keys, missing appointments, or struggling to find the right words—you’re not alone in feeling concerned. It’s natural to wonder whether this is just normal forgetfulness or if it points to a deeper issue with memory. Your worry shows you care about your health, and it’s a smart move to explore next steps carefully.
This post is here to guide you gently through understanding why you might be experiencing these memory changes, who you can see for a professional evaluation in Long Beach, CA, and what the initial costs might look like if you’re paying out of pocket. You’ve come to the right place to get clear, practical information to move forward with confidence.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Long Beach, CA
When you’re feeling forgetful and concerned about your memory, a few different types of healthcare providers could be the right professionals to help evaluate what’s going on. Based on your symptoms, consider these options:
- Internal Medicine Doctor: These doctors specialize in adult healthcare, managing various internal conditions and often coordinating care for memory or cognitive concerns.
- Neuropsychiatrist: A specialist who focuses on brain-related disorders that affect mood, thinking, and behavior, including memory problems.
- Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who treats patients of all ages. They can evaluate your symptoms, provide initial assessments, and refer you if needed.
- Neurologist: A specialist in nervous system disorders, including memory and cognitive function, who can perform detailed assessments and testing.
Each provider type can offer unique insight based on your situation. Starting with a familiar provider like a Family Practice doctor or Internal Medicine doctor might be an easy and effective first step.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s a look at typical procedures these providers might perform when assessing memory concerns, along with estimated self-pay costs you may expect in the Long Beach, CA area. Prices vary based on provider availability and specific testing needs.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Established Patient Office Visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A general doctor visit to discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform a basic physical and cognitive checkup.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.33 (typically ranges from $157.00 to $261.66)
This estimate is based on 602 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Assessment and Care Planning for Impaired Thought Processing, ~60 minutes (CPT Code: 99483)
Purpose: A more detailed evaluation focused on thinking and memory, creating a plan to help manage or diagnose the issue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $453.78 (typically ranges from $340.33 to $567.22)
This estimate is based on 7 providers in the Long Beach area.
Visit with a Neuropsychiatrist
- Procedure: Established Patient Office Visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A specialist visit to assess brain function related to psychiatric and neurological symptoms, including memory and mood changes.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $201.10 (typically ranges from $150.83 to $251.38)
This estimate is based on 3 providers in the Long Beach area.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
- Procedure: Assessment and Care Planning for Impaired Thought Processing, ~60 minutes (CPT Code: 99483)
Purpose: A focused session to evaluate memory and thinking, with planning for management or referral if needed.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $474.66 (typically ranges from $356.00 to $593.32)
This estimate is based on 3 providers in the Long Beach area.
Visit with a Neurologist
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Procedure: Assessment and Care Planning for Impaired Thought Processing, ~60 minutes (CPT Code: 99483)
Purpose: A thorough neurologic evaluation of your memory, cognition, and brain function to understand underlying causes.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $478.42 (typically ranges from $358.81 to $598.02)
This estimate is based on 4 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Exam of Neurobehavioral Status, first hour (CPT Code: 96116)
Purpose: An in-depth assessment of brain behavior related to memory, attention, and thinking skills.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $158.06 (typically ranges from $118.55 to $197.58)
This estimate is based on 7 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Administration of Psychological or Neuropsychological Test, first 30 minutes (CPT Code: 96136)
Purpose: Standardized tests to measure memory function and other cognitive skills.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $75.09 (typically ranges from $56.32 to $93.86)
This estimate is based on 2 providers in the Long Beach area. -
Procedure: Evaluation of Neuropsychological Test, first hour (CPT Code: 96132)
Purpose: Detailed interpretation of test results to understand the extent and nature of cognitive changes.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $220.75 (typically ranges from $165.56 to $275.94)
This estimate is based on 5 providers in the Long Beach area.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but here’s how you can move forward confidently:
- Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to an Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Neurology, or Neuropsychiatry provider in Long Beach. If unsure, starting with a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor is often easiest.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, when they began, any patterns you’ve noticed, and questions you want to ask. This helps the provider understand your experience clearly.
- Discuss Costs Upfront: When booking, confirm the expected cost with the provider’s office. The prices here are estimates and can help you budget or check insurance coverage.
- Stay Positive: Remember, forgetfulness can have many causes—some temporary or treatable. Getting professional advice will put you on the right path to understanding and managing your memory 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 blog post provides general information and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.