Tired, Weight Loss, Lump? Next Healthcare Steps in Los Angeles, CA
Feeling Tired, Losing Weight, and Noticed a Lump? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Los Angeles, CA
If you’ve been feeling unusually tired for weeks, losing weight without trying, and have just noticed a lump under your skin, it’s natural to feel worried and want answers. These symptoms can feel alarming, but you’re not alone—and you are taking an important step by seeking information. This post is here to guide you gently through what your symptoms might mean, who you should consider seeing first, and what the estimated costs for initial appointments and tests look like in Los Angeles, CA. Knowing these details can help you feel more prepared and supported as you get the care you need.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles, CA
With symptoms like fatigue, unexpected weight loss, and a new lump, a few types of doctors could be a good place to start. They can evaluate your symptoms, order tests, and point you toward any necessary treatments. Here are some providers to consider:
- Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who diagnoses and treats a wide range of health issues, including fatigue and lumps. They often act as a first stop and can refer you to specialists if needed.
- Internal Medicine Doctor: Specializes in adult medicine and complex illnesses. They can provide a thorough evaluation and order detailed blood tests or biopsies.
- Hematology-Oncology Specialist: Focuses on blood disorders and cancers. If your symptoms suggest a blood-related or cancer condition, you might be referred to this specialist for further testing and diagnosis.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here is an overview of typical procedures you might encounter with these providers and their expected self-pay costs in Los Angeles, CA. Remember, these are estimates based on local providers and can help you plan your visit.
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 a detailed visit where the doctor will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform a physical exam to understand your condition better.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.58 (typically ranges from $157.19 to $261.98)
This estimate is based on 799 providers in the Los Angeles area. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (red cells, white blood cell, platelets), automated test (CPT Code: 85027)
Purpose: A blood test to check your blood cells’ health and detect infections, anemia, or other issues that might explain fatigue or weight loss.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.35 (typically ranges from $7.61 to $17.10)
This estimate is based on 2 providers. -
Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
Purpose: Helps assess your overall health, including liver and kidney function, which can cause tiredness and other symptoms if abnormal.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $55.91 (typically ranges from $12.41 to $99.42)
This estimate is based on 23 providers. -
Procedure: Punch biopsy, first skin growth (CPT Code: 11104)
Purpose: If the lump needs to be examined more closely, this procedure removes a small sample of skin or lump tissue to be checked for infection, inflammation, or cancer.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $230.78 (typically ranges from $173.09 to $288.48)
This estimate is based on 1 provider.
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: Detailed evaluation of your symptoms and physical exam to identify possible causes and decide on additional testing or referrals.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $204.24 (typically ranges from $153.18 to $255.30)
This estimate is based on 1,176 providers. -
Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for collection of blood sample (CPT Code: 36415)
Purpose: Blood draw to collect samples for testing.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.85 (typically ranges from $9.64 to $16.06)
This estimate is based on 511 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (red cells, white blood cell, platelets), automated test and automated differential white blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Blood test to check for infections, blood disorders, or other causes of tiredness and weight loss.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.89 (typically ranges from $9.12 to $22.66)
This estimate is based on 92 providers. -
Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
Purpose: Provides information about organ function and possible metabolic causes for symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $40.82 (typically ranges from $12.42 to $69.22)
This estimate is based on 76 providers. -
Procedure: Punch biopsy, first skin growth (CPT Code: 11104)
Purpose: Sampling the lump for closer diagnostic examination if indicated.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $227.39 (typically ranges from $170.54 to $284.24)
This estimate is based on 1 provider.
Visit with a Hematology-Oncology Specialist
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Focused evaluation on blood disorders and cancers to diagnose causes of weight loss and lumps.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $210.26 (typically ranges from $152.58 to $267.93)
This estimate is based on 218 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count, automated test and differential (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Standard blood test to assess blood cell health in detail.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.84 (typically ranges from $9.11 to $24.57)
This estimate is based on 92 providers. -
Procedure: Biopsy and aspiration of bone marrow sample for diagnosis (CPT Code: 38222)
Purpose: If deeper testing is needed, a bone marrow biopsy can detect blood cancers or other serious blood conditions.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $347.00 (typically ranges from $163.68 to $530.32)
This estimate is based on 4 providers. -
Procedure: Immunologic analysis for detection of tumor antigen, quantitative; CA 15-3 (CPT Code: 86300)
Purpose: Blood test to help identify certain types of cancer-related markers.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $40.49 (typically ranges from $24.46 to $56.53)
This estimate is based on 7 providers. -
Procedure: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) protein level (CPT Code: 82378)
Purpose: Blood test to detect markers that may indicate some cancers.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $41.38 (typically ranges from $22.27 to $60.48)
This estimate is based on 14 providers.
Your Recommended Next Steps
The most important thing you can do now is to schedule an appointment with a qualified healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms thoroughly. Here’s how to move forward:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice, Internal Medicine, or Hematology-Oncology provider in Los Angeles to start your evaluation. Family Practice is often a good first step.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms including how long you’ve had them, any weight changes, and details about the lump. Also, list any questions or concerns you have.
- Discuss Costs: When booking, ask about the costs of the appointment and possible tests to understand what your out-of-pocket expense may be. The estimates above can help you anticipate typical charges.
- Stay Positive and Informed: Seeking medical advice is the right and responsible step. Early evaluation allows your provider to guide you with the best care options.
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 post is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.