Always Out of Breath Coughing? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Phoenix, AZ
Always Out of Breath Coughing? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Phoenix, AZ
It’s understandably worrying when you find yourself coughing constantly every day and getting out of breath just from simple activities like walking to the kitchen or stepping outside, especially when the heat or other factors might be involved. When this cough doesn’t go away and you even hear wheezing when you breathe, it’s natural to wonder if it’s more than just a common cold.
If you’re searching for answers about persistent coughing and shortness of breath, you’re in the right place. This post is here to help you understand what might be going on, who you should see next, and what kind of costs to expect for initial visits and tests in Phoenix, AZ. Taking that first step toward professional care is important, and we want to make it as clear and reassuring as possible.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Phoenix, AZ
Based on your symptoms — a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and occasional wheezing — there are a few types of doctors who could be the right starting point for evaluation and care:
- Family Practice Doctors: These are general doctors who can evaluate a wide range of health issues, including respiratory symptoms. They can assess your condition and provide initial treatment or refer you to a specialist if needed.
- Internal Medicine Doctors: Specialists in adult medicine who often manage complex conditions. They can provide thorough examinations and coordinate further testing if your symptoms suggest a serious issue.
- Pulmonary Disease Specialists: Experts in lung and respiratory health. If your symptoms point toward lung problems like asthma, COPD, or infections, these specialists are well-equipped to diagnose and manage them.
- Allergy/Immunology Specialists: If allergic reactions or immune system issues might be triggering your cough or breathing difficulties, these doctors can perform specific tests and treatments related to allergies and asthma.
Each of these providers can help identify the cause of your symptoms and guide you toward the right treatment.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s an overview of common procedures and costs you might encounter when seeking care for your symptoms in Phoenix, AZ. These estimates are based on self-pay prices and provider availability in your area.
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 general check-up where the doctor will review your symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical exam to understand your cough and breathing issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix: $191.39 (typically ranges from $143.54 to $239.24)
This estimate is based on 602 providers in the Phoenix area. -
Procedure: Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
Purpose: Measures how well air moves out of your lungs to check for conditions like asthma or obstruction.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix: $41.01 (typically ranges from $30.76 to $51.26)
This estimate is based on 15 providers in the Phoenix area. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: Produces images of your lungs and chest to look for infections, lung disease, or other problems.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix: $47.36 (typically ranges from $35.52 to $59.20)
This estimate is based on 28 providers in the Phoenix area. -
Procedure: Inhalation treatment for airway obstruction or sputum production (CPT Code: 94640)
Purpose: A treatment to open airways and improve breathing if blockage or mucus is an issue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix: $18.29 (typically ranges from $10.24 to $26.35)
This estimate is based on 6 providers in the Phoenix area. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: Checks your heart’s electrical activity, since heart issues can sometimes cause shortness of breath.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix: $22.19 (typically ranges from $16.64 to $27.74)
This estimate is based on 209 providers in the Phoenix area.
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: Comprehensive review and exam focusing on your respiratory symptoms and overall health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix: $189.36 (typically ranges from $142.02 to $236.70)
This estimate is based on 438 providers in the Phoenix area. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: Imaging to assess lung health and detect infections or other lung conditions.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix: $40.91 (typically ranges from $30.68 to $51.14)
This estimate is based on 18 providers. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: Measures heart rhythm to help rule out cardiac causes of breathlessness.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix: $22.14 (typically ranges from $16.61 to $27.68)
This estimate is based on 154 providers. -
Procedure: Inhalation treatment for airway obstruction or sputum production (CPT Code: 94640)
Purpose: Administered treatment to relieve airway blockage.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix: $15.01 (typically ranges from $10.37 to $19.64)
This estimate is based on 3 providers. -
Procedure: Test to examine how well the lungs exchange gases (CPT Code: 94729)
Purpose: Checks how effectively oxygen and carbon dioxide move in and out of your bloodstream.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix: $50.50 (typically ranges from $37.87 to $63.12)
This estimate is based on 2 providers.
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: Specialized lung evaluation, ideal if initial visits suggest a lung condition requiring an expert’s care.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix: $191.09 (typically ranges from $143.32 to $238.86)
This estimate is based on 72 providers. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: Lung imaging pivotal for detecting pulmonary diseases.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix: $51.38 (typically ranges from $38.53 to $64.22)
This estimate is based on 15 providers. -
Procedure: Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
Purpose: Assesses airflow, important for diagnosing obstructive lung diseases.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix: $36.26 (typically ranges from $27.19 to $45.32)
This estimate is based on 42 providers. -
Procedure: Test to examine how well the lungs exchange gases (CPT Code: 94729)
Purpose: Evaluates lung efficiency in oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix: $70.48 (typically ranges from $52.86 to $88.10)
This estimate is based on 58 providers. -
Procedure: Inhalation treatment for airway obstruction or sputum production (CPT Code: 94640)
Purpose: Treatment to help open airways during breathing difficulties.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix: $17.21 (typically ranges from $10.39 to $24.03)
This estimate is based on 12 providers.
Visit with an Allergy/Immunology Specialist
-
Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Focused evaluation of potential allergies or immune responses causing symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix: $193.82 (typically ranges from $145.37 to $242.28)
This estimate is based on 33 providers. -
Procedure: Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
Purpose: Measures how well air moves out of your lungs — useful for diagnosing asthma.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix: $41.48 (typically ranges from $30.42 to $52.54)
This estimate is based on 16 providers. -
Procedure: Test to examine how well the lungs exchange gases (CPT Code: 94729)
Purpose: Assesses efficiency of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange in lungs.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix: $85.06 (typically ranges from $63.79 to $106.32)
This estimate is based on 1 provider. -
Procedure: Inhalation treatment for airway obstruction or sputum production (CPT Code: 94640)
Purpose: Treatment to relieve breathing difficulties caused by airway obstruction.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix: $20.78 (typically ranges from $10.36 to $31.20)
This estimate is based on 1 provider. -
Procedure: Diagnostic exam of nasal passages using an endoscope (CPT Code: 31231)
Purpose: Examines nasal passages to identify allergies or blockages contributing to symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix: $294.29 (typically ranges from $220.72 to $367.86)
This estimate is based on 1 provider.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Your ongoing coughing and shortness of breath deserve careful attention. The best way to move forward is to consult a healthcare professional who can properly evaluate your symptoms and provide guidance or treatment.
Here’s what you can do next:
- Schedule an Appointment — Contact a Family Practice doctor or Internal Medicine provider as your first step. If needed, they can refer you to specialists like Pulmonary or Allergy/Immunology doctors.
- Prepare for Your Visit — Write down your symptoms, how long they’ve lasted, any patterns you notice (such as worsening in heat), and questions you want to ask your doctor.
- Discuss Costs Upfront — Use the cost estimates here as a guide, but be sure to confirm pricing directly with the provider’s office when booking your appointment.
- Seek Care Promptly — If your symptoms worsen suddenly or you experience severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness, seek emergency care immediately.
Remember, taking the step to get evaluated means you’re prioritizing your health — and that’s always the right move.
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 replace professional medical advice. If you have persistent or worsening symptoms, please seek care from a qualified healthcare provider.