Why Do My Joints Hurt? Understanding Your Symptoms in Houston, TX

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Why Do My Joints Hurt? Understanding Your Symptoms in Houston, TX

If you’ve been experiencing stiff, achy joints in your hands and knees for a few weeks, especially if the pain is worse in the morning and accompanied by swelling and difficulty moving, it’s natural to feel worried and want answers. Joint pain like this can sometimes signal a more serious health condition, and you may be wondering if you should see a doctor, what kind of specialist you need, or how much this might cost.

You’re in the right place to get clear information on what could be causing your joint pain, which healthcare providers can help, and what you might expect to pay for an initial visit in Houston, TX. Understanding your options is the first step toward feeling better and getting the right care.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Houston, TX

Given your symptoms of joint stiffness, pain, and swelling, a few types of doctors are good candidates for your first visit. Each has a role in diagnosing and treating joint issues:

  • Internal Medicine Doctors specialize in adult health, looking at your overall medical history and managing diseases that affect joints and other organs.
  • Family Practice Doctors are generalists who care for all ages and can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including joint pain. They’re an excellent first stop if you’re not sure where to start.
  • Rheumatologists are specialists who focus specifically on arthritis and diseases that affect joints, muscles, and bones. If your joint symptoms seem related to inflammation or autoimmune causes, they are the experts.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Below is an overview of common procedures done by these providers to evaluate joint pain, along with estimated self-pay costs in Houston based on local data.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is a detailed doctor visit where they discuss your symptoms, examine your joints, and plan next steps.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.75 (typically ranges from $146.06 to $243.44)
    This estimate is based on 492 providers in the Houston area.

  • Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level test (CPT Code: 83036)
    Purpose: This blood test checks your average blood sugar levels to rule out diabetes-related joint issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.41 (ranges from $11.38 to $21.45)
    Based on 79 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CBC) test (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: A CBC test can detect inflammation or infection that may affect your joints.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.30 (ranges from $9.11 to $15.49)
    Based on 42 providers.

  • Procedure: Creatinine level test (CPT Code: 82570)
    Purpose: Checks kidney function which is important for overall health and medication safety.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.90 (ranges from $6.06 to $11.74)
    Based on 16 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Needed to perform blood tests mentioned above.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.01 (ranges from $9.76 to $16.26)
    Based on 87 providers.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A thorough visit to evaluate your joint pain and overall health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.94 (ranges from $146.95 to $244.92)
    Based on 511 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CBC) test (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Detects signs of infection or inflammation that could cause joint pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.11 (ranges from $9.08 to $15.14)
    Based on 55 providers.

  • Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level test (CPT Code: 83036)
    Purpose: Screen for diabetes which might affect joint health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.10 (ranges from $11.33 to $18.88)
    Based on 90 providers.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
    Purpose: Sometimes joint fluid is removed or medication injected to reduce pain/swelling and diagnose the cause.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $181.70 (ranges from $85.84 to $277.57)
    Based on 10 providers.

  • Procedure: Limited ultrasound scan of joint or other extremity structure except blood vessels (CPT Code: 76882)
    Purpose: An imaging test to look closely at joint structures to identify inflammation or damage.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $74.06 (ranges from $40.25 to $107.88)
    Based on 1 provider.

Visit with a Rheumatologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A focused visit with a specialist to diagnose autoimmune or inflammatory joint diseases like arthritis.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.06 (ranges from $147.05 to $245.08)
    Based on 68 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of hand, minimum of 3 views (CPT Code: 73130)
    Purpose: X-rays can show joint damage or arthritis changes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $58.77 (ranges from $44.08 to $73.46)
    Based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of joint (CPT Code: 76881)
    Purpose: More detailed imaging than limited ultrasound to evaluate joint inflammation or damage.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $135.71 (ranges from $59.40 to $212.02)
    Based on 3 providers.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
    Purpose: Fluid removal or injection done by specialists to relieve symptoms or help diagnosis.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $110.24 (ranges from $79.82 to $140.66)
    Based on 17 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CBC) test (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: To check for inflammation or infection related to joint disease.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.35 (ranges from $9.10 to $15.60)
    Based on 4 providers.

Your joint symptoms deserve professional evaluation, and the key is to take action by connecting with the right healthcare provider. Here’s what you can do next:

  • Schedule an Appointment: Contact an Internal Medicine, Family Practice, or Rheumatology provider in Houston. If unsure, start with a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor who can refer you if needed.
  • Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, including when they started, what makes them better or worse, any swelling noticed, and questions you want to ask.
  • Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask about estimates and insurance coverage so you feel confident about your financial responsibility.
  • Stay Positive: Remember, getting a professional opinion is the best step toward relief and preventing potential worsening of your condition. You’re doing the right thing for your health.

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, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.