Tired All the Time With a Lump? Next Healthcare Steps in Atlanta, GA

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Feeling Tired All the Time With a Lump? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Atlanta, GA

Noticing persistent tiredness combined with unexpected weight loss and finding a lump under your skin can feel scary and confusing. It’s completely understandable to feel anxious about what these changes could mean for your health. You are not alone in having these worries, and it’s good that you’re seeking answers rather than ignoring the symptoms.

This post is here to guide you gently through your next best steps: who you might consider seeing for these symptoms in Atlanta, GA, what kinds of medical visits or tests you might expect, and the typical costs involved if you are paying out-of-pocket. This way, you’ll feel more informed and empowered to take charge of your health.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Atlanta, GA

Based on the combination of tiredness, unexplained weight loss, and finding a new lump, several types of healthcare providers could be helpful starting points:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A family practice doctor is a generalist who can evaluate your symptoms, perform initial examinations, order routine blood tests, and help determine if you need referrals to specialists. They are often the best first step.
  • Internal Medicine Physician: These doctors specialize in adult medicine and diagnosing complex medical issues, including blood disorders or systemic problems that might cause fatigue and lumps.
  • Hematology-Oncology Specialist: If your lump or symptoms raise concerns about blood diseases or cancers, a hematologist or oncologist focuses on diagnosing and treating these conditions.
  • Medical Oncologist: If there is a concern about cancer, this specialist manages cancer treatment and diagnosis.
  • Psychiatrist: Sometimes fatigue and physical symptoms may relate to mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, which a psychiatrist can help assess.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of the typical visits and tests you might encounter, along with estimated self-pay costs based on providers in the Atlanta area.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is a detailed face-to-face meeting to discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor can decide what tests or referrals might be needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.48 (typically ranges from $147.36 to $245.60)
    Provider Availability: Based on 348 family practice providers in Atlanta.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CBC) test (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: This blood test evaluates your red and white blood cells and platelets, which can help detect infections, anemia, or blood disorders explaining fatigue or lumps.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.77 (ranges from $9.05 to $22.49)
    Provider Availability: Offered by 27 providers.

  • Procedure: Comprehensive blood chemistry panel (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: This blood test checks your liver, kidneys, and other chemicals to assess your overall health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.28 (ranges from $12.30 to $24.26)
    Provider Availability: Available from 19 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Physician

  • Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A thorough evaluation focused on diagnosing and managing adult diseases that might cause fatigue and lumps.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.58 (ranges from $146.69 to $244.48)
    Provider Availability: 444 providers in Atlanta.

  • Procedure: CBC test (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: See above.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.27 (ranges $9.12 to $23.42)
    Provider Availability: 35 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
    Purpose: This test checks how well your thyroid is working, which can influence energy levels and weight.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $27.50 (ranges $19.75 to $35.25)
    Provider Availability: 28 providers.

  • Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c test (CPT Code: 83036)
    Purpose: Checks your average blood sugar levels to rule out diabetes as a cause of your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.79 (ranges $11.34 to $26.24)
    Provider Availability: 103 providers.

Visit with a Hematology-Oncology Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A specialist visit focusing on blood diseases and cancers that might explain your symptoms and the lump.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $160.66 (ranges $120.48 to $200.83)
    Provider Availability: 71 providers.

  • Procedure: Bone marrow biopsy (CPT Code: 38222)
    Purpose: A test to sample bone marrow, often used if blood cancers are suspected.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $792.69 (ranges $205.38 to $1380.00)
    Provider Availability: 5 providers.

  • Procedure: CBC test (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: See above.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.10 (ranges $9.11 to $17.10)
    Provider Availability: 8 providers.

Visit with a Medical Oncologist

  • Procedure: New patient office visit, 60-74 minutes (CPT Code: 99205)
    Purpose: A longer initial consultation if cancer diagnosis or treatment is being considered.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $323.00 (ranges $218.27 to $427.73)
    Provider Availability: 13 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Inserting a needle into a vein to draw blood for needed tests.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.44 (ranges $10.08 to $16.80)
    Provider Availability: 2 providers.

Visit with a Psychiatrist

  • Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: An appointment to evaluate mental health concerns that may be contributing to fatigue or overall wellness.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $181.70 (ranges $136.27 to $227.12)
    Provider Availability: 91 providers.

  • Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services (CPT Code: 90792)
    Purpose: A comprehensive evaluation to diagnose mental health conditions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $290.56 (ranges $217.92 to $363.20)
    Provider Availability: 27 providers.

Taking the first step toward care can feel overwhelming, but here’s what you can do now:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice doctor or Internal Medicine physician in Atlanta to start your evaluation. These providers can then guide you if you need a specialist.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms, including how long you’ve felt tired, any weight changes, details about the lump, and any other concerns you notice.
  3. Discuss Costs: When scheduling, ask the provider’s office about expected costs. The prices shared here are estimates and can vary.
  4. Follow Professional Advice: Trust that healthcare professionals are equipped to investigate thoroughly and help you find answers.
  5. Stay Positive: Seeking care is a strong and responsible action. Early evaluation is the best way to address health concerns and ease your worries.

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 information is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.