Face Rash and Joint Pain? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Long Beach, CA

face rashjoint painrheumatologydermatologyLong Beach CAhealthcare costs

Face Rash and Joint Pain? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Long Beach, CA

If you’ve been feeling unusually tired, experiencing joint pain especially in the mornings, and now notice red patches on your cheeks, it’s completely natural to feel worried and want answers. These symptoms can be concerning, and you’re right to want to understand what might be causing them. You’re not alone, and you’ve come to the right place for guidance on what to do next.

This post will help you understand which types of doctors might be best suited to evaluate your symptoms, what kinds of visits and tests to expect, and an idea of the associated costs for care in Long Beach, CA. Our goal is to support you in taking clear, informed next steps toward getting the care you need.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Long Beach, CA

When facing a combination of a facial rash and joint pain, there are a few types of healthcare providers that could be a good starting point:

  • Dermatology: Dermatologists specialize in skin conditions. They can examine the rash on your face to diagnose and treat skin-related issues.
  • Rheumatology: Rheumatologists focus on joint, muscle, and autoimmune conditions. Since you have joint pain, they can assess for underlying causes such as arthritis or autoimmune diseases.
  • Internal Medicine: Internists are general adult medicine specialists who can evaluate systemic symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, and rashes to help diagnose complex conditions.
  • Family Practice: Family practice doctors are generalists who can diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues, making them an excellent first stop to coordinate your care.

Each of these providers can play an important role in understanding your symptoms and guiding the next steps in diagnosis and treatment.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of typical office visits and tests you might encounter with each provider type in Long Beach, along with estimated self-pay costs based on local data.

Visit with a Dermatology Doctor

  • Procedure: New patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-44 minutes (CPT Code: 99203)
    Purpose: This visit lets the dermatologist evaluate your facial rash closely to diagnose skin conditions and recommend treatments or tests.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.16 (typically ranges from $144.12 to $240.20)
    This estimate is based on 105 providers in the Long Beach area.

Visit with a Rheumatology Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A detailed evaluation of your joint pain and related symptoms to identify autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $216.29 (ranges from $162.22 to $270.36)
    This estimate is based on 41 providers in Long Beach.

  • Procedure: Rheumatoid factor level blood test (CPT Code: 86431)
    Purpose: A blood test to check for antibodies commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis and related disorders.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.90 (ranges from $6.67 to $11.12)
    Based on 2 providers in the area.

  • Procedure: Measurement of antibody for rheumatoid arthritis assessment (CPT Code: 86200)
    Purpose: Another blood test to detect specific antibodies linked to joint inflammation and autoimmune conditions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.30 (ranges from $15.23 to $25.38)
    Based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Measurement c-reactive protein for detection of infection or inflammation (CPT Code: 86140)
    Purpose: This test looks for markers of inflammation in your body, which can help identify underlying causes of joint pain and rash.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.62 (ranges from $6.04 to $25.20)
    Based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Vitamin D-3 level test (CPT Code: 82306)
    Purpose: Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to fatigue and musculoskeletal problems, so this test helps check your levels.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $46.42 (ranges from $34.81 to $58.02)
    Based on 2 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A general medical exam to assess your overall health, symptoms, and possibly order initial blood tests or referrals.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.33 (ranges from $157.00 to $261.66)
    Based on 602 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: A common blood test to evaluate your red and white blood cells and platelets, helping detect infections, anemia, or inflammation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.29 (ranges from $9.13 to $21.44)
    Based on 15 providers.

  • Procedure: Thyroid stimulating hormone blood test (CPT Code: 84443)
    Purpose: Tests thyroid function, since thyroid issues can cause fatigue and joint problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $33.08 (ranges from $19.75 to $46.42)
    Based on 14 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood clotting time test (CPT Code: 85610)
    Purpose: Measures blood clotting ability, which relates to overall health and some autoimmune conditions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.68 (ranges from $5.04 to $22.32)
    Based on 5 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Simple needle insertion for blood tests.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.74 (ranges from $9.55 to $15.92)
    Based on 232 providers.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A general evaluation of your symptoms to coordinate care or refer to specialists.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $212.06 (ranges from $159.05 to $265.08)
    Based on 574 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Checks your blood cells for signs of illness or inflammation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.24 (ranges from $9.11 to $21.37)
    Based on 13 providers.

  • Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level (CPT Code: 83036)
    Purpose: Tests your average blood sugar levels, useful if fatigue is related to blood sugar issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.70 (ranges from $11.39 to $20.00)
    Based on 31 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Blood draw for lab tests.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.00 (ranges from $9.00 to $15.00)
    Based on 239 providers.

  • Procedure: Biopsy of related skin growth, first growth (CPT Code: 11102)
    Purpose: If necessary, a small skin sample may be taken to better diagnose your rash.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $169.90 (ranges from $127.43 to $212.38)
    Based on 2 providers.

Taking the right steps now can help you get answers and relief sooner. Here’s what you can do:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a dermatologist, rheumatologist, internal medicine, or family practice doctor in Long Beach. Starting with a family practice doctor can be a good choice if you want a general evaluation first.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms in detail—how long you’ve had fatigue, joint pain, and the rash. Note any other changes and questions you want to ask.
  3. Discuss Costs: The prices listed here are estimates. When you call to book your appointment, ask your provider’s office about exact costs and insurance coverage.
  4. Stay Positive: Seeking medical advice is a strong and important step toward understanding your health and feeling better.

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 about healthcare options and costs in Long Beach, CA. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance.