Sore Throat, Tired, and Fever? Your Next Steps in The Woodlands, TX

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Feeling Sore Throat, Tired, and Fever? Your Next Healthcare Steps in The Woodlands, TX

It’s understandable to feel worried when you’ve been dealing with a sore throat that lasts over a week, combined with unexplained tiredness, nighttime fevers, and even some unintentional weight loss. These symptoms can feel alarming, especially if they’re persistent and unusual for you. You’re taking the right step by seeking information—knowing what to do next can provide peace of mind and help you get the care you need.

This post is here to guide you through the next steps if you’re experiencing these symptoms in The Woodlands, TX. We’ll explain which kinds of doctors you might want to see first and what common procedures and costs you might expect in your area. Our goal is to help you feel more informed and ready to take action.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in The Woodlands, TX

Based on your symptoms—sore throat, fatigue, fever, and weight loss—there are several healthcare provider types that could be great places to start:

  • Family Practice: A family practice doctor is a generalist who can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. They’re often the first point of contact and can help with common infections, ordering initial tests, and making referrals if needed.

  • Internal Medicine: Internists specialize in adult medicine and can manage complex symptoms or chronic conditions. They often perform detailed evaluations and can coordinate more specialized testing.

  • Infectious Disease: If your symptoms suggest a persistent or unusual infection, an infectious disease specialist has advanced expertise in diagnosing and treating infections that don’t resolve easily.

  • Hematology-Oncology: If weight loss or certain blood abnormalities are a concern, hematology-oncology doctors focus on blood diseases and cancers. They can conduct thorough evaluations to rule out serious blood disorders or cancers.

Each of these providers can offer valuable insight and may refer you for further tests or specialist care depending on what they find.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of typical visits and tests you might receive for your symptoms, along with estimated self-pay costs in The Woodlands, TX:

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 visit where the doctor will discuss your symptoms, examine you, and decide what tests or treatments you may need.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.28 (ranges from $149.46 to $249.10)

  • Provider Availability: Based on 239 providers in The Woodlands area.

  • Procedure: Detection test by immunoassay with direct visual observation for streptococcus, group A (strep throat) (CPT Code: 87880)

  • Purpose: This test quickly checks if your sore throat is caused by strep bacteria, a common treatable infection.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $25.73 (ranges from $19.30 to $32.16)

  • Provider Availability: 26 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CBC), automated test and automated differential (CPT Code: 85025)

  • Purpose: A CBC tests your blood for signs of infection or other blood issues that might explain your symptoms.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.86 (ranges from $9.12 to $24.61)

  • Provider Availability: 28 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)

  • Purpose: A comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms focusing on adult medicine, often involving more detailed history and assessments.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.57 (ranges from $149.68 to $249.46)

  • Provider Availability: 155 providers.

  • Procedure: Detection test for influenza virus (CPT Code: 87804)

  • Purpose: Checks if you have the flu, which can cause fever, sore throat, and fatigue.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $25.94 (ranges from $19.45 to $32.42)

  • Provider Availability: 23 providers.

  • Procedure: Detection test for COVID-19 (CPT Code: 87811)

  • Purpose: A test to rule out COVID-19, which can present with similar symptoms like fever and sore throat.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $29.54 (ranges from $22.15 to $36.92)

  • Provider Availability: 8 providers.

Visit with an Infectious Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: New patient office or other outpatient visit, 45-59 minutes (CPT Code: 99204)
  • Purpose: A longer, specialized visit focusing on difficult or persistent infections that require expert evaluation.
  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $238.48 (ranges from $178.86 to $298.10)
  • Provider Availability: 5 providers.

Visit with a Hematology-Oncology Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)

  • Purpose: Focused exam and discussion to assess for blood diseases or cancer if symptoms suggest these possibilities.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.98 (ranges from $147.73 to $246.22)

  • Provider Availability: 19 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)

  • Purpose: This test checks for abnormalities in your blood cells, which can signal many conditions.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $14.39 (ranges from $9.08 to $19.69)

  • Provider Availability: 5 providers.

  • Procedure: Comprehensive blood chemistry panel (CPT Code: 80053)

  • Purpose: Measures various chemicals in your blood to assess overall organ function and detect illness.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $25.37 (ranges from $12.35 to $38.40)

  • Provider Availability: 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Biopsy and aspiration of bone marrow sample (CPT Code: 38222)

  • Purpose: A procedure to collect bone marrow to diagnose blood cancers or marrow disorders, generally done if blood tests warrant it.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $273.95 (ranges from $205.46 to $342.44)

  • Provider Availability: 3 providers.

Symptoms like a persistent sore throat, unexplained tiredness, fevers, and weight loss should be evaluated promptly by a medical professional. Here’s how you can move forward:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor in The Woodlands, TX first. They can evaluate your symptoms and decide if you need to see a specialist like an Infectious Disease or Hematology-Oncology doctor.

  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, when they started, how they have changed, and any other health changes you’ve noticed. Also prepare any questions or concerns you have for your provider.

  3. Discuss Costs: While we’ve provided estimated self-pay costs, your actual costs may vary. Confirm with the provider’s office when booking and inquire about insurance coverage or payment options.

  4. Stay Calm and Informed: Taking this proactive step to get evaluated is the best move you can make for your health right now.

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 not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing severe symptoms or have urgent health concerns, please seek immediate medical attention.