Joint Pain in Fingers? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Long Beach, CA

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Joint Pain in Fingers? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Long Beach, CA

If your fingers and knees have been feeling stiff and achy—especially in the mornings—and sometimes look a bit swollen, it’s natural to feel concerned. You might be wondering what’s causing this discomfort and if it’s something common. Many people experience these symptoms, and you’re not alone in wanting to understand what’s going on before it starts interfering with your day-to-day life.

This post is here to help you take clear, practical next steps. We’ll guide you through what kinds of doctors you might want to see in Long Beach, CA, what typical initial visits and tests could involve, and how much you can expect to pay if you’re covering costs yourself. You’re doing the right thing by researching—let’s make the next steps easier for you.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Long Beach, CA

Based on your description of joint stiffness, achiness, and swelling in your fingers and knees, there are a few types of healthcare providers who could be a good starting point:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who diagnoses and treats many common health conditions. They can evaluate your joint pain, order initial tests, and refer you to a specialist if needed.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: A specialist in adult medicine who deals with a wide range of illnesses, including chronic conditions and joint problems. They can provide thorough assessments and management.
  • Rheumatologist: A doctor specialized in diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones, such as arthritis. If your symptoms suggest something like rheumatoid arthritis or another inflammatory condition, this specialist is equipped for advanced diagnosis and treatment.

Each of these providers has a slightly different role, and depending on the severity and persistence of your symptoms, starting with a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor is often recommended. If needed, they can then direct you to a Rheumatologist.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of common procedures you might experience during your initial visits with different provider types, along with estimated self-pay costs in Long Beach, CA. These are average prices and can vary, so be sure to confirm costs with your provider at booking.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A longer visit where the doctor will evaluate your joint pain, ask about your symptoms, medical history, and possibly begin planning tests or treatments.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $212.06 (typically ranges from $159.05 to $265.08)
    This estimate is based on 574 providers in the Long Beach area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of hand, minimum of 3 views (CPT Code: 73130)
    Purpose: An X-ray helps the doctor see the bones and joints of your hand to check for arthritis or other changes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $59.98 (ranging from $44.99 to $74.98)
    This estimate is based on 4 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of knee, 3 views (CPT Code: 73562)
    Purpose: If you have knee symptoms, the X-ray evaluates bones and joint spaces in the knee.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $62.57 (ranging from $46.16 to $78.98)
    This estimate is based on 10 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of joint (CPT Code: 76881)
    Purpose: Ultrasound can show inflammation, fluid, or other soft tissue issues in the joint that aren’t visible on X-rays.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $95.29 (ranging from $70.58 to $120.00)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
    Purpose: Removing or injecting fluid in your joint can relieve pain or help diagnose causes of swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $112.67 (ranging from $84.50 to $140.84)
    This estimate is based on 14 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Similar to family practice, this visit involves examining your symptoms in detail and recommending tests or treatments.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.33 (ranging from $157.00 to $261.66)
    This estimate is based on 602 providers.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
    Purpose: Same as above, used for treatment or diagnosis of joint swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $117.58 (ranging from $88.19 to $146.98)
    This estimate is based on 23 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CBC) (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: A blood test checking for signs of infection or inflammation, which can affect joints.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.29 (ranging from $9.13 to $21.44)
    This estimate is based on 15 providers.

  • Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level (CPT Code: 83036)
    Purpose: Checks blood sugar control, since diabetes can sometimes contribute to joint issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $17.41 (ranging from $11.42 to $23.39)
    This estimate is based on 33 providers.

Visit with a Rheumatologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A specialized visit focusing on diagnosing and treating arthritis and other joint disorders.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $216.29 (ranging from $162.22 to $270.36)
    This estimate is based on 41 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of hand, minimum of 3 views (CPT Code: 73130)
    Purpose: Detailed imaging to help confirm a diagnosis of arthritis or other joint conditions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $63.98 (ranging from $47.99 to $79.98)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of knee, 3 views (CPT Code: 73562)
    Purpose: Useful for assessing knee joint damage or inflammation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $75.98 (ranging from $56.99 to $94.98)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of joint (CPT Code: 76881)
    Purpose: Helps detect inflammation, fluid buildup, and joint abnormalities.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $107.28 (ranging from $68.76 to $145.80)
    This estimate is based on 3 providers.

  • Procedure: Rheumatoid factor blood test (CPT Code: 86431)
    Purpose: A blood test to detect antibodies that may indicate rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune conditions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.90 (ranging from $6.67 to $11.12)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling deserve attention. Here’s how to move forward confidently:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor near you in Long Beach to start your evaluation. If needed, they will refer you to a Rheumatologist for specialized care.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all symptoms, when they started, how they change throughout the day, and any questions you want to ask.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask about self-pay fees or your insurance coverage. The prices here are estimates to help you plan.
  4. Trust the Process: Remember, catching joint conditions early can help prevent worsening symptoms and improve your quality of life.

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. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.