Why Does My Cough Not Stop? Expert Guidance in Atlanta, GA
Why Does My Cough Not Stop? Expert Guidance in Atlanta, GA
If you’ve been struggling with a cough that just won’t go away for several weeks and you don’t smoke, it’s natural to feel worried and frustrated. A persistent cough can be more than an annoyance—it can signal something that needs attention. You’re doing the right thing by seeking answers. This post is here to help you understand potential causes, the types of healthcare providers who can help you in Atlanta, GA, and what you can expect regarding initial visits and costs. You’ll find clear, localized information so you can take the next confident step toward relief.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Atlanta, GA
When a cough lingers for weeks, several types of doctors can be good starting points for evaluation:
- Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can diagnose and treat various conditions. They are usually your first step and can manage common causes of cough or refer you to a specialist if needed.
- Internal Medicine Doctor: These doctors specialize in adult medical care, often dealing with more complex or chronic illnesses that might cause ongoing cough.
- Pulmonary Disease Specialist (Pulmonologist): This is a lung specialist who focuses on respiratory system diseases. If your cough is linked to your lungs or breathing issues, they are the expert to see.
Choosing where to start may depend on the severity of your symptoms and how long the cough has persisted, but any of these providers can guide you toward the right diagnosis and treatment.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Below is an overview of common procedures for each provider type in Atlanta, GA related to persistent cough, along with estimated self-pay costs. These costs are estimates based on provider data in your area.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: This is a thorough visit where your doctor will review your cough history, symptoms, and health background to provide an initial diagnosis or treatment plan.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.50 (typically ranges from $147.36 to $245.64)
This estimate is based on 348 providers in the Atlanta area. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: A chest X-ray helps visualize your lungs and chest area to check for infections, inflammation, or other lung issues that might be causing your cough.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $59.76 (typically ranges from $39.17 to $80.34)
This estimate is based on 32 providers in the Atlanta area. -
Procedure: Detection test by immunoassay for influenza virus (CPT Code: 87804)
Purpose: This test checks if influenza is causing your cough, important during flu season or if symptoms suggest infection.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.99 (typically ranges from $18.96 to $39.02)
This estimate is based on 28 providers in Atlanta. -
Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
Purpose: Blood tests may be done to check for infections or other health indicators that can cause persistent cough.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.08 (typically ranges from $9.79 to $16.36)
Based on 122 providers.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A detailed visit to evaluate complex or ongoing symptoms, including persistent cough, and to plan diagnostics or treatments.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.58 (typically ranges from $146.69 to $244.48)
Based on 444 providers. -
Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
Purpose: To test for infections or underlying causes of cough through blood work.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.45 (typically ranges from $9.95 to $16.94)
Based on 162 providers. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: Measures heart function; useful if heart or vascular issues could be linked to cough.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $35.60 (typically ranges from $17.26 to $53.94)
Based on 210 providers. -
Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of abdomen (CPT Code: 76700)
Purpose: Sometimes, abdominal issues may contribute indirectly to symptoms; this scan looks for related problems.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $226.72 (typically ranges from $122.18 to $331.25)
Based on 5 providers. -
Procedure: Urinalysis, manual test (CPT Code: 81002)
Purpose: Checks for infections or systemic illnesses that might cause symptoms like cough.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.20 (typically ranges from $4.09 to $14.30)
Based on 82 providers.
Visit with a Pulmonary Disease Specialist
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A focused lung specialist’s visit to diagnose causes of a persistent cough related to lung diseases like asthma, COPD, or infections.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $207.20 (typically ranges from $148.13 to $266.26)
Based on 79 providers. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: Examines lungs and chest for abnormalities contributing to cough.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $47.78 (typically ranges from $31.99 to $63.58)
Based on 35 providers. -
Procedure: Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
Purpose: Checks how well air moves through your lungs, useful in diagnosing asthma or airway obstruction.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $50.74 (typically ranges from $28.62 to $72.86)
Based on 39 providers. -
Procedure: Test to examine how well the lungs exchange gases (CPT Code: 94729)
Purpose: Measures lung gas exchange efficiency, critical in assessing lung health and function.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $91.44 (typically ranges from $55.55 to $127.33)
Based on 71 providers. -
Procedure: Inhalation treatment for airway obstruction or sputum production (CPT Code: 94640)
Purpose: Provides relief by opening airways and helping clear mucus if these are causing your cough.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.40 (typically ranges from $10.93 to $45.86)
Based on 3 providers.
How to Interpret the Cost Estimates
Healthcare pricing in the U.S. can feel like haggling at a marketplace with prices that vary widely. The costs shown here represent a typical range you might encounter, but your actual payment could be different depending on the provider and your insurance status.
- The maximum cost listed is close to what providers usually charge before any discounts or insurance negotiations—this is often called the “charged amount.”
- The minimum cost is near what Medicare has negotiated to pay providers—this “Medicare allowed amount” is often the lowest price point at which providers can still cover costs or sometimes break even.
Knowing this helps you understand that asking upfront about pricing and discounts can lead to better financial planning for your care.
Know Your Rights
If you are paying for care out-of-pocket (without insurance), you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of your expected charges. This means:
- Your doctor must provide you with a written estimate if you ask or schedule services at least 3 business days in advance.
- Many providers offer discounts for self-pay patients, so don’t hesitate to ask: “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
- You can request itemized bills and dispute charges that seem incorrect or excessive.
- You are entitled to know CPT codes and billing details; this transparency helps you understand what you are being charged for.
- Many states protect patients from “unconscionable” billing, especially if you are uninsured.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Dealing with a persistent cough is uncomfortable, but the best step is to get professional help. Here’s what to do next:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice doctor, Internal Medicine doctor, or a Pulmonary Disease specialist in Atlanta. Starting with a family doctor is often easiest.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long the cough has lasted, any triggers or relief you’ve noticed, and a list of questions for your doctor.
- Discuss Costs: When booking, be clear about your payment method and ask for estimates or possible discounts. Refer to the cost information above to guide your expectations.
- Stay Empowered: Seeking professional help is the right choice. Early evaluation helps avoid complications and brings you closer to 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 article provides general information based on estimated costs and practices in Atlanta, GA. It does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual health needs.