Always Tired with Swollen Glands? Steps for Care in Chicago, IL

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Always Tired with Swollen Glands? Steps for Care in Chicago, IL

If you’ve been feeling constantly tired, experiencing swollen glands, a persistent sore throat, unintentional weight loss, night sweats, and sometimes rashes, it’s completely natural to feel worried and want to understand what’s happening to your body. These symptoms can be concerning, and searching online for answers shows you are taking your health seriously. While the internet can provide some information, it’s important to know when and how to seek professional medical care so you can get the right diagnosis and treatment.

This post is designed to guide you through the possible types of healthcare providers you might consider in Chicago, IL, explain what typical initial visits might involve, and give you a sense of costs you might expect if you are paying out-of-pocket. You’ve come to the right place to learn your next steps.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Chicago, IL

Based on your symptoms—constant tiredness, swollen glands, sore throat, weight loss, night sweats, and rashes—there are several types of doctors who could be helpful starting points:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. They are often a first stop to assess your overall health and order basic tests.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Specialists focused on adult medicine who handle complex or chronic illnesses, and can coordinate further testing or specialist referrals.
  • Infectious Disease Specialist: Doctors who focus on illnesses caused by infections, which could be relevant if your symptoms are related to an ongoing infection.
  • Hematology-Oncology Specialist: These experts focus on blood disorders and cancers. Because symptoms like swollen glands and weight loss could relate to blood conditions, seeing one of these specialists might be needed after initial evaluation.

Each provider can evaluate your symptoms and determine the appropriate next steps in diagnosis and care.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here is a breakdown of common procedures and visits with providers in Chicago, IL, including estimated self-pay costs. Remember, if you have insurance, your out-of-pocket costs may vary.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

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

  • Purpose: This is a thorough visit where the doctor will review your symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical exam to understand what might be causing your symptoms.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $202.91 (typically ranges from $152.18 to $253.64)

  • Provider Availability: Based on 854 family practice providers in the Chicago area.

  • Procedure: Blood tests including complete blood cell count to check your red and white blood cells and platelets (CPT Code: 85025)

  • Purpose: These tests assess your blood health and detect infections or blood disorders that might explain your tiredness and swollen glands.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.91 (ranges $9.11 to $24.71)

  • Provider Availability: 16 providers offering this test.

  • Procedure: Thyroid stimulating hormone blood test (CPT Code: 84443)

  • Purpose: This test checks your thyroid function, as thyroid problems can cause fatigue and other symptoms.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $36.94 (ranges $19.74 to $54.14)

  • Provider Availability: 17 providers in the Chicago area.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

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

  • Purpose: Similar to family practice, the internal medicine doctor performs a detailed evaluation especially for adults with unexplained symptoms.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.68 (ranges $149.76 to $249.60)

  • Provider Availability: 1,099 providers available.

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

  • Purpose: To evaluate your blood for signs of infection, anemia, or other abnormalities.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $17.09 (ranges $9.10 to $25.08)

  • Provider Availability: 30 providers.

  • Procedure: Thyroid stimulating hormone test (CPT Code: 84443)

  • Purpose: Checks for thyroid diseases that may cause fatigue.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $35.06 (ranges $19.73 to $50.39)

  • Provider Availability: 31 providers.

Visit with an Infectious Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: New patient office or outpatient visit, 45-59 minutes (CPT Code: 99204)
  • Purpose: If an infection is suspected as the cause of your symptoms, this doctor evaluates and provides specialized care.
  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $257.10 (ranges $192.83 to $321.38)
  • Provider Availability: 14 providers in Chicago.

Visit with a Hematology-Oncology Specialist

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

  • Purpose: If blood cancers or disorders are suspected, this doctor will provide careful evaluation and follow-up.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $179.06 (ranges $134.29 to $223.82)

  • Provider Availability: 182 providers.

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

  • Purpose: A detailed blood test to look for abnormalities in blood cells that can indicate disease.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.19 (ranges $9.00 to $23.38)

  • Provider Availability: 4 providers.

  • Additional blood tests such as ferritin (iron storage), carcinoembryonic antigen, and others may be ordered depending on the evaluation.

Taking the step to see a doctor is important and the best way to get to the bottom of your symptoms. Here’s what you can do now:

  • Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor in Chicago to start. They can help determine if specialist care is needed.
  • Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all symptoms you are experiencing, how long they have lasted, and any concerns or questions you have.
  • Discuss Costs: When booking your visit, ask the provider’s office for estimated out-of-pocket costs so you’re prepared financially. Use the cost ranges shared here as a rough guide.
  • Remember: Getting professional care is the right thing to do. Early evaluation can provide relief and peace of mind.

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 based on estimated out-of-pocket costs and common medical procedures in Chicago, IL. It 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.