Yellow Skin, Swollen Belly, and Tiredness? Next Steps in Dallas, TX

yellow skinswollen bellyfatigueDallas TXhealthcare guidancegastroenterologyfamily practice

Yellow Skin, Swollen Belly, and Tiredness? Next Steps in Dallas, TX

If you’ve noticed your skin turning yellow, your belly looking swollen, and you’re feeling unusually tired all the time, it’s completely natural to feel concerned. These changes can feel unsettling, and searching for answers is the right thing to do. You’re not alone in trying to understand what these symptoms might mean. This post is here to help you make sense of what you’re experiencing by guiding you through who might be best to see next in Dallas, TX, what the initial visits and tests typically involve, and what you might expect to pay. You’re in the right place for clear, reassuring information to help you take the next step.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Dallas, TX

Based on your symptoms—yellow skin (which may indicate jaundice), a swollen belly, and persistent tiredness—several types of healthcare providers could be good starting points:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A family practice doctor is a generalist who can evaluate a wide range of symptoms, order initial tests, and guide you toward specialists if needed. They are often the first step in identifying what might be going on.

  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Specialists in adult medicine, internal medicine doctors can handle complex or ongoing health issues. They can help evaluate symptoms like yours and perform detailed testing.

  • Gastroenterologist: This type of doctor specializes in the digestive system and liver health. Given the yellow skin and swollen belly symptoms, a gastroenterologist is often involved in diagnosing liver or abdominal conditions.

  • Hematologist: Sometimes symptoms like tiredness and changes in skin color relate to blood conditions. Hematologists specialize in blood diseases and may be consulted for further evaluation depending on initial findings.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s what you might expect when you see these providers and the types of procedures they may perform, along with cost estimates in Dallas, TX. These costs are for self-pay patients; if you have insurance, your costs may be different.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

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

  • Purpose: A face-to-face appointment to discuss your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and decide what tests you may need next.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.57 (typically ranges from $145.18 to $241.96)

  • Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 494 providers in the Dallas area.

  • Procedure: Liver function blood test panel (CPT Code: 80076)

  • Purpose: Blood tests that check how well your liver is working, which is important if your skin looks yellow.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.75 (ranges from $9.56 to $15.94)

  • Provider Availability: 5 providers.

  • Procedure: Bilirubin level, direct (CPT Code: 82248)

  • Purpose: Measures bilirubin in the blood, a key substance related to yellow skin (jaundice).

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.07 (ranges from $5.90 to $26.24)

  • Provider Availability: 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Albumin (protein) level (CPT Code: 82040)

  • Purpose: Tests protein levels important in liver and general health.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.11 (range $5.78 to $18.44)

  • Provider Availability: 1 provider.

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

  • Purpose: Helps check for signs of infection, anemia, or other blood issues causing tiredness.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $17.07 (ranges from $9.12 to $25.03)

  • Provider Availability: 24 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

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

  • Purpose: A thorough evaluation similar to family practice, often for adults with more complex or ongoing symptoms.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.08 (ranges from $145.56 to $242.60)

  • Provider Availability: 508 providers.

  • Procedure: Liver function blood test panel (CPT Code: 80076)

  • Purpose: As above, for assessing liver health.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.77 (ranges $9.58 to $15.96)

  • Provider Availability: 11 providers.

  • Procedure: Stool analysis for blood to screen for colon tumors (CPT Code: 82270)

  • Purpose: Checks for hidden blood in stool, which can be related to abdominal swelling symptoms.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $6.77 (ranges $5.08 to $8.46)

  • Provider Availability: 4 providers.

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

  • Purpose: As above, screens your blood to detect infections or anemia.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.47 (ranges $9.10 to $17.84)

  • Provider Availability: 57 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)

  • Purpose: Thyroid problems can cause tiredness and swelling; this test checks thyroid function.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $27.60 (ranges $19.72 to $35.48)

  • Provider Availability: 49 providers.

Visit with a Gastroenterologist

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

  • Purpose: Specialized evaluation focusing on liver and digestive system symptoms like yellow skin and swollen belly.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.00 (ranges $145.50 to $242.50)

  • Provider Availability: 141 providers.

  • Procedure: Measurement of liver stiffness (CPT Code: 91200)

  • Purpose: A non-invasive test to check for liver scarring or damage, which can cause your symptoms.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $90.10 (ranges $32.88 to $147.32)

  • Provider Availability: 7 providers.

  • Procedure: CT scan of abdomen and pelvis with contrast (CPT Code: 74177)

  • Purpose: An imaging test used to get a detailed look inside your abdomen to find causes of swelling.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $383.55 (ranges $263.66 to $503.44)

  • Provider Availability: 1 provider.

Visit with a Hematologist

  • Procedure: New patient office visit, 60-74 minutes (CPT Code: 99205)
  • Purpose: Longer appointment to evaluate blood-related causes of symptoms like tiredness and skin changes.
  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $348.37 (ranges $261.28 to $435.46)
  • Provider Availability: 2 providers.

Taking care of changes in your health promptly is crucial. Here’s how you can move forward confidently:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor first if you want a generalist to start. If symptoms are more severe or ongoing, a Gastroenterologist or Hematologist may be appropriate. Don’t wait to get evaluated.

  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms, including when they started and how they have changed. Bring any questions you want to ask. This helps your doctor understand your situation better.

  3. Discuss Costs: When you call to make your appointment, ask the office about costs for your visit and any tests you might need. The estimates shared here are averages to guide you but can vary.

  4. Stay Reassured: Remember, these symptoms may have various causes, some treatable and manageable. Seeking professional advice is the best way to find answers and begin the right care.

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 post provides general information based on local cost data and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.