Trouble Breathing All the Time? Your Guide to Next Healthcare Steps in Arlington, TX
Trouble Breathing All the Time? Your Guide to Next Healthcare Steps in Arlington, TX
If you’ve been having a hard time catching your breath—especially if it’s getting worse even when you’re just walking around the house—and you’re feeling chest tightness along with morning coughing, it’s completely understandable to feel worried. These symptoms are not something to ignore, especially if this is new for you. You’re likely searching to understand what shortness of breath might mean and how to figure out if it’s serious or not.
This post is designed to guide you through the next steps: who you might want to see for an evaluation, what kinds of tests and visits you might expect, and the typical costs for these services right here in Arlington, TX. You’re in the right place to get clear information to help you take charge of your health.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Arlington, TX
Based on the symptoms you described—difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing—there are a few types of healthcare providers who could be a great place to start:
- Pulmonary Disease Specialists: These doctors focus specifically on lung and breathing problems. They can diagnose and treat conditions like asthma, COPD, and other lung diseases.
- Family Practice Doctors: General practitioners who can evaluate your symptoms, perform initial tests, and refer you if needed. They are a good first stop if you don’t already see a specialist.
- Allergy and Immunology Specialists: Since allergies and immune system problems can sometimes cause breathing difficulties, these doctors test for and manage allergies and immune-related conditions.
- Cardiologists: Because heart problems can also cause trouble breathing, a cardiologist can check your heart’s function to rule out related issues.
- Internal Medicine Doctors: These providers specialize in adult health and treat a wide range of conditions, including lung and heart health.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Below is a clear overview of typical visits and tests each type of provider might recommend, along with cost estimates based on self-pay pricing in Arlington, TX.
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: This visit lets the doctor take a detailed history, check your lungs and breathing, and discuss symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $189.39 (typically ranges from $142.04 to $236.74)
This estimate is based on 72 providers in the Arlington area. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: A chest X-ray helps the doctor see your lungs and chest structures for any signs of infection, inflammation, or abnormalities.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $53.39 (ranges $40.04 to $66.74)
Based on 8 providers. -
Procedure: Test to examine how well the lungs exchange gases (CPT Code: 94729)
Purpose: This test checks how well oxygen and carbon dioxide move in and out of your lungs.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $45.08 (ranges $31.27 to $58.90)
Based on 54 providers. -
Procedure: Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
Purpose: Measures how much air you can blow out and how fast, helping to diagnose breathing problems like asthma.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.92 (ranges $11.29 to $22.54)
Based on 34 providers. -
Procedure: Test to determine lung volumes using sensors (CPT Code: 94726)
Purpose: Measures the total amount of air your lungs can hold, useful for understanding lung capacity.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $45.49 (ranges $34.12 to $56.86)
Based on 50 providers.
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: General visit where the doctor gathers your medical history and performs an exam to guide next steps.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.68 (ranges $143.76 to $239.60)
This estimate comes from 502 providers here. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads with interpretation and report (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: A heart test to check if your symptoms might be related to heart rhythm or function issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $25.70 (ranges $16.94 to $34.46)
Based on 90 providers. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: For lung and chest evaluation, same as noted above.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $47.06 (ranges $35.29 to $58.82)
Based on 39 providers. -
Procedure: Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
Purpose: Assesses how well you can exhale, similar to the test pulmonary specialists use.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $51.89 (ranges $32.21 to $71.56)
Based on 13 providers.
Visit with an Allergy/Immunology Specialist
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Procedure: New patient office or other outpatient visit, 45-59 minutes (CPT Code: 99204)
Purpose: A longer, detailed visit to evaluate if allergies or immune conditions might explain your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $258.22 (ranges $193.67 to $322.78)
Based on 14 providers. -
Procedure: Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
Purpose: To check breathing and lung function as part of allergy evaluation.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $43.04 (ranges $31.61 to $54.46)
Based on 12 providers. -
Procedure: Test to measure rate of airflow (CPT Code: 94375)
Purpose: To measure how fast you can breathe out air.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $60.50 (ranges $45.37 to $75.62)
Based on 4 providers. -
Procedure: Test to determine lung volumes using sensors (CPT Code: 94726)
Purpose: To assess the total lung air volume.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $84.00 (ranges $63.00 to $105.00)
1 provider here (limited availability). -
Procedure: Diagnostic exam of nasal passages using an endoscope (CPT Code: 31231)
Purpose: Checks nasal passages which might affect breathing or allergies.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $296.85 (ranges $222.64 to $371.06)
Based on 2 providers.
Visit with a Cardiologist
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Specialist evaluation to rule out heart problems affecting breath.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $188.32 (ranges $141.24 to $235.40)
Based on 138 providers. -
Procedure: Ultrasound of heart with color-depicted blood flow, rate, direction and valve function (CPT Code: 93306)
Purpose: A detailed heart ultrasound assessing blood flow and valve function.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $150.05 (ranges $104.54 to $195.56)
Based on 122 providers. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: Basic heart rhythm and function test.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $29.38 (ranges $16.98 to $41.78)
Based on 109 providers. -
Procedure: Ultrasound of heart (CPT Code: 93307)
Purpose: Heart structure and motion imaging.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $84.40 (ranges $51.20 to $117.60)
1 provider here. -
Procedure: Ultrasound of heart blood flow, valves and chambers (CPT Code: 93320)
Purpose: Additional heart blood flow testing.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $44.66 (ranges $27.95 to $61.37)
Based on 28 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 general adult health check with focus on diagnosing ongoing issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.87 (ranges $143.90 to $239.84)
Based on 364 providers. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: Heart rhythm and function assessment.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $25.52 (ranges $16.94 to $34.09)
Based on 90 providers. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: Lung and chest structure imaging.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $45.86 (ranges $34.39 to $57.32)
Based on 8 providers. -
Procedure: Test to examine how well the lungs exchange gases (CPT Code: 94729)
Purpose: Checks the lungs’ ability to transfer oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $41.08 (ranges $27.17 to $54.98)
Limited availability with 4 providers. -
Procedure: Test to determine lung volumes using gas dilution or washout (CPT Code: 94727)
Purpose: Measures lung air volume using special gas techniques.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $98.31 (ranges $59.82 to $136.80)
1 provider available.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Shortness of breath is a symptom you should take seriously. Here’s what you can do next to get the right care in Arlington, TX:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Pulmonary Disease specialist, Family Practice doctor, or Internal Medicine provider as a good first step. If allergy or heart issues seem more likely, consider Allergy/Immunology or Cardiology specialists.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, any triggers you’ve noticed, and questions you want to ask the doctor.
- Discuss Costs Upfront: When you call the provider’s office, ask about self-pay pricing and confirm which tests or procedures will be recommended so you’re prepared.
- Follow Medical Advice: The important thing is to get professional input quickly—early evaluation can help prevent complications and guide effective treatment.
Taking the first step to see a healthcare provider is the right and empowering choice for your breathing and overall health.
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 information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you are experiencing severe symptoms such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or fainting, please seek emergency care immediately.