Yellow Skin and Bloated Stomach? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Miami

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Yellow Skin and Bloated Stomach? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Miami

If you’ve been feeling unusually tired, noticing your stomach looks swollen, and your skin taking on a yellowish tint, it’s completely natural to feel worried and uncertain. These symptoms can be alarming, especially when they don’t go away. You may be searching for answers and wondering what could be causing this and who you should see first.

This guide is here to help you understand your possible next steps in Miami, FL. We’ll walk you through the types of doctors who might help, the kinds of tests and visits you can expect, and an idea of the typical costs involved — so you can feel more prepared and confident in getting the care you need.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Miami

Based on your symptoms of yellow skin (which can be a sign of jaundice) and a bloated stomach, a few types of healthcare providers could be a good starting point:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist doctor who can diagnose and treat a broad range of health issues. They are often the first stop for new or unclear symptoms and can order blood tests or imaging if needed.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Specialists in adult health who focus on diagnosing and managing complex conditions, including those affecting internal organs like the liver and digestive system.
  • Gastroenterologist: A doctor specialized in the digestive system, including the stomach, liver, and intestines. They are experts in evaluating causes of bloating and jaundice.
  • Hematologist: Doctors who specialize in blood-related conditions. They might be involved if blood tests suggest issues that affect your blood or liver function.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s an overview of common procedures you may encounter with each provider type, along with estimated self-pay costs in Miami based on local data.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A detailed in-person visit to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any concerns. This allows the doctor to evaluate your condition and decide on next steps.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $205.22 (typically ranges from $153.91 to $256.52)
    This estimate is based on 306 providers in the Miami area.

  • Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: A simple blood draw to check for liver function, infection, or other causes for yellow skin and bloating.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.61 (typically ranges from $9.46 to $15.76)
    Based on 125 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: A detailed blood panel that helps evaluate liver health and other critical chemical levels in your body.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $25.11 (typically ranges from $12.42 to $37.80)
    Based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Sometimes done to rule out related lung or chest issues that might cause discomfort or swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $53.98 (typically ranges from $40.49 to $67.48)
    Based on 23 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A comprehensive evaluation by an adult medicine specialist for your symptoms, potentially coordinating further testing.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $208.26 (typically ranges from $156.19 to $260.32)
    Based on 464 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of abdomen (CPT Code: 76700)
    Purpose: An ultrasound can provide a clear image of your liver, gallbladder, and abdominal organs to detect causes of yellow skin and swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $73.10 (typically ranges from $54.83 to $91.38)
    Based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: See description above.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.49 (typically ranges from $12.37 to $24.60)
    Based on 3 providers.

Visit with a Gastroenterologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A specialist visit focusing on your digestive system symptoms, aimed at deeper evaluation and treatment.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $205.55 (typically ranges from $154.16 to $256.94)
    Based on 120 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of abdomen (CPT Code: 76700)
    Purpose: See description above.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.86 (typically ranges from $146.15 to $243.58)
    Based on 3 providers.

  • Procedure: Measurement of liver stiffness (CPT Code: 91200)
    Purpose: A specialized test to assess liver health and possible scarring or disease.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $132.17 (typically ranges from $37.93 to $226.40)
    Based on 3 providers.

Visit with a Hematologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: An evaluation by a blood specialist if initial tests suggest blood or liver-related complications.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $168.45 (typically ranges from $126.34 to $210.56)
    Based on 5 providers.

Taking the step to seek professional evaluation is important. Here’s how you can move forward:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to a Family Practice doctor, Internal Medicine specialist, or Gastroenterologist in Miami as your first step. These providers can thoroughly evaluate your symptoms.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, including how long you’ve had yellow skin and stomach bloating, any other health issues, and questions you want answered.
  3. Discuss Costs: Confirm with the provider’s office what costs you may expect. The numbers shared here are estimates based on typical self-pay rates.
  4. Trust Your Instincts: If symptoms worsen or you experience additional signs like severe abdominal pain, confusion, or dark urine, seek urgent medical attention.

Seeking care is the right step toward understanding and addressing what’s causing your symptoms.

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 is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek timely care from qualified health providers.