Yellow Skin and Bloated Stomach? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Houston, TX
Yellow Skin and Bloated Stomach? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Houston, TX
If you’ve been feeling unusually tired, noticed your stomach swelling up, and have started seeing your skin take on a yellow tint — all while experiencing some itching — it’s completely understandable to feel concerned. These symptoms aren’t something to ignore, especially the yellowing of the skin which can signal an issue with your liver or other important organs. You’re not alone in feeling worried, and it’s great that you’re seeking to understand what might be happening and how to take the right steps.
This post aims to guide you through potential causes, clarify the types of doctors you should consider seeing in Houston, TX, and give you an idea of what tests and visits might involve — including expected costs if you are paying out of pocket. You’re in the right place to get clear, actionable next steps toward getting professional care.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Houston, TX
Based on your symptoms of yellowing skin (jaundice) and a bloated stomach, some healthcare providers can assist you in figuring out what’s going on:
- Gastroenterology: Specialists focused on the digestive system, including your liver and stomach. They can perform targeted tests and treatments if your symptoms are linked to liver or digestive tract issues.
- Internal Medicine: Doctors who manage a broad range of adult health concerns. They can evaluate your symptoms, order necessary tests, and refer you to specialists if needed.
- Family Practice: General doctors who treat people of all ages and manage a wide variety of symptoms and conditions. They can be a convenient first stop for diagnosis and care coordination.
- Hematology: Specialists in blood disorders. Occasionally involved if tests hint at blood-related causes or complications related to your symptoms.
Each of these provider types in Houston can offer valuable help in diagnosing and managing your condition.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here is an overview by provider type of typical initial procedures related to your symptoms and their estimated self-pay costs in Houston, TX:
Visit with a Gastroenterology Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: This visit allows the gastroenterologist to understand your symptoms in detail and plan further testing or treatment.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.38 (typically ranges from $145.03 to $241.72)
Provider Availability: Based on 153 providers in Houston. -
Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of abdomen (CPT Code: 76700)
Purpose: An ultrasound checks your liver, gallbladder, and other organs to detect swelling or abnormalities causing your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $169.25 (ranges from $126.94 to $211.56)
Provider Availability: 7 providers in the area. -
Procedure: Liver function blood test panel (CPT Code: 80076)
Purpose: Measures how well your liver is working, which helps confirm or rule out liver problems.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.31 (ranges from $9.61 to $21.00)
Provider Availability: 1 provider in Houston. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Helps check your overall blood health, which can be impacted by underlying diseases.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.34 (ranges from $9.07 to $15.60)
Provider Availability: 1 provider. -
Procedure: Measurement of liver stiffness (CPT Code: 91200)
Purpose: A non-invasive test that helps assess liver scarring or fibrosis, related to chronic liver conditions.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $40.98 (ranges from $26.58 to $55.37)
Provider Availability: 7 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: General evaluation to discuss your symptoms and decide on next steps or referrals.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.75 (ranges from $146.06 to $243.44)
Provider Availability: 492 providers. -
Procedure: Liver function blood test panel (CPT Code: 80076)
Purpose: Checks liver health and possible causes of yellowing skin.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.51 (ranges from $9.61 to $17.40)
Provider Availability: 3 providers. -
Procedure: Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test (CPT Code: 84443)
Purpose: Screens for thyroid issues which can sometimes affect skin and energy levels.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.32 (ranges from $19.74 to $32.90)
Provider Availability: 35 providers. -
Procedure: Stool analysis for blood (CPT Code: 82270)
Purpose: Checks for hidden bleeding in the digestive tract, which might relate to bloating.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.41 (ranges from $5.11 to $9.70)
Provider Availability: 6 providers. -
Procedure: Automated urinalysis test (CPT Code: 81003)
Purpose: Examines urine for signs of kidney or related issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $5.07 (ranges from $2.64 to $7.50)
Provider Availability: 26 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: A broad health evaluation to discuss symptoms and coordinate initial tests or treatment.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.94 (ranges from $146.95 to $244.92)
Provider Availability: 511 providers. -
Procedure: Liver function blood test panel (CPT Code: 80076)
Purpose: Screening for liver problems related to your yellowed skin and bloated stomach.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.77 (ranges from $9.58 to $15.96)
Provider Availability: 3 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Evaluates blood components that may indicate infection or other issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.11 (ranges from $9.08 to $15.14)
Provider Availability: 55 providers. -
Procedure: Automated urinalysis test (CPT Code: 81003)
Purpose: Checks kidney function or urinary infections possibly related to symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $4.67 (ranges from $2.63 to $6.71)
Provider Availability: 66 providers. -
Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of abdomen (CPT Code: 76700)
Purpose: Imaging to check organs that could be causing bloating or jaundice.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $156.70 (ranges from $117.53 to $195.88)
Provider Availability: 6 providers.
Visit with a Hematology Doctor
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Procedure: New patient office or other outpatient visit, 60-74 minutes (CPT Code: 99205)
Purpose: In-depth evaluation for blood-related causes of symptoms, typically if other tests suggest a blood disorder.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $304.88 (ranges from $228.66 to $381.10)
Provider Availability: 12 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Thorough blood analysis to detect abnormalities.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $63.00 (ranges from $9.00 to $117.00)
Provider Availability: 1 provider. -
Procedure: Biopsy of esophagus, stomach, and/or upper small bowel using a flexible endoscope (CPT Code: 43239)
Purpose: A procedure to take tissue samples if gastrointestinal disease is suspected.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $288.79 (ranges from $162.37 to $415.20)
Provider Availability: 1 provider.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Taking action now can make a big difference in diagnosing and managing your symptoms effectively. Here’s what to do next:
- Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to one of the provider types listed above. Starting with a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor can be easiest, but a Gastroenterologist is also a very appropriate choice given your symptoms.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down what you’re experiencing, when symptoms started, any changes you’ve noticed, and questions you want answered. This will help your provider understand your situation quickly.
- Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask the office about expected charges. The cost estimates here are averages, and actual charges may vary depending on your insurance and provider choices.
- Stay Reassured: Yellowing skin and bloating can have several causes, some of which are treatable. Seeking professional advice is the right and responsible step for your 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 blog post is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical concerns.