Chest Pain and Numb Arm? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Los Angeles, CA

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Chest Pain and Numb Arm? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Los Angeles, CA

Noticing chest tightness and occasional pain, especially when walking quickly or climbing stairs, along with numbness in your left arm and increased shortness of breath, is understandably concerning. These symptoms can feel alarming, and it’s natural to wonder if they point to a serious heart condition. You are doing the right thing by seeking information to better understand what to do next. This post is here to support you by explaining which healthcare providers you might consider seeing, what initial tests and visits could involve, and an idea of costs for such care in Los Angeles, CA. Our goal is to help you take calm, clear steps toward getting the right medical attention.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles, CA

Based on your symptoms of chest pain, numb arm, and shortness of breath, several types of doctors could be appropriate starting points:

  • Cardiology: Specialists who diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel conditions. They focus on heart-related causes of chest pain and arm numbness.
  • Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology: Experts who specialize in the electrical activity of the heart and arrhythmias. They can offer detailed heart function assessments if needed.
  • Interventional Cardiology: Cardiologists who perform procedures to treat heart conditions, such as artery blockages.
  • Emergency Medicine: Providers in emergency departments who can quickly evaluate and stabilize urgent chest pain cases.
  • Internal Medicine: General internal medicine doctors who manage adult health problems and can evaluate chest pain and refer you if specialized care is needed.

Each of these providers can help assess your symptoms and guide you to appropriate tests or treatments.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here is an overview of common procedures and visits you might undergo with these providers, along with typical self-pay costs in Los Angeles:

Visit with a Cardiology Provider

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A detailed doctor visit to discuss your symptoms and medical history and to determine the best next tests or treatments.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $210.27 (typically ranges from $157.70 to $262.84)
    This estimate is based on 341 cardiology providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads with interpretation and report (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: A simple, painless test that records your heart’s electrical activity to detect irregularities.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $33.75 (typically ranges from $18.98 to $48.51)
    This estimate is based on 287 cardiology providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of heart with color-depicted blood flow, rate, direction and valve function (CPT Code: 93306)
    Purpose: An imaging test to evaluate heart structure and blood flow for any abnormalities.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $201.52 (ranges from $137.46 to $265.58)
    This estimate comes from 351 cardiology providers.

  • Procedure: Exercise or drug-induced heart stress test with electrocardiogram (ECG) and supervision (CPT Code: 93015)
    Purpose: A test to see how your heart performs under stress, helping detect blockages or ischemia.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $138.16 (typically $89.41 to $186.90)
    Based on 146 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of heart with continuous ECG during rest, exercise and/or stress with review (CPT Code: 93351)
    Purpose: An advanced test combining ultrasound and ECG to monitor heart function through different activities.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $387.13 (ranges from $285.35 to $488.92)
    Available from 152 providers.

Visit with a Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Focused consultation on heart rhythms and electrical function.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $204.27 (ranging $153.20 to $255.34)
    From 49 specialists.

  • Procedure: Routine ECG with interpretation (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: To detect electrical heart problems accurately.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $33.36 ($19.00 to $47.73)
    From 39 specialists.

  • Procedure: Exercise or drug-induced heart stress test with ECG review (CPT Code: 93018)
    Purpose: Stress testing to assess arrhythmias or ischemia risks.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $33.96 ($17.59 to $50.33)
    From 9 specialists.

  • Procedure: Heart ultrasound with blood flow and valve function analysis (CPT Code: 93306)
    Purpose: Detailed heart imaging for electrical and structural evaluation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $229.53 ($157.42 to $301.64)
    From 25 specialists.

  • Procedure: Emergency department visit with moderate medical decision making (CPT Code: 99284)
    Purpose: For urgent evaluation if symptoms worsen suddenly.
    Estimated Cost: $199.23 ($149.42 to $249.04)
    Available at 1 provider here.

Visit with an Interventional Cardiologist

  • Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Consultation focusing on heart interventions and procedures.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $207.23 ($155.42 to $259.04)
    From 45 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine ECG with interpretation (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Heart rhythm and condition screening.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $31.67 ($19.21 to $44.12)
    From 38 providers.

  • Procedure: Exercise or drug-induced heart stress test with ECG (CPT Code: 93018)
    Purpose: Checking heart health under stress conditions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.00 ($17.70 to $38.30)
    From 19 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of heart with blood flow details (CPT Code: 93306)
    Purpose: Imaging to see how well the heart pumps and valves work.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $142.13 ($101.63 to $182.64)
    From 38 providers.

  • Procedure: Insertion of stents with balloon dilation of coronary artery (CPT Code: 92928)
    Purpose: A procedure to open blocked heart arteries if needed.
    Estimated Cost: $937.15 ($646.38 to $1,227.92)
    From 26 providers.

Visit with Emergency Medicine Providers

  • Procedure: Emergency department visit with moderate medical decision making (CPT Code: 99284)
    Purpose: Urgent care for chest pain with moderate complexity evaluation.
    Estimated Cost: $295.22 ($149.48 to $440.96)
    From 869 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine ECG with report only (CPT Code: 93010)
    Purpose: Quick heart activity check during an emergency evaluation.
    Estimated Cost: $25.41 ($10.21 to $40.60)
    From 556 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: To rule out lung or chest issues contributing to symptoms.
    Estimated Cost: $60.37 ($45.28 to $75.46)
    Based on 54 providers.

  • Procedure: Troponin protein analysis, quantitative (CPT Code: 84484)
    Purpose: Blood test to check for heart muscle damage like from a heart attack.
    Estimated Cost: $70.09 ($14.66 to $125.52)
    From 9 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of heart with blood flow (CPT Code: 93306)
    Purpose: Detailed heart function test in emergency settings.
    Estimated Cost: $289.18 ($216.89 to $361.48)
    From 2 providers.

Visit with Internal Medicine Providers

  • Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: General doctor visit to evaluate symptoms and guide next steps.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $204.24 ($153.18 to $255.30)
    Based on 1,176 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine ECG with report (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Basic heart rhythm testing to screen for problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $32.62 ($18.98 to $46.26)
    From 529 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Help identify lung or bone-related causes of chest symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $55.63 ($41.72 to $69.54)
    Based on 111 providers.

Your symptoms warrant a timely evaluation by a healthcare professional. Here’s how you can proceed calmly and confidently:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a cardiologist, internal medicine doctor, or visit an emergency department based on how urgent your symptoms feel. If your symptoms worsen suddenly (severe chest pain, fainting, difficulty breathing), seek emergency care immediately.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, when they started, what makes them better or worse, and any questions or concerns. This will help the doctor understand your situation quickly.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask about expected costs and payment options. The figures here give you a helpful ballpark range but verifying with the provider ensures transparency.
  4. Final Reassurance: Remember, seeking professional care is the right decision. Early evaluation helps protect your heart health and gives you 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 is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing severe chest pain or other emergency symptoms, please seek emergency care immediately.