Coughing Blood in Phoenix? Your Next Healthcare Steps Explained
Coughing Blood in Phoenix? Your Next Healthcare Steps Explained
If you’ve been coughing for several weeks and noticed blood when you spit, along with feeling unusually tired and losing weight without trying, it’s understandable to feel worried. These symptoms can raise concern, and wondering whether you need to see a doctor near you in Phoenix is a very important step. You’re not alone, and it’s good that you’re seeking information — knowing what to expect can help you feel more in control and prepared.
This post is designed to guide you through what types of healthcare providers you might consider seeing next, what kinds of initial exams and procedures are typically involved, and a general idea of what the costs might be in your area. Our goal is to help you take the next step confidently and safely.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Phoenix
Based on your symptoms — coughing blood, fatigue, and weight loss — it’s important to get a thorough evaluation. Several types of doctors in Phoenix could be your first stop:
- Pulmonary Disease Specialists: These are lung doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the lungs, especially if you have persistent cough and blood in your sputum.
- Internal Medicine Physicians: These providers focus on adult health and are skilled in diagnosing a wide range of conditions. They can help evaluate your symptoms and decide if you need more specialized care.
- Family Practice Doctors: These general doctors treat patients of all ages and can perform an initial assessment. They can handle many symptoms and will refer you if you need further testing.
- Diagnostic Radiology Providers: While not doctors you see for visits, these specialists perform important imaging tests like chest X-rays or CT scans that help diagnose the cause of coughing blood.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s a breakdown by provider type of common exams and tests that you might expect in Phoenix, along with estimated self-pay costs. These costs can help you plan, but make sure to confirm prices when you book your appointment.
Visit with a Pulmonary Disease Specialist
-
Procedure: New patient office or other outpatient visit, 45-59 minutes (CPT Code: 99204)
Purpose: This is an in-depth visit where the lung specialist will review your symptoms, medical history, and may decide on further testing.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $250.51 (typically ranges from $187.88 to $313.14)
This estimate is based on 54 providers in the Phoenix area. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: A chest X-ray helps check the lungs for abnormalities that could explain your coughing blood.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $51.38 (ranges from $38.53 to $64.22)
Available from 15 providers locally. -
Procedure: Exam of lung airways using an endoscope (CPT Code: 31623)
Purpose: This test looks inside your lung airways to spot potential problems that might cause bleeding.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $126.73 (ranges from $19.64 to $233.83)
Performed by 9 providers nearby. -
Procedure: Biopsy of lung airway using an endoscope (CPT Code: 31625)
Purpose: If needed, a small sample of lung tissue can be collected to find the cause of bleeding or infection.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $179.22 (ranges from $134.41 to $224.02)
Offered by 2 providers in Phoenix. -
Procedure: Blood count, hemoglobin (CPT Code: 85018)
Purpose: A blood test to check for anemia or other blood abnormalities related to your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $4.39 (ranges from $2.77 to $6.00)
Provided by 8 local labs.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
-
Procedure: New patient office or other outpatient visit, 45-59 minutes (CPT Code: 99204)
Purpose: Similar to pulmonary specialists, this visit includes a full health review to understand your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $249.62 (ranges from $187.21 to $312.02)
There are 193 internal medicine providers near Phoenix. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: Identifies lung issues as a first diagnostic step for coughing blood.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $40.91 (ranges from $30.68 to $51.14)
Available from 18 providers locally. -
Procedure: Diagnostic exam of esophagus, stomach, and/or upper small bowel using a flexible endoscope (CPT Code: 43235)
Purpose: May be done if bleeding is suspected to come from the upper digestive tract rather than lungs.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $176.07 (ranges from $126.58 to $225.57)
Offered by 5 providers. -
Procedure: Biopsy and aspiration of bone marrow sample (CPT Code: 38222)
Purpose: A specialized test for rare conditions if needed based on initial diagnosis.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $390.84 (ranges from $84.77 to $696.91)
Available locally from a single provider. -
Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
Purpose: Routine blood draw to assist diagnosis.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $11.26 (ranges from $8.45 to $14.08)
Offered by 105 providers.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
-
Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A general check-up and symptom review to decide if further testing is necessary.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.39 (ranges from $143.54 to $239.24)
There are 602 family practice providers nearby. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: Basic lung imaging to check for causes of cough and blood.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $47.36 (ranges from $35.52 to $59.20)
Provided by 28 local clinics. -
Procedure: Bacterial culture, any source except urine, blood or stool (CPT Code: 87070)
Purpose: To detect infection if bacteria are suspected in your respiratory tract.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.10 (ranges from $9.83 to $16.38)
Available at 1 provider. -
Procedure: Bacterial urine culture (CPT Code: 87088)
Purpose: Sometimes done to check for infection related to symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.46 (ranges from $9.35 to $15.58)
Available at 1 provider. -
Procedure: Comprehensive blood test panel (CPT Code: 80053)
Purpose: Broad blood work to understand your overall health and causes for symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.50 (ranges from $12.37 to $20.62)
Offered by 46 providers.
Diagnostic Radiology Procedures (Imaging Tests Only)
-
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $37.36 (ranges from $17.69 to $57.02)
From 212 radiology providers. -
Procedure: CT scan of chest with contrast (CPT Code: 71260)
Purpose: More detailed imaging to investigate lung issues like tumors or infections.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $180.91 (ranges from $74.42 to $287.40)
Available from 163 providers. -
Procedure: CT scan of blood vessels of chest with contrast (CPT Code: 71275)
Purpose: Helps check blood vessels for clots or bleeding sources.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $318.20 (ranges from $120.76 to $515.65)
Offered by 165 providers. -
Procedure: Low dose CT scan for lung cancer screening (CPT Code: 71271)
Purpose: Screening test to detect early lung cancer in appropriate candidates.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $205.15 (ranges from $114.65 to $295.64)
From 58 providers.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Your symptoms of coughing blood, fatigue, and unintended weight loss warrant prompt medical evaluation. Here’s how to move forward:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact a pulmonary disease specialist, internal medicine doctor, or family practice provider in Phoenix. Starting with any of these can lead to proper diagnosis.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down how long you’ve had symptoms, when you notice coughing blood, any other symptoms, and questions you want to ask.
- Discuss Costs Ahead of Time: When you book your appointment, ask for an estimate of your out-of-pocket costs based on your insurance status or self-pay.
- Stay Calm and Take Action: Seeking professional advice is the best way to address your symptoms safely and get 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 information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you experience severe symptoms, worsening health, or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.