Joint Pain Clinic Near Me: Steps to Relief in Los Angeles, CA
Joint Pain Clinic Near Me: Steps to Relief in Los Angeles, CA
If you’ve been waking up with stiff, painful joints, especially in your hands and knees, and have noticed swelling or difficulty moving around, it’s completely natural to feel worried. Persistent joint pain and stiffness can affect your daily life and make you wonder whether you need professional help. You’re not alone in searching for a “joint pain clinic near me,” and taking the step to understand your options is important.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the types of healthcare providers in Los Angeles who can help with your joint pain. We’ll also break down what an initial visit might look like and provide estimated costs based on local data. This way, you’ll have clear next steps and feel more confident about getting the care you need.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles, CA
Based on your symptoms—joint pain, morning stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility—a few types of doctors could be a great starting point:
- Rheumatologists: Specialists in diagnosing and treating joint, muscle, and autoimmune conditions like arthritis. They can provide targeted care and advanced testing if needed.
- Family Practice Doctors: General doctors who can evaluate your overall health, diagnose common causes of joint pain, and manage treatment or referrals as needed.
- Internal Medicine Doctors: Physicians who specialize in adult care, including managing complex conditions and ordering the necessary diagnostic tests.
Each of these providers has the skills to assess your joint pain and guide you toward relief, whether through medication, physical therapy, or further specialized testing.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s a breakdown of what you might experience during your first visit with each provider type in Los Angeles, including some common procedures and their estimated costs if you are paying out of pocket.
Visit with a Rheumatologist
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Procedure: Established patient outpatient visit (30-39 minutes) (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A longer visit to thoroughly discuss your symptoms, review any previous tests, and create a plan tailored to joint health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.86 (ranges from $154.49 to $265.24)
This estimate is based on 119 providers in Los Angeles. -
Procedure: X-ray of hand, minimum of 3 views (CPT Code: 73130)
Purpose: An X-ray helps visualize joint damage or arthritis signs in the hands, providing a clear picture of what’s happening inside.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $64.26 (ranges from $48.19 to $80.32)
Based on 11 providers. -
Procedure: X-ray of knee, 3 views (CPT Code: 73562)
Purpose: This imaging checks for conditions like osteoarthritis or injury in your knees.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $71.60 (ranges from $53.70 to $89.50)
Based on 10 providers. -
Procedure: Joint fluid diagnostic test (CPT Code: 83872)
Purpose: Lab testing of joint fluid can detect infection or inflammation directly.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.44 (ranges from $6.89 to $18.00)
Based on 2 providers. -
Procedure: C-reactive protein test (CPT Code: 86140)
Purpose: Blood test used to detect inflammation, which often accompanies joint issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.55 (ranges from $6.06 to $19.04)
Based on 11 providers.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient outpatient visit (30-39 minutes) (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: An in-depth visit to review symptoms, perform a physical exam, and plan initial care.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.58 (ranges from $157.19 to $261.98)
Based on 799 providers. -
Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
Purpose: Removing or injecting fluid in a joint can relieve pain or help diagnose infection or inflammation.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $113.19 (ranges from $84.68 to $141.69)
Based on 35 providers. -
Procedure: Established patient outpatient visit (20-29 minutes) (CPT Code: 99213)
Purpose: A standard follow-up or shorter visit to review progress or update treatment.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $151.14 (ranges from $113.35 to $188.92)
Based on 830 providers.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient outpatient visit (30-39 minutes) (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Comprehensive evaluation of joint pain and overall health conditions that might affect it.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $204.24 (ranges from $153.18 to $255.30)
Based on 1176 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Blood test to check for infections or inflammation contributing to symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.89 (ranges from $9.12 to $22.66)
Based on 92 providers. -
Procedure: Thyroid stimulating hormone test (CPT Code: 84443)
Purpose: Thyroid issues can cause symptoms like joint pain; this blood test screens for that.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.96 (ranges from $19.74 to $38.17)
Based on 77 providers. -
Procedure: Limited ultrasound scan of joint or extremity (CPT Code: 76882)
Purpose: An ultrasound uses sound waves to view soft tissues and joint structures not visible on X-rays.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $73.36 (ranges from $55.02 to $91.70)
Based on 1 provider.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Taking the first step toward care can feel overwhelming, but here’s a simple plan to help you move forward:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Rheumatologist, Family Practice, or Internal Medicine doctor near you. Each can help evaluate your joint pain and advise on treatment.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, when they started, any swelling or stiffness patterns, and questions you want answered.
- Discuss Costs: When you book your appointment, ask about expected charges. The costs here are estimates to help you plan financially.
- Seek Support: Remember, managing joint pain early can improve your quality of life, and professionals are ready to help.
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 provides general information based on self-pay cost estimates in Los Angeles, CA, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your situation.