Face Rash and Joint Pain? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Chicago, IL

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Face Rash and Joint Pain? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Chicago, IL

If you’ve been feeling unusually tired for days, experiencing significant joint pain in your hands and knees, and have noticed an unusual rash across your cheeks and nose, it’s perfectly natural to feel worried. These symptoms can feel confusing and concerning—especially if the rash looks different from anything you’ve had before and if the symptoms persist. You are not alone, and seeking answers is the right step forward.

This post is here to guide you gently through what might be causing your symptoms, which types of medical providers in Chicago you should consider seeing, and what the initial visit and testing might cost if you’re paying out-of-pocket. We want to help you feel empowered and prepared for your next steps toward getting the care and clarity you need.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Chicago, IL

Given your symptoms—a rash localized on the face combined with joint pain and fatigue—a few types of doctors stand out as excellent places to start:

  • Dermatology: A dermatologist specializes in skin conditions. Since you have a distinct rash, they can evaluate the skin changes, potentially perform a biopsy if needed, and help diagnose skin-related causes of your symptoms.

  • Rheumatology: Rheumatologists focus on joints, autoimmune diseases, and related conditions. Because joint pain and a rash together can sometimes indicate autoimmune issues like lupus, seeing a rheumatologist can help get to the root of your symptoms.

  • Internal Medicine: Internists are experts in adult medicine and can evaluate complex symptoms that involve multiple body systems, including fatigue, rashes, and joint pain. They often coordinate the initial diagnostic testing.

  • Family Practice: Family practice doctors provide comprehensive care for a wide range of issues. They can do a thorough assessment, order tests, and refer you to specialists if needed. They are a strong first step if you want one central provider managing your care.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s an overview of the typical procedures each type of provider might perform during your first visit or diagnosis phase, along with estimated costs for self-pay patients in Chicago.

Visit with a Dermatology Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This office visit is a detailed check-up where the dermatologist will examine your rash and discuss your symptoms to understand changes in your skin.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $202.59 (typically ranges from $151.94 to $253.24)
    This estimate is based on 182 providers in the Chicago area.

  • Procedure: Biopsy of related skin growth, first growth (CPT Code: 11102)
    Purpose: If needed, the dermatologist may take a small skin sample to examine under a microscope, which helps to identify the cause of the rash more precisely.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $134.38 (typically ranges from $100.79 to $167.98)
    This estimate is based on 165 providers in the Chicago area.

  • Procedure: Pathology examination of tissue, intermediate complexity (CPT Code: 88305)
    Purpose: This lab test examines the biopsied tissue to give a detailed diagnosis regarding skin abnormalities.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $100.23 (typically ranges from $60.55 to $139.90)
    This estimate is based on 22 providers in the Chicago area.

Visit with a Rheumatology Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: The rheumatologist will assess your joint pain and overall symptoms to evaluate possible autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $187.57 (typically ranges from $140.68 to $234.46)
    This estimate is based on 96 providers in the Chicago area.

  • Procedure: Measurement of antibody for autoimmune disorders (CPT Code: 86235)
    Purpose: Blood tests to detect specific antibodies that can signal autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $37.02 (typically ranges from $20.89 to $53.15)
    This estimate is based on 12 providers in the Chicago area.

  • Procedure: Measurement of DNA antibody, native or double stranded (CPT Code: 86225)
    Purpose: Helps diagnose autoimmune diseases by detecting antibodies against DNA, often useful in lupus evaluation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $37.48 (typically ranges from $16.01 to $58.94)
    This estimate is based on 12 providers in the Chicago area.

  • Procedure: Rheumatoid factor level (CPT Code: 86431)
    Purpose: A blood test that helps detect rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune joint diseases.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $11.90 (typically ranges from $6.61 to $17.18)
    This estimate is based on 9 providers in the Chicago area.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: A routine blood test checking your red and white blood cells and platelets, giving clues about inflammation or infection.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.74 (typically ranges from $9.04 to $18.44)
    This estimate is based on 9 providers in the Chicago area.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: An in-depth consultation to review your full set of symptoms and order appropriate tests to clarify the cause.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.68 (typically ranges from $149.76 to $249.60)
    This estimate is based on 1,099 providers in the Chicago area.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: To check for signs of infection, anemia, or inflammation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $17.09 (typically ranges from $9.10 to $25.08)
    This estimate is based on 30 providers in Chicago.

  • Procedure: Vitamin D-3 level (CPT Code: 82306)
    Purpose: Measuring vitamin D which can impact your immune system and overall health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $58.81 (typically ranges from $34.51 to $83.10)
    This estimate is based on 22 providers.

  • Procedure: Ferritin (blood protein) level (CPT Code: 82728)
    Purpose: To check iron stores; important for understanding fatigue causes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $27.41 (typically ranges from $16.01 to $38.80)
    This estimate is based on 15 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
    Purpose: To evaluate thyroid function, as thyroid problems can cause fatigue and joint pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $35.06 (typically ranges from $19.73 to $50.39)
    This estimate is based on 31 providers.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A general but comprehensive assessment of your symptoms with potential referral to specialists if needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $202.91 (typically ranges from $152.18 to $253.64)
    This estimate is based on 854 providers in the Chicago area.

  • Procedure: Rheumatoid factor level (CPT Code: 86431)
    Purpose: Basic blood test for autoimmune joint inflammation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.04 (typically ranges from $6.67 to $17.40)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: To screen for infection, anemia, or other blood-related issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.91 (typically ranges from $9.11 to $24.71)
    This estimate is based on 16 providers.

Your health and peace of mind are top priorities. Here’s how to move forward confidently:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a dermatologist, rheumatologist, internal medicine physician, or family practice doctor in Chicago as soon as possible. Starting with a generalist or dermatologist is often ideal if you feel unsure.

  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms, how long they’ve lasted, and any questions or concerns you have. This helps your provider understand the full picture quickly.

  3. Discuss Costs Upfront: When booking, ask the provider’s office about pricing and whether they accept your insurance to avoid surprises. The costs listed here are estimates for self-paying patients.

  4. Seek Support and Reassurance: Remember, many conditions with these symptoms are treatable, especially when caught early. Getting professional advice is the best action to take for your well-being.

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 replace professional medical advice. If you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, severe joint swelling, or a rapidly spreading rash, seek emergency care immediately.