Experiencing Chest Pain in Long Beach? Here’s What to Do Next

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Experiencing Chest Pain in Long Beach? Here’s What to Do Next

Feeling a tightness in your chest that worsens with walking, along with a tingly sensation in your left arm and shortness of breath, can be understandably worrying—especially if these symptoms are new to you. It’s smart that you’re looking for guidance because these signs should never be ignored. You might be wondering whether this is something some people experience normally or if it’s time to see a doctor in Long Beach.

This post is here to help you understand what your next steps could be, who you might want to see for your symptoms, and what some typical costs for initial visits and tests might look like in your area. You’re in the right place to get clear, reassuring information so you can take action confidently.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Long Beach

Based on your symptoms of chest tightness, arm tingling, and shortness of breath, a few types of healthcare providers can be good first points of contact:

  • Cardiology: Cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating heart-related problems. Given your symptoms, a cardiologist can assess your heart function and detect any potential issues that might need immediate attention or monitoring.
  • Emergency Medicine: If your chest pain feels severe, sudden, or is accompanied by alarming symptoms like heavy shortness of breath or severe arm pain, visiting an emergency medicine provider at an emergency room is critical. They are equipped to quickly diagnose and manage urgent heart or lung conditions.
  • Family Practice: A family practice doctor is a generalist who can evaluate a wide range of health concerns, including chest pain. They can determine if your symptoms warrant referral to a specialist or emergency care.
  • Internal Medicine: Internists are primary care doctors who focus on adult medicine and can investigate your symptoms, manage your overall health, and order initial diagnostic tests before referring you if needed.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of common visits and tests prescribed by these providers in Long Beach, along with their average self-pay costs and availability:

Visit with a Cardiologist

  • Procedure: Established outpatient visit, about 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is a detailed office visit where your cardiologist will take your history and examine you to assess your heart health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $215.10 (typically ranges from $161.33 to $268.88)
    This estimate is based on 180 cardiologists in the Long Beach area.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) with report (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: An ECG measures your heart’s electrical activity to detect any irregularities that could explain your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.29 (ranges from $19.01 to $37.58)
    Available from 167 cardiology providers nearby.

  • Procedure: Heart ultrasound with blood flow and valve assessment (CPT Code: 93306)
    Purpose: This ultrasound shows how your heart pumps blood and checks for valve problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $164.09 (ranges from $119.42 to $208.76)
    Provided by 185 cardiologists in your area.

  • Procedure: Exercise or drug-induced stress test with ECG (CPT Code: 93015)
    Purpose: Stress tests evaluate how your heart works under exertion, which is often necessary when chest tightness worsens with activity.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $118.65 (ranges from $88.87 to $148.42)
    Available from 84 cardiology providers.

Visit with an Emergency Medicine Provider

  • Procedure: Emergency department visit with moderate assessment (CPT Code: 99284)
    Purpose: Emergency doctors provide urgent evaluation and treatment for potentially serious chest pain causes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $309.38 (ranges from $149.18 to $469.58)
    Offered by 489 emergency medicine providers in Long Beach.

  • Procedure: Routine ECG with report only (CPT Code: 93010)
    Purpose: Quick heart electrical activity check to assist in fast diagnosis.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $24.02 (ranges from $10.22 to $37.82)
    Available from 322 providers.

  • Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: X-rays can detect lung or chest structure problems that might cause your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $59.82 (ranges from $44.87 to $74.78)
    Available at 25 nearby providers.

  • Procedure: Troponin blood test (CPT Code: 84484)
    Purpose: This test measures a protein released during heart damage, helping rule in or out heart attacks.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $23.78 (ranges from $14.66 to $32.90)
    Provided by 4 emergency medicine providers nearby.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established outpatient visit, 30-39 min (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: General exam and discussion about your symptoms to guide further care.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $212.06 (ranges from $159.05 to $265.08)
    Based on 574 providers in Long Beach.

  • Procedure: Routine ECG with report (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Simple heart rhythm check to look for warning signs.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.76 (ranges from $19.10 to $38.41)
    Available from 185 family practice doctors.

  • Procedure: Stress test with ECG (CPT Code: 93015)
    Purpose: Tests heart function under exercise stress to better understand symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $126.38 (ranges from $94.79 to $157.98)
    Available from 1 family practice provider.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established outpatient visit, 30-39 min (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Focused adult medicine exam to understand and manage your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.33 (ranges from $157.00 to $261.66)
    Available from 602 internists locally.

  • Procedure: Routine ECG with report (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Baseline heart electrical activity recording.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $30.12 (ranges from $18.98 to $41.25)
    Based on 241 providers.

  • Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Detects lung or chest structure issues related to symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $57.44 (ranges from $43.08 to $71.80)
    Provided by 37 internal medicine providers.

Your symptoms warrant prompt evaluation, and the best next step is to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional to get personalized assessment and care. Here’s how to take action now:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a cardiologist, family practice doctor, or internal medicine physician in Long Beach based on availability or go to the emergency room if symptoms worsen suddenly or severely.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms in detail—the type of chest tightness, any arm tingling, shortness of breath, how long they have lasted, and any other worries or questions you have.
  3. Discuss Costs Ahead of Time: Call the provider’s office to confirm their prices and whether they accept your insurance. The costs shared here are estimates for self-pay patients.
  4. Stay Calm and Act: Remember that seeking expert care is the right and safest choice. Timely evaluation can provide peace of mind or necessary treatment to protect 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 provides general information and estimated costs based on local data and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, seek emergency care immediately.