Ankle Swelling and Tiredness? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Long Beach, CA

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Feeling Ankle Swelling and Tired All the Time? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Long Beach, CA

Lately, you’ve noticed your ankles swelling up by the end of the day, feeling unusually tired, waking up to pee more often at night, and even seeing some foamy-looking urine. It’s completely understandable to feel concerned when your body suddenly starts acting differently. These symptoms can point to various health issues, so it’s wise to get them checked rather than ignore them. You’re in the right place to understand what to do next, who can help, and what the initial costs might look like here in Long Beach, CA.

This post will guide you through identifying appropriate healthcare providers for your symptoms, explain what kinds of visits and tests you might expect, and provide clear cost estimates—all designed to empower you to take that first step towards better health.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Long Beach, CA

When experiencing ankle swelling combined with tiredness and urinary changes, several types of doctors might be a good starting point based on your symptoms:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can assess many common health concerns, order initial tests, and refer you to specialists if needed. Great choice for a first visit.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Another generalist, focusing on adult health issues. They can manage chronic conditions and coordinate comprehensive testing.
  • Nephrologist: A kidney specialist who investigates issues especially when urine changes suggest kidney function concerns.
  • Cardiologist: Specializes in heart and blood vessel health; useful if swelling and tiredness relate to heart or circulation problems.

Each of these providers can help evaluate your symptoms and guide you toward proper diagnosis and treatment.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s what visits and tests might look like with these providers, including estimated self-pay costs based on providers in Long Beach.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A detailed office visit to discuss your symptoms and medical history, perform a physical exam, and plan next steps like tests or treatments.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $212.06 (typically ranges from $159.05 to $265.08)
    Provider Availability: Based on 574 providers in Long Beach.

  • Procedure: Urinalysis, manual test (CPT Code: 81002)
    Purpose: Simple urine test to check for infection, protein, or other signs of kidney or urinary tract issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.07 (ranges $4.08 to $10.06)
    Provider Availability: 92 providers in Long Beach.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Blood test to evaluate overall health, check for anemia or infection contributing to tiredness.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.24 (ranges $9.11 to $21.37)
    Provider Availability: 13 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
    Purpose: Checks thyroid function, as low thyroid activity can cause fatigue and swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $33.02 (ranges $19.75 to $46.29)
    Provider Availability: 4 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Quick heart test to check for heart rhythm and function issues that may cause swelling and tiredness.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.76 (ranges $19.10 to $38.41)
    Provider Availability: 185 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Thorough exam and evaluation of your general health and symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.33 (ranges $157.00 to $261.66)
    Provider Availability: 602 providers.

  • Procedure: Urinalysis, manual test (CPT Code: 81002)
    (Purpose and costs same as Family Practice above)
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.36 (ranges $4.08 to $10.64)
    Provider Availability: 77 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: A broad blood chemistry panel to check kidney function, electrolyte balance, and other key markers.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $46.79 (ranges $12.42 to $81.16)
    Provider Availability: 15 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood glucose test (CPT Code: 82962)
    Purpose: Quick test for blood sugar level, since diabetes can cause swelling and fatigue.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $5.91 (ranges $3.85 to $7.97)
    Provider Availability: 36 providers.

  • Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level (CPT Code: 83036)
    Purpose: Blood test showing average blood sugar control over several months.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $17.41 (ranges $11.42 to $23.39)
    Provider Availability: 33 providers.

Visit with a Nephrologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Specialist evaluation of your kidneys and urinary symptoms to detect issues affecting swelling and fatigue.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $197.12 (ranges $147.84 to $246.40)
    Provider Availability: 108 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test, basic group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80048)
    Purpose: Measures key blood chemistry including calcium, which affects kidney and bone health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $64.97 (ranges $9.95 to $120.00)
    Provider Availability: 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Manual urinalysis with microscope exam (CPT Code: 81000)
    Purpose: Detailed urine test to find protein or other abnormalities.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.13 (ranges $4.67 to $9.60)
    Provider Availability: 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Urine microalbumin level (protein) (CPT Code: 82043)
    Purpose: Detects small amounts of protein in urine, an early sign of kidney damage.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.50 (ranges $6.79 to $46.20)
    Provider Availability: 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Creatinine measurement (CPT Code: 82540)
    Purpose: Measures creatinine in blood to assess kidney function.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.33 (ranges $5.46 to $19.20)
    Provider Availability: 2 providers.

Visit with a Cardiologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Heart and vascular health evaluation, especially if swelling may be related to heart problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $215.10 (ranges $161.33 to $268.88)
    Provider Availability: 180 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    (Purpose similar to above)
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.18 (ranges $9.13 to $15.22)
    Provider Availability: 7 providers.

  • Procedure: Urine microalbumin level (CPT Code: 82043)
    (Purpose similar to nephrology)
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.06 (ranges $6.79 to $11.32)
    Provider Availability: 3 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood potassium level (CPT Code: 84132)
    Purpose: Essential electrolyte measurement to check heart and muscle function.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.52 (ranges $5.64 to $9.40)
    Provider Availability: 3 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of heart (echocardiogram) (CPT Code: 93306)
    Purpose: Imaging test to assess heart structure and valve function, helps explain swelling and fatigue causes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $164.09 (ranges $119.42 to $208.76)
    Provider Availability: 185 providers.

Your symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and care. Here’s how to move forward:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor first. They can help coordinate any needed tests and specialist referrals, like nephrology or cardiology if indicated.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms (when they started, how often you notice swelling or tiredness), changes in urination, and questions you want to ask your doctor.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking, ask the provider’s office to confirm self-pay pricing for office visits and any labs. The estimates above provide a helpful range for budgeting.
  4. Stay Reassured: Many causes of these symptoms are manageable once diagnosed. Early professional care gives you the best chance to feel better quickly.

Taking action now sets you on the path to better 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 post is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized care.