Feeling Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath? Your Next Steps in Miami, FL

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Feeling Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath? Your Next Steps in Miami, FL

Experiencing a heavy sensation in your chest combined with shortness of breath and a rapid heartbeat can understandably cause worry. It’s natural to be concerned, especially when you notice these symptoms even during light activity like climbing stairs and feel lightheaded. Chest pain is a symptom that many people take seriously, and that is completely valid.

If you’ve been searching for information about chest pain to understand what these symptoms mean and whether you should see a doctor, you’re in the right place. This guide will help you understand which healthcare providers you might consider seeing in Miami, FL, what kinds of initial tests and visits could be involved, and an estimate of self-pay costs to expect. Our goal is to help you take calm, clear, and informed next steps toward professional medical care.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Miami, FL

Based on your symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and lightheadedness, a few types of healthcare providers could be the right place to start:

  • Cardiology: Cardiologists are heart specialists who diagnose and treat heart conditions. Given your symptoms relate to chest discomfort and irregular heartbeat, they are often the best expert to evaluate your heart health.
  • Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology: These specialists focus on heart rhythm problems. If your rapid heartbeat is concerning, they may help diagnose arrhythmias or other electrical issues in your heart.
  • Internal Medicine: Internal medicine doctors manage overall adult health and can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including symptoms related to the heart and lungs.
  • Family Practice: Family practice doctors provide broad care, treating a wide range of health issues. They can evaluate your symptoms, order initial tests, and refer you to specialists if needed.
  • Emergency Medicine: If your symptoms worsen or are severe (such as intense chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or fainting), emergency medicine providers in the emergency room are equipped to provide immediate evaluation and treatment.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Visit with a Cardiology Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This visit lets the cardiologist talk with you about your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform a physical exam to evaluate your heart health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Miami: $204.45 (ranges from $153.34 to $255.56)
    This estimate is based on 213 providers in the Miami area.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads with interpretation and report (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: An ECG records the electrical activity of your heart to spot irregular heartbeats or damage.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $27.21 (ranges from $18.48 to $35.93)
    This estimate is based on 189 providers in Miami.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of heart with color-depicted blood flow, rate, direction, and valve function (CPT Code: 93306)
    Purpose: Also known as an echocardiogram, this test uses sound waves to create images of your heart and check how well your heart valves and chambers are working.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.96 (ranges from $132.11 to $255.82)
    This estimate is based on 186 providers.

  • Procedure: Exercise or drug-induced heart stress test with ECG (CPT Code: 93015)
    Purpose: This test shows how your heart works under stress and can help pinpoint areas with poor blood flow.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $122.83 (ranges from $79.03 to $166.63)
    This estimate is based on 85 providers.

Visit with a Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This visit focuses on evaluating abnormal heart rhythms and potential electrical problems in your heart.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $198.61 (ranges from $148.96 to $248.26)
    This estimate is based on 24 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine ECG (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Records electrical signals from your heart to detect irregular rhythms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.96 (ranges from $18.64 to $35.29)
    This estimate is based on 20 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of the heart with flow and valve assessment (CPT Code: 93306)
    Purpose: Detailed imaging to check heart function and blood flow.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.21 (ranges from $151.20 to $267.22)
    This estimate is based on 9 providers.

  • Procedure: Exercise or drug-induced stress test with ECG (CPT Code: 93018)
    Purpose: Assesses your heart’s performance during increased activity or medication stress.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $31.05 (ranges from $17.10 to $45.00)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Your internist will review your symptoms, examine you, and may order tests or recommend specialists.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $208.26 (ranges from $156.19 to $260.32)
    This estimate is based on 464 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine ECG (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Checks your heart’s electrical activity to detect problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.58 (ranges from $18.58 to $34.58)
    This estimate is based on 148 providers.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Your family doctor will evaluate your symptoms and help coordinate care including ordering tests or referring to specialists.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $205.22 (ranges from $153.91 to $256.52)
    This estimate is based on 306 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine ECG (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Records the heart’s electrical signals to find any abnormalities.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $29.58 (ranges from $18.36 to $40.81)
    This estimate is based on 67 providers.

Visit with Emergency Medicine Providers

  • Procedure: Emergency department visit with high level of medical decision making (CPT Code: 99285)
    Purpose: If symptoms are severe or sudden, emergency providers will quickly assess and stabilize your condition.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $561.04 (ranges from $226.86 to $895.22)
    This estimate is based on 362 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine ECG with interpretation (CPT Code: 93010)
    Purpose: Quick heart electrical activity test to help emergency diagnosis.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $30.99 (ranges from $10.04 to $51.94)
    This estimate is based on 141 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Helps check lungs and heart size to rule out other causes for chest symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $56.43 (ranges from $42.32 to $70.54)
    This estimate is based on 4 providers.

The most important thing right now is to talk to a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms in person and guide you toward the right tests and treatments.

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a cardiologist, internal medicine doctor, family practice physician, or if urgent, visit an emergency department. Each can help evaluate your chest pain and breathlessness seriously.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all symptoms, including when they started, triggers, how severe they are, and any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
  3. Discuss Costs: When you book your appointment, ask about your expected costs. The prices shared here are estimates to give you an idea of what self-pay patients might expect in Miami.
  4. Stay Reassured: Taking the step to seek professional care is the best action to understand what’s causing your symptoms and to get peace of mind or timely treatment.

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 provided for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have severe, worsening, or sudden symptoms including chest pain or shortness of breath, seek emergency medical care immediately.