Always Tired, Sore Throat, and Weight Loss? Guidance for Houston, TX

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Feeling Always Tired, Sore Throat, and Weight Loss? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Houston, TX

If you’ve been feeling extremely tired for weeks, experiencing night sweats, losing weight without trying, and now have a sore throat with swollen glands that won’t go away, it’s completely natural to feel worried. These symptoms can be concerning, especially since you haven’t felt this sick in a long time. You’ve taken an important first step by looking for information, and you’re in the right place to get guidance on what to do next.

This post is designed to help you understand which types of healthcare providers can evaluate your symptoms, what typical tests and visits may involve, and what the estimated costs might be for self-pay patients in Houston, TX. Our goal is to help you take the next steps with confidence and clarity.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Houston, TX

Based on your symptoms—persistent fatigue, sore throat, swollen glands, unexplained weight loss, and night sweats—a few types of doctors are good places to start your medical journey:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can evaluate a wide range of symptoms, order blood tests, and refer you to specialists if necessary. Great for your initial visit.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: A physician who specializes in adult medicine and can handle complex or ongoing health issues. They often manage diagnostic tests and ongoing care for unclear symptoms.
  • Infectious Disease Specialist: This doctor focuses on infections and can help if your symptoms are due to a viral or bacterial illness that isn’t resolving.
  • Hematology-Oncology Specialist: These doctors deal with blood disorders and cancers and get involved if lab tests suggest issues like blood diseases or lymphoma could be causing your symptoms.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s an overview of common procedures you might encounter with these providers in Houston, along with estimated self-pay costs to help you prepare financially. Keep in mind, these costs can vary and it’s always wise to ask the provider’s office for the most accurate pricing when you book.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is a longer visit where the doctor will review your detailed symptoms, perform a physical exam, and decide on initial tests or treatments.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196 (ranges from $147 to $245)
    This estimate is based on 511 providers in the Houston area.

  • Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for collection of blood sample (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Getting a blood sample to perform tests can help your doctor understand causes of your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13 (ranges from $9.62 to $16.04)
    Available from 86 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CBC) with automated differential white blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: A CBC measures red & white blood cells and platelets, which helps detect infections, anemia, and other conditions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12 (ranges from $9.08 to $15.14)
    Offered by 55 providers.

  • Procedure: COVID-19 detection test by immunoassay (CPT Code: 87811)
    Purpose: To check if your symptoms might be caused by an active COVID-19 infection.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $55 (ranges from $41 to $68)
    Available from 21 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A detailed evaluation and management of your symptoms to identify underlying causes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195 (ranges from $146 to $243)
    This is based on 492 internal medicine providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
    Purpose: This test screens for thyroid problems, which can cause fatigue and weight changes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26 (ranges from $19.74 to $32.90)
    Offered by 35 providers.

  • Procedure: Annual depression screening (CPT Code: G0444)
    Purpose: Checks if depression might be contributing to your symptoms of fatigue and weight loss.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $30 (ranges from $22 to $37)
    Performed by 82 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415) and complete blood count (85025) - costs similar to Family Practice, details above.

Visit with an Infectious Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: New patient office or other outpatient visit, 45-59 minutes (CPT Code: 99204)
    Purpose: A longer visit focusing on diagnosing persistent infections or unusual illnesses.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $236 (ranges from $177 to $295)
    Based on 14 providers in Houston.

  • Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level blood test (CPT Code: 83036)
    Purpose: Measures average blood sugar over a few months; important if diabetes is suspected as a cause of fatigue or weight loss.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18 (ranges from $11 to $24)
    Performed by 1 provider locally.

Visit with a Hematology-Oncology Specialist

  • Procedure: New patient office or other outpatient visit, 60-74 minutes (CPT Code: 99205)
    Purpose: A comprehensive visit for diagnosis, especially if blood disorders or cancers are suspected.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $304 (ranges from $228 to $380)
    There are 83 such specialists available in Houston.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (85025) and blood sample collection (36415) – costs as above.

  • Procedure: Biopsy and aspiration of bone marrow (CPT Code: 38222)
    Purpose: A procedure to collect bone marrow to test for blood cancers or other serious blood conditions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $256 (ranges from $178 to $335)
    Provided by 4 specialists locally.

  • Procedure: Pathology clinical consultation (CPT Code: 80504)
    Purpose: A specialist consult to interpret complex test results.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $77 (ranges from $58 to $97)
    Available in Houston’s medical community.

Taking the next step to see a healthcare professional can feel overwhelming, but you’re doing the right thing by seeking guidance now. Here’s what to do:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor in Houston first. They can help coordinate your care and refer you to specialists such as Infectious Disease or Hematology-Oncology if needed.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, any changes you’ve noticed, and questions to ask your provider.
  3. Discuss Costs: When making an appointment, confirm the office visit and lab test costs with the provider’s billing department, as prices can vary.
  4. Stay Positive and Proactive: Early evaluation can help catch any health concerns sooner. Remember, prompt professional advice is the smartest step for your health and peace of mind.

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 provides general information about symptoms, healthcare providers, and estimated procedure costs in Houston, TX. It is not medical advice and does not replace consultation with a licensed healthcare professional. If your symptoms worsen or you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or sudden weight loss, seek emergency care immediately.