Understanding Memory Loss? Finding the Right Doctor in Chicago

If you’ve been noticing that you’re forgetting names, misplacing keys, or getting confused about the day more often than before, it’s completely natural to feel concerned. Memory changes can happen for many reasons, including normal aging, but when they start to affect your daily life more regularly, it’s important to pay attention. You’re not alone in wondering whether this is something serious — and you’re taking a big step by searching for a memory loss doctor in Chicago.

This post is here to guide you through understanding what kind of doctor you might need, what those doctors do, and some clear ideas of what your initial visit could involve — including typical costs in the Chicago area. You’re in the right place to take the next meaningful step toward care and clarity.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Chicago

When dealing with memory loss and confusion, a few types of doctors are well-suited to help you understand what’s going on and plan your care:

• Geriatric Medicine Specialists focus on health issues commonly affecting older adults, including memory and cognitive challenges.
• Internal Medicine Physicians are doctors who manage a broad range of adult health conditions and can provide detailed assessment and care planning for memory problems.
• Neuropsychiatrists specialize in conditions that involve both brain and mental health, helping diagnose complex cognitive or behavioral symptoms.
• Neurologists concentrate on disorders of the nervous system including the brain and memory, making them key experts in diagnosing and managing memory loss.

Each of these provider types can be a valuable partner depending on your symptoms and preferences.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a straightforward look at common procedures these doctors might perform at your first visit, what they mean, and what they’ll likely cost you if you are paying out-of-pocket in Chicago.

Visit with a Geriatric Medicine Specialist

• Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
• Purpose: This visit allows the doctor to spend focused time discussing your memory concerns, symptoms, and overall health to understand your situation better.
• Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Chicago: $195.22 (typically ranges from $146.41 to $244.02)
• Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 37 providers in the Chicago area.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Physician

• Procedure: Assessment of and care planning for patient with impaired thought processing, typically 60 minutes (CPT Code: 99483)
• Purpose: This is a longer, in-depth evaluation focused specifically on your thinking abilities, memory, and planning care for these issues.
• Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Chicago: $423.39 (typically ranges from $317.54 to $529.24)
• Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 7 providers in the Chicago area.

Visit with a Neuropsychiatrist

• Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
• Purpose: Here, the doctor assesses cognitive and behavioral symptoms to help identify any psychiatric or neurological causes of memory loss.
• Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Chicago: $211.84 (typically ranges from $158.88 to $264.80)
• Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 12 providers in the Chicago area.

Visit with a Neurologist

• Procedure 1: Assessment of and care planning for patient with impaired thought processing, typically 60 minutes (CPT Code: 99483)

• Purpose: A comprehensive evaluation focused on memory and thinking to diagnose neurological causes and guide treatment.

• Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Chicago: $552.45 (typically ranges from $344.70 to $760.20)

• Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 2 providers in the Chicago area.

• Procedure 2: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)

• Purpose: A shorter follow-up or initial visit to discuss symptoms and basic evaluation.

• Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Chicago: $185.42 (typically ranges from $139.07 to $231.78)

• Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 239 providers in the Chicago area.

• Procedure 3: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services (CPT Code: 90792)

• Purpose: Diagnostic evaluation that combines psychiatric and medical insight to clarify the cause of memory or cognitive changes.

• Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Chicago: $311.55 (typically ranges from $233.66 to $389.44)

• Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 3 providers in the Chicago area.

Your Recommended Next Steps

The most helpful thing you can do now is to schedule an appointment with one of the types of specialists listed above. Taking this step can bring important insights, help ease your worries, and get you on a path to the right care.

Here’s how to proceed:

1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Geriatric Medicine specialist, Internal Medicine physician, Neurologist, or Neuropsychiatrist in Chicago to discuss your symptoms.
2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down specific memory concerns, when you first noticed changes, and any questions or other symptoms you have noticed.
3. Discuss Costs: When booking, ask the provider’s office about estimated costs and insurance acceptance to be fully informed. The cost information here are self-pay estimates for Chicago and can vary.
4. Stay Positive: Remember, seeking professional advice is a strong and proactive step toward preserving your health and peace of mind. Many memory issues are manageable with the right evaluation and support.

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.

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information and estimated costs for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition.