Why Am I So Forgetful? Next Steps for Houston Residents

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Why Am I So Forgetful? Next Steps for Houston Residents

If you’ve recently found yourself forgetting things more than usual—like misplacing your keys or struggling to recall what someone just told you—it’s natural to feel concerned. Many people wonder if this increased forgetfulness is simply a part of aging or if it signals something more serious. You’re not alone in searching for answers, and it’s a positive first step to want to understand more about what might be going on.

This post is designed to help you navigate your concerns by explaining some common healthcare providers you might want to see in Houston, TX. We’ll also break down what to expect during your initial visits and give you an idea of the typical costs you might encounter. Our goal is to empower you to take clear, informed next steps toward professional evaluation and peace of mind.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Houston

Based on your symptoms of increased forgetfulness, several types of healthcare providers could be a great starting point to evaluate what’s happening and plan appropriate care:

  • Family Practice Doctors: These are generalist doctors who handle a wide range of medical conditions. They can perform initial assessments, provide basic cognitive testing, and refer you to specialists if needed.

  • Internal Medicine Physicians: Specialists in adult medicine, they can evaluate your overall health and rule out medical causes affecting memory, such as infections, vitamin deficiencies, or other conditions.

  • Geriatric Medicine Specialists: These doctors focus on healthcare for older adults. If age-related cognitive changes are a concern, they can offer tailored assessments and care plans.

  • Neurologists: Specialists in the nervous system, including the brain, neurologists can perform detailed evaluations to diagnose neurological causes of memory problems.

Seeing the right provider can help clarify whether your forgetfulness is a normal part of aging, stress, or if it requires further investigation and treatment.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of common initial procedures by provider type, what they involve, and estimated self-pay costs in Houston, TX. Keep in mind that if you have insurance, your out-of-pocket costs might be different.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Assessment and care planning for impaired thought processing (CPT Code: 99483)
    Purpose: This is a thorough review, typically about an hour, to understand your cognitive difficulties and create a care plan.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $433.18 (usually between $324.89 and $541.48)
    This estimate is based on 3 providers in the Houston area.

  • Procedure: Psychological or neuropsychological test administered by a technician, first 30 minutes (CPT Code: 96138)
    Purpose: Initial cognitive tests done by a trained technician to better understand your memory and thinking skills.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $55.28 (usually between $41.46 and $69.10)
    This estimate is based on 4 providers locally.

  • Procedure: Evaluation of neuropsychological test, first hour (CPT Code: 96132)
    Purpose: A doctor reviews and interprets detailed cognitive test results to identify any issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $201.49 (usually between $151.12 and $251.86)
    This estimate comes from 3 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A detailed office visit to discuss your memory concerns and overall health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.75 (ranges from $146.06 to $243.44)
    Based on a large pool of 492 providers.

  • Procedure: Assessment and care planning for impaired thought processing (CPT Code: 99483)
    Purpose: A comprehensive evaluation to explore cognitive difficulties and make a care plan.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $440.66 (between $330.49 and $550.82)
    Based on 3 providers locally.

  • Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: A quick assessment to understand any mood or behavioral changes that may relate to memory issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.85 (from $5.56 to $10.15)
    Available from 18 providers in Houston.

Visit with a Geriatric Medicine Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Focused visit addressing age-related health issues, including memory concerns.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $186.40 (typically $139.80 to $233.00)
    Based on 19 providers serving older adults in Houston.

Visit with a Neurologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Neurological exam to assess brain function related to memory and cognition.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.92 (ranges $145.44 to $242.40)
    Based on 149 neurologists in Houston.

  • Procedure: Assessment and care planning for impaired thought processing (CPT Code: 99483)
    Purpose: Detailed cognitive assessment and planning by a brain specialist.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $439.92 (between $329.94 and $549.90)
    Based on 5 neurologists locally.

Taking action now can help you feel more in control of your health and get the answers you deserve. Here’s what to do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a family practice doctor, internist, geriatrician, or neurologist in Houston for an initial visit. The right specialist depends on your overall health and comfort, but a family practice or internal medicine doctor is often a convenient first step.

  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your memory concerns, when they started, any other symptoms, and questions you want to ask. This helps your provider understand your situation clearly.

  3. Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, confirm what the visit and possible assessments will cost. The estimates above reflect typical self-pay prices but can vary by provider.

  4. Remember You’re Not Alone: These concerns are common, and seeking professional advice is a brave and smart choice. Early evaluation can provide reassurance or help start effective 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 blog post is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.