Feeling Tired and Chest Pressure? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Phoenix, AZ

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Feeling Tired and Chest Pressure? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Phoenix, AZ

If you’ve been feeling unusually tired lately and sometimes notice pressure or discomfort in your chest after eating fatty foods, it’s completely understandable to feel concerned. Adding blurry vision and getting easily out of breath can make these symptoms feel even more alarming. You might be wondering what could be causing these signs and trying to understand if others experience something similar. You’re not alone, and it’s good you’re looking for answers.

This post aims to help you make sense of what to do next—specifically, which types of healthcare professionals you might see in Phoenix, AZ, what the initial visits and tests could involve, and an idea of the typical costs if you’re paying out of pocket. We want to guide you toward the right care with clear, reassuring information.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Phoenix, AZ

Based on your symptoms of tiredness, chest pressure particularly after fatty meals, blurry vision, and getting short of breath, there are a few types of doctors that could be good options to start with:

  • Cardiology: Cardiologists specialize in heart and blood vessel health. They can evaluate chest pressure and breathing difficulties to check for heart conditions.
  • Family Practice: Family practice doctors are generalists who manage a broad range of health issues. They can help with initial evaluations and coordinate further testing or referrals.
  • Internal Medicine: These doctors focus on adult health and complex medical conditions. They often manage symptoms involving several body systems and can order specialized tests.
  • Endocrinology: Endocrinologists specialize in hormones and metabolism, including conditions affecting cholesterol, blood sugar, and thyroid, which can relate to tiredness and chest symptoms.

Starting with any of these providers can help identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide you to appropriate treatment.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of common procedures with estimated costs for each provider type in Phoenix, AZ. These estimates are for self-pay patients and reflect typical pricing ranges.

Visit with a Cardiology Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A thorough evaluation of your symptoms related to the heart and circulatory system. This visit allows the cardiologist to understand your history and plan tests as needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $182.46 (typically ranges from $136.85 to $228.08)
    This estimate is based on 181 providers in the Phoenix area.

  • Procedure: Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) (CPT Code: 80061)
    Purpose: Measures cholesterol and fat levels in your blood, which can affect heart health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.91 (typically ranges from $15.68 to $26.14)
    Based on 12 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: A non-invasive test that records your heart’s electrical activity to detect irregularities.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $24.10 (typically ranges from $16.74 to $31.45)
    Based on 161 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of heart with blood flow and valve function (CPT Code: 93306)
    Purpose: Uses sound waves to create images of your heart and assess how well blood flows through its chambers and valves.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $160.52 (typically ranges from $114.08 to $206.95)
    Based on 169 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete ultrasound study of arm and leg arteries (CPT Code: 93923)
    Purpose: Checks for artery blockages in limbs, which may relate to circulatory issues contributing to fatigue or chest pressure.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $181.41 (typically ranges from $136.06 to $226.76)
    Based on 18 providers.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A general health check and discussion about your symptoms to start forming a diagnosis and referral plan.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.39 (typically ranges from $143.54 to $239.24)
    Based on 602 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) (CPT Code: 80061)
    Purpose: Basic check of cholesterol levels to understand heart disease risk.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.86 (typically ranges from $15.65 to $26.08)
    Based on 51 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Tests heart rhythm and electrical signals.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $22.19 (typically ranges from $16.64 to $27.74)
    Based on 209 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
    Purpose: Checks thyroid function, which can impact energy levels and heart health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.32 (typically ranges from $19.74 to $32.90)
    Based on 41 providers.

  • Procedure: Creatinine test for kidney function (CPT Code: 82570)
    Purpose: Assesses kidney health, as kidney problems can cause fatigue and other issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.08 (typically ranges from $6.06 to $10.10)
    Based on 41 providers.

Visit with an Endocrinologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Specialized evaluation for hormone-related concerns affecting metabolism, energy, and cardiovascular health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $190.98 (typically ranges from $143.23 to $238.72)
    Based on 51 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) (CPT Code: 80061)
    Purpose: To evaluate your cholesterol profile.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.85 (typically ranges from $15.64 to $26.06)
    Based on 13 providers.

  • Procedure: Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test (CPT Code: 84443)
    Purpose: To assess thyroid function which influences energy and metabolism.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.27 (typically ranges from $19.70 to $32.84)
    Based on 13 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: A broad blood test to check overall health including infection, anemia, or other conditions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.13 (typically ranges from $9.10 to $15.16)
    Based on 13 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Detailed evaluation focusing on adult health to diagnose complex or multiple issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $189.36 (typically ranges from $142.02 to $236.70)
    Based on 438 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Tests for heart rhythm and electrical function.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $22.14 (typically ranges from $16.61 to $27.68)
    Based on 154 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) (CPT Code: 80061)
    Purpose: Checks cholesterol and triglyceride levels related to heart health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.90 (typically ranges from $15.67 to $26.12)
    Based on 24 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
    Purpose: Evaluates thyroid function affecting your metabolism and energy.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.21 (typically ranges from $19.66 to $32.76)
    Based on 23 providers.

  • Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Imaging to look for lung or heart issues that might cause chest discomfort or breathlessness.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $40.91 (typically ranges from $30.68 to $51.14)
    Based on 18 providers.

It’s important now to take a proactive step and schedule an appointment with one of the healthcare providers we’ve outlined. Here’s how you can make things easier:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a family practice clinic, cardiology office, internal medicine, or endocrinology provider in Phoenix. Starting with a generalist like Family Practice or Internal Medicine could be most convenient.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms including tiredness, chest pressure after meals, blurry vision, and shortness of breath. Note how long these have been occurring and any triggers or patterns. Also, prepare any questions you might have.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask about self-pay pricing and coverage if you have insurance. The estimated costs provided here serve as a helpful guide but can vary.
  4. Stay Reassured: Seeking professional advice is the right thing to do, and these symptoms are common reasons to get checked out. Early evaluation can help you get the right care 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 blog post is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from your healthcare provider with any questions regarding your health.