Stiff, Achy Joints? Find a Joint Pain Doctor Near Me in Arlington, TX

joint painarthritisArlington TXrheumatologyfamily practiceinternal medicinedoctor visit cost

Stiff, Achy Joints? Find a Joint Pain Doctor Near Me in Arlington, TX

If you’ve been waking up with stiff fingers and knees or noticing that everyday tasks like opening jars or climbing stairs are becoming tougher, it’s normal to feel concerned. Persistent joint pain and stiffness can interfere with your daily life, making it important to find care that helps you understand what’s going on and how to get relief. If you’re searching “joint pain doctor near me” in Arlington, TX, you’ve taken a smart first step.

This post will guide you through who you might see for joint pain, what to expect during your visit, and an idea of the typical costs you might encounter—so you can feel prepared and empowered to take the next step toward better joint health.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Arlington, TX

Several types of doctors can help diagnose and treat joint pain, especially when stiffness and discomfort affect your hands and knees. Here are a few options available in the Arlington area based on your symptoms:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist doctor who can evaluate many health concerns, provide initial diagnoses, and direct you to specialists if needed. A great first step for joint pain.
  • Rheumatologist: A specialist in diseases that affect joints, muscles, and bones—like arthritis and autoimmune disorders. If your symptoms suggest inflammation or a chronic condition, they are experts to see.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Similar to family practice but focusing on adult health and complex internal issues. They can assess joint pain and order necessary blood tests or imaging.

Each of these providers offers a valuable path to understanding what’s causing your joint pain and how best to treat it.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s an overview of common procedures and visits you might have with these providers in Arlington, TX, along with estimated self-pay costs. These reflect average rates and the number of providers available locally.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is a thorough office visit where the doctor will discuss your symptoms, examine your joints, and possibly suggest initial testing.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.68 (typically ranges from $143.76 to $239.60)
    This estimate is based on 502 providers in the Arlington area.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: A blood test to check for infection or inflammation that could be contributing to your joint pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.22 (range $9.11 to $15.34)
    Based on 41 providers.

  • Procedure: Creatinine level test (CPT Code: 82570)
    Purpose: Checks kidney function to ensure your body is handling medications or underlying muscle issues well.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.88 (range $6.07 to $13.69)
    Based on 46 providers.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
    Purpose: If swelling or fluid buildup is present, this procedure can relieve discomfort or help diagnose joint issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $114.00 (range $77.00 to $151.00)
    Based on 12 providers.

  • Procedure: Injection of drug or substance under skin or into muscle (CPT Code: 96372)
    Purpose: Used for delivering medications to reduce inflammation or pain directly.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $24.83 (range $16.55 to $33.11)
    Based on 112 providers.

Visit with a Rheumatologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A detailed visit focusing on joint-specific diseases like rheumatoid arthritis for diagnosis and treatment planning.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $188.13 (range $141.10 to $235.16)
    Based on 35 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Blood testing to detect inflammation or infection linked to joint pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.06 (range $9.05 to $15.08)
    Based on 6 providers.

  • Procedure: C-reactive protein test (CPT Code: 86140)
    Purpose: Measures levels of inflammation in the body, helping to confirm active joint inflammation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.05 (range $6.04 to $10.06)
    Based on 6 providers.

  • Procedure: Rheumatoid factor level (CPT Code: 86431)
    Purpose: Tests for antibodies commonly elevated in rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.80 (range $6.60 to $11.00)
    Based on 4 providers.

  • Procedure: Measurement of antibody for rheumatoid arthritis assessment (CPT Code: 86200)
    Purpose: Additional blood test that helps diagnose autoimmune causes of joint pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.56 (range $15.05 to $26.08)
    Based on 4 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Comprehensive visit to evaluate joint pain and overall health, focusing on adult medical issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.87 (range $143.90 to $239.84)
    Based on 364 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: General blood test to identify infection or inflammatory markers linked to joint pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.14 (range $9.11 to $15.18)
    Based on 45 providers.

  • Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level (CPT Code: 83036)
    Purpose: Checks blood sugar control, important if diabetes could be affecting your joints or healing.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $19.10 (range $11.39 to $26.81)
    Based on 63 providers.

  • Procedure: Creatinine level test (CPT Code: 82570)
    Purpose: Assesses kidney function and muscle health, important before prescribing certain medications.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.84 (range $6.08 to $13.59)
    Based on 36 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
    Purpose: Checks thyroid function that can affect joint and muscle health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.30 (range $19.73 to $32.88)
    Based on 41 providers.

Joint pain is something you don’t have to face alone, and taking action now can make a meaningful difference in your comfort and mobility. Here’s what you can do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to a family practice doctor, internal medicine physician, or a rheumatologist in Arlington, TX, based on your comfort and access. Starting with a family practice doctor is often easiest.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down when the pain and stiffness started, how long it lasts, what makes it better or worse, and any questions you want to ask.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask about self-pay costs or insurance coverage so you have a clear understanding of your financial responsibility. The costs listed here are estimates and may vary.
  4. Stay Reassured: Seeking professional evaluation is the best step you can take for your joint health. Early conversation with a doctor can lead to effective treatment and relief.

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 for educational purposes and based on estimated self-pay costs in Arlington, TX. It is not medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of joint pain or any health concerns.