Joint Pain in Hands? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Dallas, TX

joint painhand painrheumatoid arthritisDallas TXhealthcarerheumatologyfamily practiceinternal medicine

Joint Pain in Hands? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Dallas, TX

If your fingers and knees have been hurting a lot, especially in the mornings, and you sometimes feel stiffness that makes simple tasks like opening jars or writing difficult, you are not alone — and your concerns are completely valid. Persistent joint pain and stiffness can be worrying, especially when it starts interfering with daily life and you aren’t sure why it’s happening. Searching for answers is a great first step, and you’ve come to the right place. This post will guide you through understanding possible causes, who to see for care in Dallas, TX, and what initial visit costs you might expect.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Dallas, TX

When you’re experiencing ongoing joint pain and stiffness, several types of healthcare providers could be good starting points for diagnosis and treatment:

  • Rheumatologists: Specialists in diagnosing and treating arthritis and other diseases affecting joints, muscles, and bones. They focus on conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause joint pain and stiffness.
  • Family Practice Doctors: General practitioners who handle a wide range of health concerns. They can evaluate your symptoms, provide initial care, and refer you to a specialist if needed.
  • Internal Medicine Physicians: Doctors specializing in adult medicine who can diagnose and manage complex illnesses, including joint inflammation and autoimmune conditions.

All these providers are well-equipped to begin investigating the cause of your joint pain and help you find relief.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of typical procedures you might undergo with these providers in Dallas, along with estimated self-pay costs. These costs are averages and may vary, so always check with your provider directly.

Visit with a Rheumatology Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A 30-39 minute in-person appointment where the doctor reviews your symptoms, performs a physical exam, and plans tests or treatments. This visit helps identify the cause of joint pain and stiffness.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.95 (typically ranges from $145.46 to $242.44)
    This estimate is based on 55 providers in the Dallas area.

  • Procedure: Measurement of antibody for rheumatoid arthritis assessment (CPT Code: 86200)
    Purpose: A blood test to check for specific antibodies linked to rheumatoid arthritis. This helps confirm if your joint pain is caused by an autoimmune condition.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.00 (ranges from $15.00 to $25.00)
    Based on 14 providers.

  • Procedure: Rheumatoid factor level test (CPT Code: 86431)
    Purpose: Another blood test to detect rheumatoid factor, an indicator of inflammation and autoimmune activity.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.77 (ranges from $6.58 to $10.96)
    Based on 14 providers.

  • Procedure: Red blood cell sedimentation rate to detect inflammation (CPT Code: 85652)
    Purpose: A simple blood test measuring inflammation in your body, which can be related to joint disease.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $4.19 (ranges from $3.14 to $5.24)
    Based on 15 providers.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
    Purpose: Removing or injecting fluid in joints to relieve pain or diagnose causes. This may be performed if joint swelling is present.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $110.78 (ranges from $83.09 to $138.48)
    Based on 11 providers.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and decide if further tests or specialist referrals are needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.57 (ranges from $145.18 to $241.96)
    Based on 494 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: A blood test to check overall health and detect infections or anemia that might be linked to your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $17.07 (ranges from $9.12 to $25.03)
    Based on 24 providers.

  • Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level (CPT Code: 83036)
    Purpose: Checks blood sugar control, which can be relevant as diabetes may sometimes affect joint health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.65 (ranges from $11.35 to $25.94)
    Based on 83 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test for cholesterol and triglycerides (CPT Code: 80061)
    Purpose: Evaluates lipids in your blood, since cardiovascular health can relate to overall inflammation and wellbeing.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $21.97 (ranges from $15.68 to $28.25)
    Based on 21 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: A heart test to ensure no cardiac issues are contributing to symptoms, often part of comprehensive health evaluation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.60 (ranges from $16.93 to $36.28)
    Based on 133 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This doctor will assess your symptoms, consider a broad range of potential causes, and recommend treatment or specialist care.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.08 (ranges from $145.56 to $242.60)
    Based on 508 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Similar to family practice, this blood test checks for signs of infection, anemia, or inflammation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.47 (ranges from $9.10 to $17.84)
    Based on 57 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
    Purpose: Evaluates thyroid function, as thyroid disorders can sometimes cause joint pain or stiffness.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $27.60 (ranges from $19.72 to $35.48)
    Based on 49 providers.

  • Procedure: Rheumatoid factor level test (CPT Code: 86431)
    Purpose: Measures rheumatoid factor in blood to help detect autoimmune joint conditions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.74 (ranges from $6.55 to $10.92)
    Based on 1 provider.

Taking control of your joint pain starts with reaching out to a healthcare professional. Here are some clear steps you can take now:

  • Schedule an Appointment: Contact a rheumatologist, family practice doctor, or internal medicine physician in Dallas to discuss your symptoms.
  • Prepare for Your Visit: Write down when your joint pain and stiffness started, how often it happens, which joints are affected, and any other symptoms you notice.
  • Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask about expected costs, especially if you are paying out of pocket. The estimates here should help guide your questions.
  • Stay Positive: Remember, identifying the cause of your symptoms is the first step toward relief and better quality of life. Seeking professional advice is a smart and important move.

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 consult your healthcare provider regarding any symptoms or medical conditions.