Sudden Arm and Leg Pain? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Phoenix, AZ

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Sudden Arm and Leg Pain? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Phoenix, AZ

Experiencing deep, aching, or throbbing pain suddenly in your arms and legs can be very concerning, especially when it feels worse than anything you’ve had before. Feeling tired and short of breath along with that pain understandably adds to your worry. It makes sense that you’d want to understand what might be causing these symptoms and find out if it’s serious enough to seek medical attention right away.

This post is here to help guide you through the next steps in taking care of yourself. You’ll learn which types of doctors can evaluate your symptoms, what kind of visits and tests you might expect, and some estimated costs for these services right here in Phoenix, AZ. Knowing this information can help you feel more prepared and confident as you move forward.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Phoenix, AZ

Based on your symptoms of sudden arm and leg pain along with tiredness and shortness of breath, here are some types of healthcare providers who could be a good starting point:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues. They’re an excellent first stop to evaluate your symptoms and guide you if you need a specialist.
  • Cardiologist: A heart specialist who can check for heart and blood vessel problems, which might cause pain or circulation issues in your arms and legs.
  • Pulmonary Disease Specialist: A lung expert who can help if your shortness of breath might be linked to lung conditions.
  • Rheumatologist: A doctor specializing in joint and autoimmune diseases which could cause pain and fatigue.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Similar to family practice but focused on adult medicine, these doctors can assess complex symptoms and coordinate further care.
  • Pain Management Specialist: If pain continues or worsens, they help manage chronic or severe pain conditions.
  • Emergency Medicine: If your pain is severe or worsening rapidly, or you have other urgent symptoms like chest pain or fainting, an emergency department is the right place to go.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs in Phoenix, AZ

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

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

  • Purpose: This is a detailed medical visit where the doctor will talk through your symptoms, examine you, and decide what tests or referrals you might need to find the cause of your pain and tiredness.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.39 (typically ranges from $143.54 to $239.24)

  • This estimate is based on 602 providers in the Phoenix area.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads with interpretation and report (CPT Code: 93000)

  • Purpose: A simple, painless test to check how your heart is functioning, which can indicate if your symptoms relate to heart problems.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $22.19 (ranges from $16.64 to $27.74)

  • Based on 209 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count, automated test (CPT Code: 85025)

  • Purpose: A blood test that looks at your overall blood health, checking for infections, anemia, or other underlying issues.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.11 (ranges from $9.08 to $15.14)

  • Based on 49 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test for lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) (CPT Code: 80061)

  • Purpose: Assesses your cholesterol and fat levels, which can impact circulation and overall cardiovascular health.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.86 (ranges from $15.65 to $26.08)

  • Based on 51 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)

  • Purpose: A quick imaging test to look for lung or heart related causes that might explain your symptoms.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $47.36 (ranges from $35.52 to $59.20)

  • Based on 28 providers.

Visit with a Cardiologist

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

  • Purpose: A heart specialist will evaluate if your pain and tiredness relate to heart or blood flow problems.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $182.46 (ranges from $136.85 to $228.08)

  • Based on 181 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound study of arm or leg veins with compression (CPT Code: 93970)

  • Purpose: An ultrasound test to check for blood clots or blockages in your veins that could cause pain and swelling.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $272.45 (ranges from $204.34 to $340.56)

  • Based on 33 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)

  • Purpose: (as above)

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.18 (ranges from $9.13 to $15.22)

  • Based on 10 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test for lipids (CPT Code: 80061)

  • Purpose: (as above)

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.91 (ranges from $15.68 to $26.14)

  • Based on 12 providers.

Visit with a Pulmonary Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
  • Purpose: This lung specialist will check if breathing issues or lung diseases are causing your shortness of breath and pain.
  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.09 (ranges from $143.32 to $238.86)
  • Based on 72 providers.

Visit with a Rheumatologist

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

  • Purpose: Evaluates symptoms that may be caused by inflammatory conditions or autoimmune diseases affecting your joints or muscles.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.33 (ranges from $143.50 to $239.16)

  • Based on 35 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)

  • Purpose: (as above)

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.05 (ranges from $9.11 to $21.00)

  • Based on 11 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)

  • Purpose: Checks key chemicals and minerals in your blood to assess overall health and inflammation.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.51 (ranges from $12.38 to $20.64)

  • Based on 11 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of hand, 2 views (CPT Code: 73120)

  • Purpose: Imaging test for joint pain or arthritis that might explain arm discomfort.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $32.77 (ranges from $24.58 to $40.96)

  • Based on 8 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

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

  • Purpose: A doctor focused on adult medicine who can evaluate complex symptoms like yours and coordinate any needed tests or specialist visits.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $189.36 (ranges from $142.02 to $236.70)

  • Based on 438 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound study of arm and leg arteries (CPT Code: 93922)

  • Purpose: Imaging test to check artery blood flow, which can impact pain and circulation in your limbs.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $123.18 (ranges from $92.39 to $153.98)

  • Based on 19 providers.

When to Visit Emergency Medicine

If your pain is severe, worsening rapidly, or accompanied by alarming symptoms like chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath, go to an emergency department immediately.

  • Procedure: Emergency department visit with moderate level of medical decision making (CPT Code: 99284)
  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $366.89 (ranges from $141.49 to $592.30)
  • Based on 384 providers.

Taking action now is the best way to address your symptoms and get peace of mind. Here’s what to do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Call a Family Practice doctor or Internal Medicine provider in Phoenix to start. They can assess your symptoms and refer you if needed. Consider a Cardiologist or Pulmonary specialist if your symptoms point to heart or lung issues.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down exactly what you feel, when the pain started, how severe it is, and any other symptoms like tiredness or shortness of breath. Prepare any questions you want to ask.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking, ask the provider’s office about costs. The prices here are estimates based on typical self-pay fees in Phoenix and can vary.
  4. Seek Emergency Care if Needed: If your pain worsens quickly or you develop chest pain, dizziness, or severe breathing problems, go to the emergency room immediately.

Remember, checking in with a healthcare professional is the right and proactive step for your health.

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 only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek immediate care for severe or worsening symptoms.