Can't Focus on Anything? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Houston, TX

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Can’t Focus on Anything? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Houston, TX

If you’ve been having a hard time focusing on your schoolwork and chores, feeling restless, and noticing forgetfulness, you’re not alone — and it’s completely understandable to feel worried. When distractions make finishing simple tasks difficult and restlessness makes sitting still a challenge, it’s natural to wonder whether what you’re experiencing is normal or a sign of something more. You’ve come to the right place. This post aims to help guide you through what steps you might consider next, who you could see for a proper evaluation, and what the initial costs might look like right here in Houston, TX.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Houston, TX

Based on your difficulty focusing and accompanying restlessness and forgetfulness, there are several types of healthcare providers who could be a good place to start:

  • Psychologist, Clinical: A mental health specialist who can evaluate emotional and cognitive challenges, like trouble concentrating or memory issues, and provide counseling or therapy.
  • Psychiatrist: A medical doctor who specializes in mental health disorders and can diagnose conditions, provide therapy, and prescribe medications if needed.
  • Neurologist: A specialist focusing on brain and nervous system health, helpful if focusing difficulties might be related to neurological issues.
  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist doctor who can evaluate your overall health, identify any underlying medical causes, and refer you to specialists if needed.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Similar to a family doctor but usually focused on adults, they can assess your physical and mental health and help guide you through next steps.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Visit with a Psychologist, Clinical

  • Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation (CPT Code: 90791)
    Purpose: This is a detailed assessment to understand your mental health symptoms and figure out if there are any diagnosable conditions affecting your focus.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Houston, TX: $263.18 (typically ranges from $197.39 to $328.98)
    Provider Availability: Based on 40 providers in the Houston area.

  • Exam of Neurobehavioral Status, First Hour (CPT Code: 96116)
    Purpose: A more specialized exam that checks how well your brain is functioning in areas like memory, attention, and problem-solving.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Houston, TX: $146.48 (typically ranges from $109.86 to $183.10)
    Provider Availability: 22 providers available.

Visit with a Psychiatrist

  • Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation with Medical Services (CPT Code: 90792)
    Purpose: A comprehensive evaluation including medical assessment to identify mental health disorders and discuss treatment options including medications.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Houston, TX: $302.21 (ranges from $223.24 to $381.17)
    Provider Availability: 43 psychiatrists in the area.

  • Established Patient Office or Other Outpatient Visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Follow-up visits to discuss symptoms, monitor treatment progress, or adjust medications.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $181.33 (ranges from $136.00 to $226.66)
    Provider Availability: 101 providers.

Visit with a Neurologist

  • Established Patient Office or Other Outpatient Visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Appointment to discuss neurological symptoms and review history related to brain function and focus.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.92 (ranges from $145.44 to $242.40)
    Provider Availability: 149 providers.

  • Assessment of and Care Planning for Patient with Impaired Thought Processing, Typically 60 Minutes (CPT Code: 99483)
    Purpose: In-depth evaluation focusing on how your thinking, memory, and attention are affected, helping form a care plan.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $439.92 (ranges from $329.94 to $549.90)
    Provider Availability: 5 providers.

  • Exam of Neurobehavioral Status, First Hour (CPT Code: 96116)
    Purpose: Similar specialized cognitive exam like with psychologists for assessing brain function.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $150.35 (ranges from $112.76 to $187.94)
    Provider Availability: 1 provider.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Established Patient Office or Other Outpatient Visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: General health check to discuss your symptoms, identify possible medical causes, and provide initial guidance.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.94 (ranges from $146.95 to $244.92)
    Provider Availability: 511 providers.

  • Assessment of Emotional or Behavioral Problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: A brief screening to understand emotional or behavioral concerns that may relate to focusing issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.60 (ranges from $5.69 to $9.52)
    Provider Availability: 15 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Established Patient Office or Other Outpatient Visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Adult health visit to evaluate your symptoms, rule out physical causes, and guide next steps or referrals.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.75 (ranges from $146.06 to $243.44)
    Provider Availability: 492 providers.

  • Assessment of Emotional or Behavioral Problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: Brief evaluation of emotional or behavioral issues potentially impacting focus and daily function.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.85 (ranges from $5.56 to $10.15)
    Provider Availability: 18 providers.

Taking the first step to better focus and feel more in control starts with reaching out to a healthcare professional who can guide you through diagnosis and treatment. Here’s what to do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Choose one of the provider types above that feels right for you — a Family Practice doctor is a comfortable starting point, but you might prefer a psychologist or psychiatrist based on your needs.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long you’ve had trouble focusing, any patterns you notice, and any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
  3. Discuss Costs: Call the provider’s office before your appointment to confirm the exact cost based on your insurance status or self-pay, as the estimates here can vary.
  4. Empower Yourself: Remember, seeking help is a positive and brave step. A healthcare professional can work with you to find solutions or treatments that improve your quality of life.

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 provides general information to help guide your healthcare decisions but is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any medical condition.