Swollen Ankles and Tired All the Time? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Miami, FL

swollen anklesfatiguekidney symptomsMiami healthcaremedical costsnephrologyinternal medicine

Swollen Ankles and Tired All the Time? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Miami, FL

If you’ve been feeling unusually tired for a long time, noticing swelling in your ankles and feet, and seeing changes like foamy urine along with some shortness of breath and back pain, it’s completely understandable to feel concerned. These symptoms could indicate issues with your kidneys or heart, and it’s important to take them seriously. This post will help you understand which healthcare providers are best suited to evaluate your symptoms in Miami, FL and what initial costs you might expect. You’re in the right place to find clear guidance on your next steps to getting the care you need.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Miami, FL

Given your symptoms, here are a few types of doctors who could be good starting points:

  • Nephrology: Specialists in kidney health who diagnose and treat kidney diseases, especially important if you suspect your kidneys might be involved.
  • Internal Medicine: Doctors focused on adult health, managing complex or chronic conditions, and handling diagnostic tests like blood work and urinalysis.
  • Family Practice: Generalist doctors who can evaluate a broad range of symptoms, provide initial diagnoses, and refer you to specialists if needed.
  • Cardiology: Heart specialists who assess symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling that might relate to heart function.

Each of these providers brings valuable expertise to figuring out why you might be experiencing your symptoms.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Visit with a Nephrology Doctor

  • Procedure: New patient office visit, 45-59 minutes (CPT Code: 99204)
    Purpose: A thorough first consultation with a kidney specialist to evaluate your symptoms and start kidney-related tests or treatments.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $281.74 (typically ranges from $211.31 to $352.18)
    This estimate is based on 31 providers in the Miami area.

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Follow-up visits to review test results and adjust your care plan.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.90 (typically ranges from $144.67 to $241.12)
    This estimate is based on 63 providers in Miami.

  • Procedure: Dialysis procedure including one evaluation (CPT Code: 90945)
    Purpose: A treatment session if kidney function is severely impaired, along with ongoing monitoring.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $143.47 (typically ranges from $107.60 to $179.34)
    This estimate is based on 11 providers in Miami.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: New patient office visit, 45-59 minutes (CPT Code: 99204)
    Purpose: Comprehensive assessment of your symptoms with physical exam and diagnostic planning.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $281.74 (typically ranges from $211.31 to $352.18)
    Note: This cost is generally similar to nephrology for new patient visits.

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Follow-up visits for ongoing management or to discuss test results.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $208.26 (typically ranges from $156.19 to $260.32)
    This estimate is based on 464 providers in the Miami area.

  • Procedure: Urinalysis, manual test (CPT Code: 81002)
    Purpose: Analyze your urine to check for protein, infections, or other abnormalities linked to kidney problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $6.77 (typically ranges from $4.09 to $9.44)
    This estimate is based on 18 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Tests your blood for indicators of infection, anemia, or inflammation that could explain fatigue and swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $11.43 (typically ranges from $8.57 to $14.30)
    This estimate is based on 6 providers.

  • Procedure: Creatinine level test (CPT Code: 82570)
    Purpose: Measures kidney function by checking creatinine in your blood, important for detecting kidney issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.13 (typically ranges from $6.10 to $10.16)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: General exam and evaluation to understand your symptoms and refer you if needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $205.22 (typically ranges from $153.91 to $256.52)
    This estimate is based on 306 providers.

  • Procedure: Urinalysis, manual test (CPT Code: 81002)
    Purpose: A urine test to detect signs of kidney problems or infection.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.69 (typically ranges from $4.09 to $13.30)
    This estimate is based on 19 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85027)
    Purpose: A blood test to check overall health and detect abnormalities related to your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.60 (typically ranges from $7.61 to $33.60)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: An imaging test to look for causes of shortness of breath and swelling related to heart or lungs.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $53.98 (typically ranges from $40.49 to $67.48)
    This estimate is based on 23 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Measures heart rhythm and function to evaluate if your heart is contributing to your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $29.58 (typically ranges from $18.36 to $40.81)
    This estimate is based on 67 providers.

Visit with a Cardiology Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Evaluation of heart health related to fatigue, swelling, and shortness of breath.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $204.45 (typically ranges from $153.34 to $255.56)
    This estimate is based on 213 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Blood test to check for conditions affecting heart function and overall health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.07 (typically ranges from $9.13 to $27.00)
    This estimate is based on 3 providers.

  • Procedure: Manual urinalysis test with microscopic exam (CPT Code: 81001)
    Purpose: Detailed urine analysis to detect protein or other signs that could signal kidney stress related to heart issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.37 (typically ranges from $3.73 to $33.00)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Urine microalbumin (protein) analysis (CPT Code: 82044)
    Purpose: Sensitive urine test to detect small amounts of protein that may indicate kidney damage linked to heart disease.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.67 (typically ranges from $7.33 to $18.00)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of abdomen (CPT Code: 76700)
    Purpose: Imaging to check kidneys, liver, and other organs for causes of swelling and back pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.98 (typically ranges from $146.23 to $243.72)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

Taking action as soon as possible is important to understand what’s causing your symptoms and to get appropriate care. Here’s what to do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact one of the suggested providers—starting with an Internal Medicine or Family Practice doctor is often easiest. They can help coordinate further tests or referrals to specialists like Nephrology or Cardiology if needed.

  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms, when they started, any changes you’ve noticed (like foamy urine or back pain), and any questions you want to ask the doctor.

  3. Discuss Costs: Call the provider’s office ahead of the appointment to confirm the costs, as the prices here are estimates and can vary.

  4. Stay Positive: You are doing the right thing by seeking care. Early evaluation can help find answers and guide effective treatment to improve your health and wellbeing.

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 and estimated costs for common procedures based on data from Miami, FL providers. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions about your health or symptoms.