Sharp Pain in Arms and Legs? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Long Beach, CA

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Sharp Pain in Arms and Legs? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Long Beach, CA

If you’ve been feeling sharp pain deep in your arms and legs that won’t go away, combined with increasing tiredness and shortness of breath, it’s completely understandable to feel concerned. Pain that feels different from anything you’ve experienced before and lasts for hours can naturally raise worries about what might be causing it and what to do next.

This post is here to help guide you through your concerns by explaining what types of doctors you might want to see, what kinds of tests or visits you can expect, and an idea of the costs involved if you’re paying out of pocket in Long Beach, CA. You are in the right place to find this clear and straightforward information to help you take the next step toward care.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Long Beach, CA

Given your symptoms of persistent, deep pain in your arms and legs alongside fatigue and shortness of breath, several healthcare providers could be a good place to start:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can evaluate a wide range of symptoms, order initial tests, and help manage both acute and chronic conditions. Often your first stop when you’re not sure what’s causing your pain.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Specialists focused on adult health who can dive deeper into complex symptoms and manage ongoing health concerns, especially if the problem might involve multiple organs or systems.
  • Rheumatologist: A specialist in joint, muscle, and autoimmune disorders. They can evaluate if your pain might be related to inflammation or autoimmune conditions affecting muscles and bones.
  • Cardiologist: Focused on heart and vascular health, particularly important if your pain is related to circulation or heart issues, especially because you are experiencing shortness of breath.
  • Neurologist: Specializes in nerve and muscle disorders. They can help if the pain might be due to nerve damage or neurological conditions.
  • Pulmonary Disease Specialist: Focused on lung health, which might be useful if your shortness of breath is related to lung or respiratory problems.
  • Emergency Medicine Provider: If your symptoms suddenly worsen or you develop severe symptoms like chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath, going to the emergency department is important.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here is an overview of typical office visits and common procedures related to your symptoms, along with estimated self-pay costs you might expect in Long Beach, CA. These can help you prepare financially and understand the process.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A thorough consultation where the doctor reviews your symptoms, medical history, and performs a physical exam to decide the next best steps.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $212.06 (typically ranges from $159.05 to $265.08)
    This estimate is based on 574 providers in the Long Beach area.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: A test to check your heart’s electrical activity to rule out heart-related causes of your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.76 (cost range: $19.10 to $38.41)
    Based on 185 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: An imaging test to screen your lungs and chest area for infections, lung problems, or heart size issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $54.72 (range: $41.04 to $68.40)
    Based on 63 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Detailed evaluation potentially focusing on adult-onset diseases and complex symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.33 (range: $157.00 to $261.66)
    Based on 602 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: To assess heart function as part of symptom evaluation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $30.12 (range: $18.98 to $41.25)
    Based on 241 providers.

  • Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: To check for chest or lung issues contributing to your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $57.44 (range: $43.08 to $71.80)
    Based on 37 providers.

Visit with a Rheumatologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Assessment for joint, muscle, or autoimmune-related causes of your pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $216.29 (range: $162.22 to $270.36)
    Based on 41 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: A blood test to detect inflammation or infection that might relate to your pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.90 (range: $9.07 to $16.73)
    Based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: C-reactive protein measurement (CPT Code: 86140)
    Purpose: A blood test to detect inflammation in the body.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.62 (range: $6.04 to $25.20)
    Based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Shoulder X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 73030)
    Purpose: Imaging focused on shoulder joints to identify any bone or joint problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $60.82 (range: $45.61 to $76.02)
    Based on 3 providers.

Visit with a Cardiologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Heart-focused evaluation and management of symptoms linked to circulation or heart disease.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $215.10 (range: $161.33 to $268.88)
    Based on 180 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound study of arm or leg veins (CPT Code: 93970)
    Purpose: Ultrasound test to check for blood clots or venous problems that may cause limb pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $255.09 (range: $191.32 to $318.86)
    Based on 32 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine ECG (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: To assess heart rhythm and functionality.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.29 (range: $19.01 to $37.58)
    Based on 167 providers.

Visit with a Neurologist

  • Procedure: Established outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Evaluation of nerve or muscle-related causes of your pain and other symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.52 (range: $157.14 to $261.90)
    Based on 116 providers.

  • Procedure: Needle measurement of electrical activity in muscles (EMG) (CPT Code: 95886)
    Purpose: Test to measure muscle electrical function, useful in diagnosing nerve or muscle disorders.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $167.36 (range: $125.52 to $209.20)
    Based on 43 providers.

  • Procedure: Nerve conduction study, 9-10 tests (CPT Code: 95911)
    Purpose: Assesses how well your nerves send electrical signals, helping detect nerve issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $356.34 (range: $267.25 to $445.42)
    Based on 16 providers.

Visit with a Pulmonary Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Evaluation related to lung and breathing issues causing shortness of breath.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $211.34 (range: $158.51 to $264.18)
    Based on 75 providers.

  • Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Visual assessment of lungs and chest to rule out lung disease.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $63.61 (range: $43.02 to $84.20)
    Based on 6 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine ECG (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: To check heart function as lung and heart health often relate.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $32.17 (range: $19.03 to $45.30)
    Based on 6 providers.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If your symptoms suddenly become severe, such as intense chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or sudden weakness, please seek emergency medical care immediately. Emergency visits are more costly but critical for urgent situations.

The most important thing now is to connect with a healthcare professional who can perform a thorough evaluation and advise you based on your specific situation.

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice doctor or Internal Medicine provider in Long Beach to start, or consider specialists if you have an existing condition or if your symptoms suggest it.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long they have lasted, how they feel, and any other signs like tiredness or breathlessness. Also note any medications you take.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask about fees and whether they accept insurance. The cost estimates given here are averages for self-pay patients in your area.
  4. Follow-up: Based on initial findings, your provider may refer you to specialists such as Rheumatology, Cardiology, or Neurology for further testing and treatment.
  5. Stay Calm and Take Action: Seeking care early helps diagnose and treat potential issues efficiently—your health and peace of mind are worth it.

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 does not replace professional medical advice. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, please seek emergency medical care immediately.