Feeling Always Tired and Out of Breath? Next Steps for Care in Chicago, IL
Feeling Always Tired and Out of Breath? Next Steps for Care in Chicago, IL
If you’ve been feeling more tired than usual and find yourself getting out of breath even with simple activities like climbing stairs or moving around your apartment, you’re not alone — and it’s perfectly reasonable to feel concerned. You may also have noticed your clothes fitting differently and are wondering if these symptoms are related to your weight or something more serious. You’re asking important questions, and it’s wise to look for answers and support.
This post will help guide you through the possible next steps, including which healthcare providers to consider seeing based on your symptoms, what initial visits and tests might involve, and what costs you might expect for these services right here in Chicago. You’re in the right place to take informed action towards better health.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Chicago, IL
Feeling tired and short of breath can be caused by a variety of factors, so different types of doctors might be able to help. Here are some providers who could be a good starting point:
- Family Practice Doctors: These are general practitioners who treat a wide range of health issues. They can evaluate your symptoms, order basic tests, and coordinate any needed specialty care.
- Internal Medicine Doctors: Specialists in adult health, they diagnose and manage complex conditions and chronic illnesses, making them a strong choice if you need a deeper look into your symptoms.
- Cardiologists: Experts in heart and circulation issues, they are important if your breathlessness might be related to heart health.
- Endocrinologists: These doctors specialize in hormones and metabolism, which could be relevant if your symptoms are related to weight, thyroid function, or diabetes.
Each of these providers can help uncover what’s causing your fatigue and shortness of breath and design a plan to get you feeling better.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Below is an overview of what your initial visits to these providers might include, along with estimated self-pay costs in Chicago, IL.
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 visit where the doctor reviews your health and symptoms. It allows time to discuss your tiredness, breathlessness, and weight changes thoroughly.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $202.91 (typically ranges from $152.18 to $253.64)
This estimate is based on 854 providers in the Chicago area. -
Procedure: Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) (CPT Code: 80061)
Purpose: Checks for cholesterol and triglycerides to assess cardiovascular risk and overall metabolic health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $31.52 (typically ranges from $15.67 to $47.37)
This estimate is based on 30 providers. -
Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level (CPT Code: 83036)
Purpose: Measures average blood sugar levels over time, helping to detect diabetes or prediabetes that could explain your fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $21.42 (typically ranges from $11.36 to $31.48)
This estimate is based on 159 providers. -
Procedure: Blood test, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
Purpose: Measures thyroid function, as thyroid problems can cause tiredness and changes in weight.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $36.94 (typically ranges from $19.74 to $54.14)
This estimate is based on 17 providers. -
Procedure: Annual depression screening, 5 to 15 minutes (CPT Code: G0444)
Purpose: Screens for depression, which can be a cause of fatigue and changes in energy levels.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $30.02 (typically ranges from $22.51 to $37.52)
This estimate is based on 93 providers.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
-
Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Similar to family practice visits, internal medicine doctors provide focused evaluation of adult health issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.68 (typically ranges from $149.76 to $249.60)
This estimate is based on 1099 providers. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads with interpretation and report (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: A heart rhythm test to check for any cardiac reasons behind breathlessness.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $34.46 (typically ranges from $18.30 to $50.62)
This estimate is based on 339 providers. -
Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level (CPT Code: 83036)
Purpose: Blood sugar check as above.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $22.85 (typically ranges from $11.34 to $34.36)
This estimate is based on 231 providers. -
Procedure: Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) (CPT Code: 80061)
Purpose: Checks cholesterol and triglycerides as above.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $29.23 (typically ranges from $15.59 to $42.88)
This estimate is based on 45 providers. -
Procedure: Face-to-face behavioral counseling for obesity, 15 minutes (CPT Code: G0447)
Purpose: Focuses on healthy habits and weight management, which might be relevant for your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $42.50 (typically ranges from $31.87 to $53.12)
This estimate is 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 can assess for heart disease or circulation issues that might cause breathlessness.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.02 (typically ranges from $144.01 to $240.02)
This estimate is based on 260 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CBC), automated test with differential (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Checks for anemia or infections that might cause fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.09 (typically ranges from $9.01 to $17.16)
This estimate is based on 5 providers. -
Procedure: Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) (CPT Code: 80061)
Purpose: Assesses heart disease risk factors.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $25.97 (typically ranges from $15.72 to $36.22)
This estimate is based on 10 providers. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) with interpretation only (CPT Code: 93010)
Purpose: Quick heart rhythm check.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.06 (typically ranges from $10.06 to $26.06)
This estimate is based on 204 providers. -
Procedure: Ultrasound of heart with color blood flow and valve function (CPT Code: 93306)
Purpose: Detailed heart imaging to evaluate function and blood flow.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $152.63 (typically ranges from $93.91 to $211.35)
This estimate is based on 224 providers.
Visit with an Endocrinologist
-
Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Hormone specialists can evaluate for diabetes, thyroid, and metabolic disorders causing fatigue and weight changes.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $185.79 (typically ranges from $139.34 to $232.24)
This estimate is based on 118 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CBC) (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Checks for anemia and other blood issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.00 (typically ranges from $9.12 to $16.88)
This estimate is based on 2 providers. -
Procedure: Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) (CPT Code: 80061)
Purpose: Assesses metabolic health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $24.97 (typically ranges from $15.62 to $34.32)
This estimate is based on 3 providers. -
Procedure: Vitamin D-3 level (CPT Code: 82306)
Purpose: Checking vitamin D as low levels can contribute to tiredness.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $56.97 (typically ranges from $34.81 to $79.12)
This estimate is based on 2 providers. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) with interpretation (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: Heart rhythm test to rule out heart-related causes of symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $24.40 (typically ranges from $18.30 to $30.50)
This estimate is based on 1 provider.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Taking the first step toward understanding why you’re always tired and out of breath can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Here’s how to move forward confidently:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice doctor, Internal Medicine specialist, Cardiologist, or Endocrinologist in Chicago based on what you feel most comfortable with or after a quick consultation.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, including when they started, how severe they are, what makes them better or worse, and any questions you want to ask.
- Discuss Costs: When you book your appointment, ask about the expected costs and if the office accepts your insurance or offers self-pay rates. The estimates shared here are typical but can vary.
- Remember: Seeking professional advice is the right and brave thing to do. Early evaluation can lead to better outcomes and peace of mind.
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 provides general health information and cost estimates based on available data for Chicago, IL. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.