Why Can’t I Focus? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Los Angeles
Why Can’t I Focus? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Los Angeles
If you’ve been struggling to focus on your schoolwork and everyday tasks, and you find yourself forgetting simple things, feeling restless, or your mind wandering even when you try hard to pay attention, you’re not alone—and it’s completely understandable to feel worried. These challenges can impact your grades and make others notice your distractedness, which makes asking “Why can’t I focus?” a very important question.
This post is here to help you take your next steps confidently. We’ll explore who you can see to better understand your symptoms and what the initial visit and evaluation might cost in Los Angeles, CA. You’re in the right place to get clear guidance and move toward feeling better.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles
Based on your symptoms, several healthcare providers could be good starting points to get evaluated and supported:
- Psychiatry: Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect mood, behavior, and thinking. They can offer medical evaluations and prescribe medications if needed.
- Neurology: Neurologists focus on disorders of the nervous system, including the brain. They can help if your focus trouble might be related to neurological issues.
- Clinical Psychologist: Psychologists provide psychological testing and therapy to help identify cognitive or emotional causes behind attention problems.
- Family Practice Doctor: A family practice physician is a generalist who can evaluate your symptoms, rule out other medical causes, and refer you if you need specialized care.
- Internal Medicine Doctor: Similar to family practice doctors but typically focusing on adult patients, internal medicine providers can assess your overall health and cognitive concerns.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here is a breakdown of common procedures and their cost estimates based on providers in Los Angeles. These costs reflect self-pay prices, so if you have insurance, your price may be different.
Visit with a Psychiatry Provider
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Procedure: Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation with Medical Services (CPT Code: 90792)
Purpose: This is a detailed initial evaluation of your mental health symptoms by a psychiatrist, including medical aspects and diagnosis.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $301.38 (typically ranges from $226.03 to $376.72)
This estimate is based on 55 providers in the Los Angeles area. -
Procedure: Established Patient Office or Other Outpatient Visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A follow-up visit to discuss your progress or new symptoms with your psychiatrist.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $224.64 (ranges from $154.70 to $294.57)
Based on 200 providers in Los Angeles.
Visit with a Neurologist
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Procedure: Established Patient Office or Other Outpatient Visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: An evaluation by a neurologist to check for neurological causes that might affect your focus.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $203.89 (ranging from $152.92 to $254.86)
Based on 255 providers. -
Procedure: Exam of Neurobehavioral Status, First Hour (CPT Code: 96116)
Purpose: A detailed assessment of your brain function and behavior during an hour-long exam.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $151.76 (ranging from $113.82 to $189.70)
Available from 19 providers. -
Procedure: Evaluation of Psychological Test, First Hour (CPT Code: 96130)
Purpose: Scoring and interpretation of psychological or neuropsychological tests.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $202.88 (range $152.16 to $253.60)
Offered by 2 providers. -
Procedure: Assessment of Emotional or Behavioral Problems (CPT Code: 96127)
Purpose: Shorter evaluations for emotional or behavioral issues that relate to focus problems.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $14.36 (range $6.52 to $22.20)
From 2 providers.
Visit with a Clinical Psychologist
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Procedure: Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation (CPT Code: 90791)
Purpose: An in-depth evaluation to understand your mental and emotional health by a psychologist.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $273.31 (range $204.98 to $341.64)
Based on 149 providers. -
Procedure: Evaluation of Psychological Test, First Hour (CPT Code: 96130)
Purpose: Evaluation and interpretation of psychological tests that shed light on your focus and cognitive function.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $200.61 (range $140.40 to $260.83)
From 52 providers. -
Procedure: Exam of Neurobehavioral Status, First Hour (CPT Code: 96116)
Purpose: A comprehensive hour-long screening of your brain and behavior functions.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $148.39 (from $108.56 to $188.23)
Based on 49 providers.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
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Procedure: Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation (CPT Code: 90791)
Purpose: A general initial assessment of your mental and emotional health by your family doctor.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $239.68 (range $179.76 to $299.60)
Available from 1 provider. -
Procedure: Assessment of Emotional or Behavioral Problems (CPT Code: 96127)
Purpose: Shorter assessments for emotional or behavioral concerns.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $11.21 (range $6.42 to $16.00)
From 12 providers. -
Procedure: Exam of Neurobehavioral Status, First Hour (CPT Code: 96116)
Purpose: A detailed check of your brain’s functional status that may relate to focus.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $158.77 (range $119.08 to $198.46)
Based on 8 providers.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Established Patient Office or Other Outpatient Visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Evaluation of your health, possibly to rule out physical causes of focus problems.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $204.24 (range $153.18 to $255.30)
Based on 1176 providers. -
Procedure: Administration of Psychological or Neuropsychological Test, First 30 Minutes (CPT Code: 96136)
Purpose: 30-minute psychological or cognitive testing administered by your doctor.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $80.21 (range $55.67 to $104.76)
From 7 providers. -
Procedure: Administration of Psychological or Neuropsychological Test, Each Additional 30 Minutes (CPT Code: 96137)
Purpose: Additional cognitive testing time if needed.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $69.65 (range $52.24 to $87.06)
From 1 provider. -
Procedure: Exam of Neurobehavioral Status, First Hour (CPT Code: 96116)
Purpose: A detailed exam to assess your brain and behavior during one hour.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $158.64 (range $118.98 to $198.30)
Based on 5 providers. -
Procedure: Evaluation of Psychological Test, First Hour (CPT Code: 96130)
Purpose: Test evaluation that helps understand cognitive or psychological conditions.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $202.85 (range $152.14 to $253.56)
From 3 providers.
Your Recommended Next Steps
If you feel concerned about your inability to focus and how it affects your life, here’s what you can do now:
- Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to one of the provider types mentioned above—psychiatry, neurology, clinical psychology, family practice, or internal medicine—to start your evaluation.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long they’ve been happening, and any specific examples. Also, jot down any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
- Discuss Costs: When you call to make your appointment, confirm the costs with the provider’s office since the prices shared here are estimates and self-pay averages.
- Stay Positive: Remember, seeking professional help is a strong and important step toward understanding and improving your focus and overall 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. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.