Understanding a Swollen Stomach and Constant Fatigue: Next Steps in Chicago, IL
Feeling a Swollen Stomach and Tired All the Time? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Chicago, IL
If you’ve noticed your stomach swelling up even without weight gain, coupled with feeling tired all the time and swelling in your legs or ankles, it’s completely understandable to feel worried. These symptoms can be unsettling and may point to a range of health issues. You’re not alone in your concerns, and searching for answers is a smart first move. This post is here to guide you through what could be causing these symptoms, who you should consider seeing for an evaluation, and what initial costs might look like for care in the Chicago area. You’re in the right place to learn how to take the next steps with confidence.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Chicago, IL
Based on your symptoms of a swollen stomach, constant fatigue, and leg or ankle swelling, several types of healthcare providers could be a good starting point. Each specialist offers different expertise that might help identify the cause and start you on the road to feeling better:
- Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who diagnoses and treats a wide range of health issues. They are often your first step as they can evaluate your symptoms and refer you if needed.
- Internal Medicine Doctor: Specialists in adult health who focus on diagnosing complex or chronic conditions, especially those involving internal organs.
- Cardiologist: A heart specialist who checks if your symptoms might be related to heart or vascular issues, since swelling and tiredness can sometimes be linked to heart problems.
- Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology: A more specialized cardiology care provider focusing on serious heart conditions.
Each of these providers can help by performing examinations and tests to find the cause of your symptoms.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s a breakdown of typical procedures you might encounter when visiting these providers in Chicago, along with estimated self-pay costs based on local data:
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A detailed doctor’s visit where you discuss your symptoms and medical history to get a thorough evaluation.
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: Complete ultrasound scan of abdomen (CPT Code: 76700)
Purpose: An imaging test to look inside your abdomen and help find causes of swelling like fluid buildup or organ issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $163.01 (typically ranges from $122.26 to $203.76)
This estimate is based on 2 providers. -
Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
Purpose: Blood tests to check overall health, organ function, and identify any infections or imbalances.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $24.48 (typically ranges from $12.38 to $36.57)
This estimate is based on 21 providers. -
Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for collection of blood sample (CPT Code: 36415)
Purpose: Blood draw for various lab tests.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.20 (typically ranges from $9.90 to $16.50)
This estimate is based on 343 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: Focused evaluation by a specialist experienced in adult internal health issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.68 (typically ranges from $149.76 to $249.60)
This estimate is based on 1,099 providers. -
Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of abdomen (CPT Code: 76700)
Purpose: Imaging to examine abdominal organs to understand the cause of swelling.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $188.21 (typically ranges from $132.32 to $244.10)
This estimate is based on 14 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (automated test and differential) (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Blood test to check for anemia, infection, and overall blood health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $17.09 (typically ranges from $9.10 to $25.08)
This estimate is based on 30 providers. -
Procedure: Creatinine level to test for kidney function or muscle injury (CPT Code: 82570)
Purpose: Blood test to check kidney health, as swelling can sometimes be related to kidney issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.40 (typically ranges from $6.07 to $18.72)
This estimate is based on 32 providers. -
Procedure: X-ray of abdomen, 1 view (CPT Code: 74018)
Purpose: A simple imaging test to look for blockages or abnormalities.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.32 (typically ranges from $21.24 to $35.40)
This estimate is based on 3 providers.
Visit with a Cardiologist
-
Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A heart specialist evaluates if your fatigue and swelling could be related to heart problems.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.02 (typically ranges from $144.01 to $240.02)
This estimate is based on 260 providers. -
Procedure: Ultrasound of heart with color-depicted blood flow (CPT Code: 93306)
Purpose: An echocardiogram to check heart function, valve health, and blood flow.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $152.63 (typically ranges from $93.91 to $211.35)
This estimate is based on 224 providers. -
Procedure: Complete ultrasound of aorta, vena cava, groin vessels or bypass grafts (CPT Code: 93978)
Purpose: Ultrasound to assess major blood vessels for blockages or other issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $274.19 (typically ranges from $192.97 to $355.41)
This estimate is based on 9 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count, automated test (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Blood tests supporting diagnosis of various conditions.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.09 (typically ranges from $9.01 to $17.16)
This estimate is based on 5 providers.
Visit with an Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiologist
-
Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Specialized care for serious heart conditions if initial tests indicate need.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $174.70 (typically ranges from $131.03 to $218.38)
This estimate is based on 23 providers. -
Procedure: Ultrasound of heart (echocardiogram) with blood flow visualization (CPT Code: 93306)
Purpose: Detailed heart imaging to assess heart failure or transplant status.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $120.90 (typically ranges from $81.10 to $160.70)
This estimate is based on 8 providers. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93010)
Purpose: A simple, non-invasive test to record your heart’s electrical activity.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $19.34 (typically ranges from $10.20 to $28.49)
This estimate is based on 10 providers. -
Procedure: Ultrasound of heart during stress (CPT Code: 93350)
Purpose: Heart ultrasound to see how your heart works under stress or exertion.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $110.83 (typically ranges from $83.12 to $138.54)
This estimate is based on 1 provider.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Taking the first step toward understanding and addressing your symptoms is essential. Here’s what you can do now:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice doctor or Internal Medicine specialist to start your evaluation. They can assess your symptoms and refer you to a cardiologist or other specialist if needed.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long they have been happening, and any questions or concerns you have. This will help your doctor understand your situation better.
- Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask the provider’s office about expected costs and payment options. The prices shared here are estimates and can vary based on your personal circumstances.
- Stay Reassured: While these symptoms can be concerning, many causes are manageable, especially with early professional guidance. Seeking care is a strong and positive choice for your 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 blog post is for informational purposes only and should not replace 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.