Why Am I So Forgetful? Understanding Memory Concerns in Los Angeles, CA

memoryforgetfulnessneurologygeriatric medicinefamily practiceLos Angeleshealthcare

Why Am I So Forgetful? Understanding Memory Concerns in Los Angeles, CA

Lately, you might have noticed that you keep forgetting simple things like where you left your keys or what you were about to say. Perhaps you walk into a room and suddenly can’t recall why you went there. It’s natural to feel worried when this happens often, and you might wonder if there’s something more serious going on with your memory. You’re not alone, and it’s brave of you to seek answers.

This post is here to help you understand what could be causing these forgetful moments and, importantly, guide you through the next steps to get professional support. We will explore who you might want to see about your symptoms and what typical costs look like if you live in Los Angeles, CA. By the end, you should feel more confident about taking that first appointment and looking after your brain health.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles, CA

If you’re experiencing memory issues, there are a few types of healthcare providers who can help evaluate what’s going on and create a care plan for you. Based on your symptoms, consider these providers:

  • Neurologists
    These are specialists focused on the brain and nervous system. They evaluate memory and thinking problems to understand if there’s an underlying neurological cause.

  • Geriatric Medicine Doctors
    These doctors specialize in the healthcare of older adults and can assess memory changes related to aging or other health factors.

  • Internal Medicine Doctors
    Often serving adults, these doctors can evaluate your overall health and memory. They are skilled at managing a wide range of medical conditions that can affect memory.

  • Family Practice Doctors
    Family practice physicians provide general care for all ages, often acting as the first stop for health issues. They can evaluate your symptoms and guide you on whether you need to see a specialist.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Understanding the typical procedures and what they cost can help ease anxiety about seeking care. Here’s a breakdown by provider type, based on typical fees for self-pay patients in Los Angeles:

Visit with a Neurologist

  • Procedure: Assessment of and care planning for patient with impaired thought processing, typically 60 minutes (CPT Code: 99483)
    Purpose: This visit is designed to thoroughly assess your thinking and memory problems and help plan your care based on the findings.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $461.74 (typically ranges from $346.31 to $577.18)
    This estimate is based on 11 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Evaluation of psychological test, first hour (CPT Code: 96130)
    Purpose: This is a detailed evaluation of psychological tests used to understand memory and cognitive function better.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $202.88 (typically ranges from $152.16 to $253.60)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Evaluation of neuropsychological test, first hour (CPT Code: 96132)
    Purpose: A specialized test evaluation focusing on brain function that helps pinpoint areas of memory and thinking challenges.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $219.90 (typically ranges from $164.93 to $274.88)
    This estimate is based on 8 providers in the Los Angeles area.

Visit with a Geriatric Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Assessment of and care planning for patient with impaired thought processing, typically 60 minutes (CPT Code: 99483)
    Purpose: A comprehensive assessment focused on memory issues within the context of aging and overall health planning.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $449.95 (typically ranges from $337.46 to $562.44)
    This estimate is based on 5 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A follow-up or initial office visit to evaluate your current health and symptoms related to memory problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $239.77 (typically ranges from $136.45 to $343.09)
    This estimate is based on 36 providers in the Los Angeles area.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A general office visit to check your health and address memory concerns, usually lasting 30 to 39 minutes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $204.24 (typically ranges from $153.18 to $255.30)
    This estimate is based on 1176 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Assessment of and care planning for patient with impaired thought processing, typically 60 minutes (CPT Code: 99483)
    Purpose: A longer visit specifically focused on understanding and planning care for memory and cognitive issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $452.64 (typically ranges from $339.48 to $565.80)
    This estimate is based on 23 providers in the Los Angeles area.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Initial or follow-up visit to discuss symptoms and perform a general health check.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.58 (typically ranges from $157.19 to $261.98)
    This estimate is based on 799 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Assessment of and care planning for patient with impaired thought processing, typically 60 minutes (CPT Code: 99483)
    Purpose: A detailed visit to assess memory issues and help create a plan for follow-up care.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $474.08 (typically ranges from $355.56 to $592.60)
    This estimate is based on 8 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: Brief assessment to understand if emotional or behavioral factors are contributing to memory difficulties.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $11.21 (typically ranges from $6.42 to $16.00)
    This estimate is based on 12 providers in the Los Angeles area.

Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but your health and peace of mind matter. Here’s what you can do right now:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Neurologist, Geriatric Medicine doctor, Internal Medicine physician, or Family Practice doctor in Los Angeles to discuss your memory concerns. Your choice can depend on your comfort and insurance coverage, but starting with a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor is often easiest.

  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down specific examples of memory problems you’ve noticed, how long they’ve been occurring, and any other symptoms such as confusion or mood changes. Also, list any questions or worries you have so you can discuss them clearly with your doctor.

  3. Discuss Costs: When you call to make your appointment, ask the provider’s office about the expected cost and your payment options. The cost estimates here are typical ranges for self-pay patients and can help you plan financially.

  4. Stay Positive: Remember, forgetfulness can have many causes, many of which are manageable or treatable. Seeking professional advice is a strong and important step to protect your memory 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 intended for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for concerns about memory loss or cognitive issues.