Sore Throat and Tiredness That Won't Go Away? Next Steps in Anaheim, CA

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Sore Throat and Tiredness That Won’t Go Away? Next Steps in Anaheim, CA

If you’ve been dealing with a sore throat, fever lasting over a week, swollen glands, and constant tiredness, it’s completely understandable to feel worried. You may have thought it was just a simple cold, but since your symptoms won’t go away, it’s natural to want to know what might be causing this and where to turn next. You might have even heard that some early infections, like HIV, can feel similar to the flu — it’s good to be cautious without jumping to conclusions.

This post is here to guide you through the possible healthcare providers who can help evaluate your symptoms, what initial tests and visits might involve, and the typical costs you could expect in Anaheim, CA. If you’re feeling uncertain about what to do next, you are in the right place to get clear and helpful information.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Anaheim, CA

When you have a sore throat that just won’t get better alongside tiring symptoms, a few types of doctors could be your first point of contact. Based on the symptoms you describe, here are some provider options in Anaheim and what they generally do:

  • Family Practice: A generalist doctor capable of diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, including infections and prolonged fatigue. They are often the best first step when you’re unsure what is causing your symptoms.

  • Internal Medicine: These doctors specialize in adult medicine. They can handle complex symptoms and order tests to understand chronic or unusual illnesses, making them a solid choice for ongoing symptoms.

  • Infectious Disease Specialist: If an infection is suspected to be complicated or unusual (like HIV or other serious infections), an infectious disease doctor is an expert who can provide specialized testing and treatment.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of typical procedures each provider might perform during your initial visit or testing, along with estimated self-pay costs in Anaheim, CA.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A thorough medical consultation where the doctor reviews your symptoms, medical history, and examines you to figure out possible causes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $210.93 (typically ranges from $158.20 to $263.66)
    This estimate is based on 720 providers in the Anaheim area.

  • Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for collection of blood sample (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Blood tests can uncover infections, inflammation, or other issues in your blood.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.19 (typically ranges from $9.14 to $15.24)
    This estimate is based on 281 providers in Anaheim.

  • Procedure: Detection test by immunoassay with direct visual observation for streptococcus, group A (strep) (CPT Code: 87880)
    Purpose: A quick lab test to check if your sore throat is caused by strep bacteria, which needs antibiotics.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $25.60 (typically ranges from $19.20 to $32.00)
    This estimate is based on 28 providers in Anaheim.

  • Procedure: Detection test by immunoassay technique for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (CPT Code: 87426)
    Purpose: Test for COVID-19, which can cause respiratory symptoms and fatigue.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $55.26 (typically ranges from $40.80 to $69.73)
    This estimate is based on 22 providers in Anaheim.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (red cells, white blood cells, platelets) (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: A common blood test that helps evaluate infections, anemia, and other blood-related conditions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.16 (typically ranges from $9.11 to $21.22)
    This estimate is based on 14 providers in Anaheim.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: An in-depth consultation suitable for adult patients with persistent or complex symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $210.72 (typically ranges from $158.04 to $263.40)
    This estimate is based on 630 providers in Anaheim.

  • Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Blood work to help diagnose or monitor conditions contributing to your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.66 (typically ranges from $9.49 to $15.82)
    This estimate is based on 224 providers in Anaheim.

  • Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: Checks for metabolic or organ function issues that might explain fatigue and other symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $36.84 (typically ranges from $12.42 to $61.25)
    This estimate is based on 14 providers in Anaheim.

  • Procedure: COVID-19 detection test (CPT Code: 87426)
    Purpose: To rule out or confirm COVID-19 infection.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $61.02 (typically ranges from $41.54 to $80.50)
    This estimate is based on 12 providers in Anaheim.

Visit with an Infectious Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Specialist consultation to investigate and manage complex infections or conditions like HIV or persistent viral illnesses.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $205.68 (typically ranges from $154.26 to $257.10)
    This estimate is based on 31 providers in Anaheim.

  • Procedure: Detection test by nucleic acid for HIV-1 virus, quantification (CPT Code: 87536)
    Purpose: A precise blood test to check for HIV infection.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $140.04 (typically ranges from $100.08 to $180.00)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider in Anaheim.

  • Procedure: Automated urinalysis test (CPT Code: 81003)
    Purpose: Tests urine to rule out other infections or conditions that might be causing symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $11.82 (typically ranges from $2.64 to $21.00)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider in Anaheim.

  • Procedure: Comprehensive blood chemicals test (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: Helps to assess overall health and detect abnormalities related to infections or organ function.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $43.71 (typically ranges from $12.42 to $75.00)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider in Anaheim.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Chest X-rays help detect lung infections, inflammation, or other problems that might cause symptoms like tiredness.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $62.67 (typically ranges from $47.00 to $78.34)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers in Anaheim.

Taking action is the best way to ease your worries and get on the road to feeling better. Here’s what you can do now:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor nearby in Anaheim as your first step. If your symptoms or test results suggest a specialized infection, your doctor might refer you to an Infectious Disease Specialist.

  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms, how long they’ve lasted, and any questions or concerns you want to discuss. This helps the doctor understand your condition fully.

  3. Discuss Costs: When making your appointment, ask about estimated costs and payment options. The prices listed here are typical self-pay estimates and can vary by provider.

  4. Stay Positive: Remember, many causes of prolonged sore throat and fatigue are treatable. Seeking professional care is the right and empowering step 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 article provides general information and estimates based on available data for Anaheim, CA. 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.