Cough Won’t Go Away? Your Next Steps for Care in Phoenix, AZ

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Cough Won’t Go Away? Your Next Steps for Care in Phoenix, AZ

Having a cough that just won’t go away for weeks, combined with chest tightness and heavy breathing—especially in the mornings—can understandably be worrying. If you’re starting to feel like this is more than just a regular cold, you’re not alone. Many people seek answers when symptoms linger, and it’s important to know when and how to get professional help. This post is here to guide you through what steps to take next, which healthcare providers to consider in Phoenix, and an overview of the typical costs you might expect for initial visits and tests. You’re in the right place to get clear, reassuring information.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Phoenix, AZ

When a cough won’t go away and you notice chest tightness or trouble breathing, several types of doctors could help evaluate and treat your symptoms. Here’s a quick guide to the specialists and generalists who are good starting points:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including respiratory issues. Great for your first visit to start evaluation.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Similar to Family Practice, they focus on adult health and can assess complex or ongoing symptoms thoroughly.
  • Pulmonary Disease Specialist: A lung specialist who focuses on breathing and lung-related problems and can provide advanced testing and treatment for persistent cough and chest issues.
  • Allergy/Immunology Doctor: If allergies or immune responses might be causing your symptoms, this specialist can diagnose and treat airway and respiratory conditions.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Below is an overview of common procedures recommended by these providers for evaluating a long-lasting cough and related symptoms, along with typical self-pay cost estimates in Phoenix, AZ.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A comprehensive office visit where the doctor will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and conduct a physical exam to understand the cause of your cough and breathing issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.39 (typically ranges from $143.54 to $239.24)
    This estimate is based on 602 providers in the Phoenix area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: A chest X-ray helps see your lungs and chest structure to detect infections, inflammation, or other lung problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $47.36 (typically ranges from $35.52 to $59.20)
    This estimate is based on 28 providers in the Phoenix area.

  • Procedure: Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
    Purpose: A breathing test that measures how well air flows out of your lungs, useful for diagnosing asthma or other obstructive lung problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $41.01 (typically ranges from $30.76 to $51.26)
    This estimate is based on 15 providers in the Phoenix area.

  • Procedure: Inhalation treatment for airway obstruction or sputum production (CPT Code: 94640)
    Purpose: This treatment can relieve airway blockage during your visit if needed, helping you breathe easier.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.29 (typically ranges from $10.24 to $26.35)
    This estimate is based on 6 providers in the Phoenix area.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads with interpretation and report (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: An ECG checks your heart’s electrical activity, which may be important if chest tightness is present.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $22.19 (typically ranges from $16.64 to $27.74)
    This estimate is based on 209 providers in the Phoenix area.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A detailed evaluation to understand the root cause of your symptoms and decide if further testing is needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $189.36 (typically ranges from $142.02 to $236.70)
    This estimate is based on 438 providers in Phoenix.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Useful for spotting abnormalities in your lungs that might explain persistent cough or breathing difficulty.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $40.91 (typically ranges from $30.68 to $51.14)
    This estimate is based on 18 providers.

  • Procedure: Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
    Purpose: Helps evaluate lung function and detect airflow issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $38.42 (typically ranges from $28.81 to $48.02)
    This estimate is based on 14 providers.

  • Procedure: Inhalation treatment for airway obstruction or sputum production (CPT Code: 94640)
    Purpose: Relieves airway issues during the visit if necessary.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.01 (typically ranges from $10.37 to $19.64)
    This estimate is based on 3 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Checks heart function, important if chest symptoms are concerning.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $22.14 (typically ranges from $16.61 to $27.68)
    This estimate is based on 154 providers.

Visit with a Pulmonary Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Specialized consultation focusing on lung and breathing problems to provide expert diagnosis and treatment plans.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.09 (typically ranges from $143.32 to $238.86)
    This estimate is based on 72 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Used to evaluate lung health and detect inflammation or infection.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $51.38 (typically ranges from $38.53 to $64.22)
    This estimate is based on 15 providers.

  • Procedure: Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
    Purpose: Evaluates lung function to diagnose obstructive or restrictive lung diseases.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $36.26 (typically ranges from $27.19 to $45.32)
    This estimate is based on 42 providers.

  • Procedure: Test to examine how well lungs exchange gases (CPT Code: 94729)
    Purpose: Assesses oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange efficiency, critical for breathing issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $70.48 (typically ranges from $52.86 to $88.10)
    This estimate is based on 58 providers.

  • Procedure: Inhalation treatment for airway obstruction or sputum production (CPT Code: 94640)
    Purpose: Helps clear airways to improve breathing during your visit.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $17.21 (typically ranges from $10.39 to $24.03)
    This estimate is based on 12 providers.

Visit with an Allergy/Immunology Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Evaluates if underlying allergies or immune causes are triggering your cough or breathing problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.82 (typically ranges from $145.37 to $242.28)
    This estimate is based on 33 providers.

  • Procedure: Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
    Purpose: Helps assess impact of allergies or asthma on your lung function.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $41.48 (typically ranges from $30.42 to $52.54)
    This estimate is based on 16 providers.

  • Procedure: Test to examine how well lungs exchange gases (CPT Code: 94729)
    Purpose: Checks your lungs’ efficiency in exchanging gases, which allergies can affect.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $85.06 (typically ranges from $63.79 to $106.32)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Diagnostic exam of nasal passages using an endoscope (CPT Code: 31231)
    Purpose: A closer look inside your nose to identify sources of post-nasal drip or allergy-related congestion causing cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $294.29 (typically ranges from $220.72 to $367.86)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Inhalation treatment for airway obstruction or sputum production (CPT Code: 94640)
    Purpose: Offers relief from airway blockages related to allergic reactions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.78 (typically ranges from $10.36 to $31.20)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

Taking action is your best move now. Here’s what to do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor first for a thorough evaluation. If needed, they will refer you to a Pulmonary or Allergy specialist.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms (how long they’ve lasted, how severe they are), any triggers you notice, and questions you want answered.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask the provider’s office about the expected costs and whether they accept your insurance to avoid surprises. The estimates here give you a ballpark to plan your finances.
  4. Stay Reassured: Remember, many causes of persistent cough can be treated effectively once properly diagnosed. Seeking professional advice is the right step for your peace of mind and 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 does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, high fever, or chest pain, seek emergency medical care immediately.