Sharp Body Pain and Fatigue? Next Steps for Care in Chicago, IL

body painfatigueneurologyfamily practiceinternal medicineChicago healthcaremedical costs

Sharp Body Pain and Fatigue? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Chicago, IL

Feeling sudden, sharp pain in your arms and legs along with constant tiredness can be really scary and frustrating. It’s completely understandable to be worried when you experience symptoms that feel unlike anything you’ve had before. You’re searching for answers because you want to understand why this is happening and what to do next. You’re in the right place to get clear guidance on who to see for your symptoms here in Chicago, and what the initial costs might look like.

This post will help you know what types of healthcare providers could be a good first stop, what common diagnostic steps they might take, and how much you can expect to pay if you are paying out of pocket. Taking that first step to consult a professional is the most important thing you can do for your health right now.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Chicago, IL

Based on your symptoms of sharp body pain and fatigue, there are several types of doctors you might consider starting with. Each provider type brings a different expertise that could help with diagnosing and managing your symptoms:

  • Neurology: Neurologists specialize in disorders of the nervous system, including nerves and muscles. If your pain might be related to nerve problems, this is the specialist to see.

  • Family Practice: Family practice doctors are generalists who diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues. They can evaluate your symptoms, order basic tests, and refer you to specialists if needed.

  • Internal Medicine: Internists focus on diagnosing and managing adult illnesses, often dealing with complex or chronic conditions. They can check if underlying medical issues might be causing your pain and fatigue.

Each of these providers can give you a thorough evaluation and help plan the next steps depending on what they find.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here is an overview of typical visits and tests you might expect from each provider type in the Chicago area, along with estimated self-pay costs based on current data.

Visit with a Neurologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This visit allows the neurologist to review your symptoms in detail and perform a focused neurological exam to identify nerve or muscle problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $185.42 (typically ranges from $139.07 to $231.78)
    This estimate is based on 239 providers in the Chicago area.

  • Procedure: Needle measurement of electrical activity in arm or leg muscles, complete study (CPT Code: 95886)
    Purpose: This test checks how well your muscles and nerves are working by measuring electrical activity—important for diagnosing nerve or muscle disorders.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $115.08 (typically ranges from $78.01 to $152.14)
    This estimate is based on 65 providers in the Chicago area.

  • Procedure: Nerve conduction, 9-10 studies (CPT Code: 95911)
    Purpose: Measures how fast and effectively nerves send signals—helps identify nerve damage or dysfunction.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $305.20 (typically ranges from $197.94 to $412.46)
    This estimate is based on 36 providers in the Chicago area.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: A routine blood test to check your blood cells, helping to rule out infections or anemia that could cause fatigue or pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.53 (typically ranges from $9.06 to $24.00)
    This estimate is based on 4 providers in the Chicago area.

  • Procedure: Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B-12) level (CPT Code: 82607)
    Purpose: Measures vitamin B-12 levels, deficiencies of which can cause neurological symptoms and fatigue.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $30.06 (typically ranges from $17.74 to $42.38)
    This estimate is based on 5 providers in the Chicago area.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This visit allows a family doctor to listen to your symptoms, perform an exam, and guide initial diagnosis and management.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $202.91 (typically ranges from $152.18 to $253.64)
    This estimate is based on 854 providers in Chicago.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Checks your general blood health to rule out infections, anemia, or other blood-related issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.91 (typically ranges from $9.11 to $24.71)
    This estimate is based on 16 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: Assesses kidney, liver, and other organ functions, helping identify causes of fatigue or systemic illness.
    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 blood sample (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Simple blood draw required for lab tests.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.20 (typically ranges from $9.90 to $16.50)
    This estimate is based on 343 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Checks your heart’s electrical activity to rule out heart issues that could cause fatigue or pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $32.01 (typically ranges from $18.16 to $45.86)
    This estimate is based on 160 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Allows an internist to evaluate your symptoms and consider conditions such as diabetes, thyroid issues, or other medical causes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.68 (typically ranges from $149.76 to $249.60)
    This estimate is based on 1,099 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Basic test to evaluate blood components, helpful in diagnosis.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $17.09 (typically ranges from $9.10 to $25.08)
    This estimate is based on 30 providers.

  • Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level (CPT Code: 83036)
    Purpose: Measures blood sugar control over the past 3 months to check for diabetes which can cause fatigue and pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $22.85 (typically ranges from $11.34 to $34.36)
    This estimate is based on 231 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood glucose (sugar) test performed by handheld instrument (CPT Code: 82962)
    Purpose: Quick test to check current blood sugar levels.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.22 (typically ranges from $3.84 to $10.60)
    This estimate is based on 53 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
    Purpose: Screens for thyroid function abnormalities that can cause body pain and fatigue.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $35.06 (typically ranges from $19.73 to $50.39)
    This estimate is based on 31 providers.

Taking action now will help get you closer to understanding what’s causing your sharp pain and tiredness. Here’s what you should do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice, Internal Medicine, or Neurology provider in Chicago. You can start with a family or internal medicine doctor if you want a broad evaluation or go straight to a neurologist if you think your symptoms are nerve-related.

  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms including when they started, how often they happen, and any other concerns or questions you want to discuss.

  3. Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask the provider’s office about expected costs and payment options. The prices listed here are estimates for self-pay patients and can help you plan financially.

  4. Stay Calm and Positive: It’s great that you’re looking for answers. Remember, professionals are there to help you get better. Early evaluation is a key step toward relief and proper treatment.

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 provides general information based on available provider data for Chicago, IL, and 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.