Yellow Skin and Constant Fatigue? Steps for Care in New York, NY
Feeling Yellow Skin and Tired All the Time? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in New York, NY
If you have recently noticed your skin turning yellow, feel constantly tired, have swelling in your stomach or legs, and experience unexplained itching, it is completely natural to feel concerned. These symptoms can be unsettling, especially when they are new and persistent. You’re not alone, and your decision to search for answers shows you are taking an important step towards better health. This post is here to help you understand what these symptoms might indicate, which healthcare providers in New York, NY can help, and what initial costs you might expect for visits and tests. You’re in the right place to get clear, practical guidance on your next steps.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in New York, NY
Based on your symptoms—yellowing skin, fatigue, swelling, and itching—a few types of doctors could be a great starting point to get the evaluation and care you need:
- Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. They often provide initial evaluations and can coordinate further specialized testing or referrals, making them an excellent first stop.
- Internal Medicine Doctor: Specialists in adult health who focus on complex or chronic conditions. They are well-equipped to evaluate symptoms like yours and guide you through necessary tests.
- Gastroenterologist: A doctor who focuses on the digestive system, including the liver and gallbladder. Given the yellow skin (which may indicate liver issues), they are important specialists to consider.
- Hematologist: A specialist in blood and related disorders. Some blood tests related to liver function and overall health may be managed or interpreted by hematologists, especially if blood abnormalities are suspected.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s an overview of typical visits and tests you might need, with estimated self-pay costs in New York, NY. These costs give you an idea of what you might see if paying without insurance, based on local provider data.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: This visit involves talking through your symptoms, physical exam, and initial assessment to decide what tests or referrals you might need.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $225.02 (typically ranges from $168.77 to $281.28)
This estimate is based on 734 providers in the New York, NY area. -
Procedure: Liver function blood test panel (CPT Code: 80076)
Purpose: This blood test checks how well your liver is working, which is critical to investigate yellow skin and fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $34.83 (typically ranges from $9.66 to $60.00)
This estimate is based on 1 provider in the area. -
Procedure: Bilirubin level, total (CPT Code: 82247)
Purpose: Measures bilirubin, a substance that causes yellowing of the skin if elevated.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.87 (typically ranges from $5.90 to $9.84)
This estimate is based on 1 provider. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count (red cells, white blood cell, platelets) (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Assesses general blood health and detects infection or anemia which could contribute to fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.43 (typically ranges from $9.10 to $17.76)
This estimate is based on 36 providers. -
Procedure: Creatinine level to test for kidney function or muscle injury (CPT Code: 82570)
Purpose: Sometimes fatigue and swelling relate to kidney issues, so this test helps rule that out.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.08 (typically ranges from $6.06 to $10.10)
This estimate is based on 12 providers.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Similar to family practice but can be more focused on adult internal diseases.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $221.20 (typically ranges from $165.90 to $276.50)
This estimate is based on 2,373 providers. -
Procedure: Liver function blood test panel (CPT Code: 80076)
Purpose: Checks liver health for possible causes of yellow skin and fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.10 (typically ranges from $9.61 to $22.58)
This estimate is based on 21 providers. -
Procedure: Bilirubin level, total (CPT Code: 82247)
Purpose: Measures bilirubin levels to assess jaundice causes.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.84 (typically ranges from $5.88 to $9.80)
This estimate is based on 4 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count, automated test (CPT Code: 85027)
Purpose: Detects infections or blood-related causes of fatigue/swelling.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $11.60 (typically ranges from $7.60 to $15.60)
This estimate is based on 2 providers. -
Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for blood sample (CPT Code: 36415)
Purpose: Required to collect blood for testing.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.93 (typically ranges from $9.70 to $16.16)
This estimate is based on 1,537 providers.
Visit with a Gastroenterologist
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Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A specialist doctor visit to evaluate digestive and liver concerns that may cause yellow skin and fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $220.80 (ranges from $165.60 to $276.00)
598 providers available. -
Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of abdomen (CPT Code: 76700)
Purpose: Non-invasive imaging to look at liver, gallbladder, and abdomen for abnormalities causing symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $223.41 (ranges from $167.56 to $279.26)
11 providers available. -
Procedure: Liver function blood test panel (CPT Code: 80076)
Purpose: Blood testing to evaluate liver health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $22.20 (ranges from $9.60 to $34.80)
2 providers. -
Procedure: Stool analysis for blood (CPT Code: 82272)
Purpose: Checks for hidden blood in stool, which could explain some symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $10.07 (ranges from $4.98 to $15.16)
24 providers. -
Procedure: Complete blood cell count with differential (CPT Code: 85025)
Purpose: Tests blood cells to evaluate infection or anemia.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.61 (ranges from $9.12 to $16.11)
9 providers.
Visit with a Hematologist
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Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Specialist visit focusing on blood health, useful if blood-related illness is suspected.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $214.36 (ranges from $146.58 to $282.14)
59 providers. -
Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
Purpose: Broad blood panel to check many possible causes of symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $24.17 (ranges from $12.35 to $36.00)
2 providers. -
Procedure: Blood test, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
Purpose: Evaluates thyroid function, important for unexplained fatigue.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $54.70 (ranges from $19.40 to $90.00)
2 providers. -
Procedure: Bilirubin level, direct (CPT Code: 82248)
Purpose: Measures specific bilirubin type related to liver and blood breakdown.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $10.45 (ranges from $5.90 to $15.00)
1 provider. -
Procedure: Beta-2 microglobulin (protein) level (CPT Code: 82232)
Purpose: Tests certain proteins, may assist in diagnosing blood disorders.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $25.38 (ranges from $19.03 to $31.72)
1 provider.
Your Recommended Next Steps
If you are experiencing yellow skin, persistent fatigue, swelling, and unexplained itching, here is what you should do next:
- Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor as your first step. They can evaluate your symptoms and arrange further testing or refer you to specialists like a Gastroenterologist or Hematologist if needed.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms, how long you have noticed them, any other health concerns, and questions you want to ask your doctor.
- Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask the provider’s office about exact fees and any options for payment plans or discounts since the costs provided here are estimates.
- Follow Through: Based on your visit, follow the doctor’s advice on testing or specialist referrals. Early evaluation is key to proper diagnosis and care.
- Stay Positive: Taking action by seeking professional advice is a significant step toward understanding and improving 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 is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.