Can't Focus? A Guide to Getting Help Near You in Long Beach, CA

focus issuesattention problemsmental healthLong Beachhealthcare guidance

Can’t Focus? A Guide to Getting Help Near You in Long Beach, CA

If you’ve been having a hard time focusing in class, forgetting simple tasks like homework or chores, and feeling frustrated because your mind just keeps wandering, you’re not alone. It’s understandable to feel worried about whether something might be affecting your ability to pay attention. The good news is that many people experience these issues, and there are ways to find help and understand what might be going on.

This post will help guide you through the next steps: who you might see for these symptoms, what kind of initial visits and procedures are common, and how much those visits typically cost in the Long Beach, CA area. Whether you want answers, support, or treatment, you’re in the right place to start.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Long Beach, CA

Based on your difficulty focusing and concerns about attention, several types of healthcare providers can be a good starting point. Here are the main provider types available in Long Beach who might help:

  • Psychologist, Clinical: A psychologist specializes in understanding behavior and mental health. They can conduct detailed evaluations and testing to understand how your attention and thinking are working.
  • Neurologist: A neurologist focuses on brain and nervous system health. If your symptoms might relate to neurological issues, they can perform exams and tests to explore this.
  • Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, including prescribing medication if needed.
  • Family Practice Doctor: A family practice provider is a generalist who can evaluate your symptoms, provide initial diagnoses, and refer you to specialists if needed.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: These doctors specialize in adult healthcare and can assess behavioral and cognitive concerns as part of your overall health.

Each of these providers can offer support depending on your unique situation, and many work together to ensure you get the best care.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s what you might expect during your first visits with these providers in Long Beach, including common procedures and typical costs if you’re paying out-of-pocket.

Visit with a Psychologist, Clinical

  • Procedure: Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation (CPT Code: 90791)
    Purpose: This is a detailed assessment where the psychologist will ask about your symptoms, behavior, and history to understand your attention difficulties.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $274.16 (typically ranges from $205.62 to $342.70)
    This estimate is based on 49 providers in the Long Beach area.

  • Procedure: Evaluation of Psychological Test, First Hour (CPT Code: 96130)
    Purpose: If testing is needed, this exam helps assess your cognitive abilities related to attention and focus.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $190.58 (range $142.93 to $238.22)
    Based on 9 providers in the area.

  • Procedure: Administration of Psychological or Neuropsychological Test, First 30 Minutes (CPT Code: 96136)
    Purpose: Shorter testing sessions to measure specific aspects of attention and mental processing.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $68.00 (range $51.00 to $85.00)
    Based on 14 providers locally.

Visit with a Neurologist

  • Procedure: Exam of Neurobehavioral Status, First Hour (CPT Code: 96116)
    Purpose: A thorough neurological exam focused on cognitive and behavioral function, helpful for ruling out neurological causes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $158.06 (range $118.55 to $197.58)
    Available from 7 providers in Long Beach.

  • Procedure: Telephone Medical Discussion with Physician, 11-20 minutes (CPT Code: 99442)
    Purpose: A phone consultation for discussing symptoms or follow-up questions with your neurologist.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $154.35 (range $115.76 to $192.94)
    Offered by 9 local providers.

  • Procedure: Established Patient Office Visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: In-person visit to review your progress or ongoing concerns about attention.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.52 (range $157.14 to $261.90)
    Provided by 116 neurologists in the area.

Visit with a Psychiatrist

  • Procedure: Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation with Medical Services (CPT Code: 90792)
    Purpose: Comprehensive assessment including medical evaluation to explore mental health causes affecting your focus.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $305.36 (range $229.02 to $381.70)
    From 32 psychiatrists in Long Beach.

  • Procedure: Assessment of Emotional or Behavioral Problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: A quick screening to evaluate behavioral or emotional challenges influencing attention.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.61 (range $6.46 to $10.76)
    Available from 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Established Patient Office Visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Follow-up visit to monitor symptoms, discuss treatment plans, or medication management.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $211.60 (range $153.68 to $269.51)
    Provided by 85 psychiatrists locally.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Assessment of Emotional or Behavioral Problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: Initial screening to identify any emotional or behavioral issues related to your focus problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.42 (range $6.37 to $26.47)
    Based on 5 providers.

  • Procedure: Administration of Psychological or Neuropsychological Test by Technician, First 30 Minutes (CPT Code: 96138)
    Purpose: Short tests administered by trained staff to gather information about your mental processing.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $64.03 (range $48.02 to $80.04)
    Offered by 5 local family practice providers.

  • Procedure: Evaluation of Neuropsychological Test, First Hour (CPT Code: 96132)
    Purpose: In-depth testing to understand complex brain functions related to attention.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $215.92 (range $161.94 to $269.90)
    From 1 provider in Long Beach.

  • Procedure: Assessment and Care Planning for Impaired Thought Processing, Typically 60 Minutes (CPT Code: 99483)
    Purpose: Comprehensive evaluation and planning session to address thinking and memory issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $474.66 (range $355.99 to $593.32)
    Available from 3 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Assessment of Emotional or Behavioral Problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: Screening for emotional or behavioral symptoms that might affect focus.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $11.94 (range $6.52 to $17.36)
    From 7 providers.

  • Procedure: Evaluation of Neuropsychological Test, First Hour (CPT Code: 96132)
    Purpose: Detailed test to evaluate how your brain functions in relation to focus difficulties.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $219.02 (range $164.27 to $273.78)
    Available from 5 providers.

  • Procedure: Administration of Psychological or Neuropsychological Test, First 30 Minutes (CPT Code: 96136)
    Purpose: Initial testing to gather data on mental functioning related to attention.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $75.07 (range $56.30 to $93.84)
    From 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Administration of Psychological or Neuropsychological Test, Each Additional 30 Minutes (CPT Code: 96137)
    Purpose: Extended testing if more information is needed beyond the first session.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $69.65 (range $52.24 to $87.06)
    Provided by 1 local provider.

If you’re concerned about difficulty focusing and forgetting tasks, here’s how you can take action today:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to one of the provider types listed above to book an evaluation. A Family Practice doctor or Psychologist are great places to start.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long they’ve been happening, and any specific questions or challenges you want to discuss.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking, ask the provider’s office about the exact costs for your visit and any tests. The prices shared here are estimates based on local providers but can vary.
  4. Stay Reassured: Remember, seeking professional advice is a positive and important step toward understanding and improving your focus and overall well-being.

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 not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.