Swollen Ankles and Tired All the Time? Next Steps for Los Angeles, CA

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Swollen Ankles and Tired All the Time? Next Steps for Los Angeles, CA

Feeling constantly tired and noticing your ankles are swollen can be concerning, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like foamy urine and needing to pee more at night. It’s completely natural to feel worried and to seek information without knowing the exact medical terms. You’re not alone—many people search for answers based on symptoms just like yours.

This post will help you understand possible causes, guide you on which healthcare providers to consider seeing first, and provide an idea of what initial tests and visits might cost in the Los Angeles area. Let’s take a calm and clear step forward together, so you know exactly what to do next.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles

Based on your symptoms, there are a few types of doctors who could help:

  • Family Practice Doctor
    A Family Practice doctor is a generalist who can evaluate your overall health, identify potential causes of symptoms like swelling and fatigue, and order basic tests to start diagnosing the problem.

  • Internal Medicine Doctor
    Internal Medicine specialists focus on adult health and managing complex or chronic conditions. They can dig deeper if your symptoms suggest issues like kidney or thyroid problems.

  • Nephrologist
    A Nephrologist specializes in kidney function and can further assess symptoms like swollen ankles and changes in urine that could point to kidney-related issues.

Starting with a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor is usually the best step, and they can then refer you to a specialist like a Nephrologist if needed.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of typical procedures and tests you might encounter with each provider type, plus estimated self-pay costs in Los Angeles:

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This visit allows the doctor to listen to your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform a physical exam to narrow down possible causes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.58 (typically ranges from $157.19 to $261.98)
    This estimate is based on 799 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Urinalysis, manual test (CPT Code: 81002)
    Purpose: A simple urine test to check for proteins, blood, and other markers that could explain why your urine appears foamy.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.38 (typically ranges from $4.08 to $12.68)
    This estimate is based on 103 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count, automated test (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Checks your blood for signs of anemia or infection that might be causing your fatigue and swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $14.28 (ranges $9.12 to $19.44)
    This estimate is from 24 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: Screens for kidney, liver, and other organ functions to detect health issues related to swelling and tiredness.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $55.91 (ranges $12.41 to $99.42)
    This is based on 23 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood glucose (sugar) level (CPT Code: 82947)
    Purpose: Tests your blood sugar to rule out diabetes as a cause of your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.54 (ranges $4.62 to $12.46)
    This is from 15 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: An in-depth visit for adults focusing on diagnosing and managing complex or chronic conditions linked to your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $204.24 (ranges $153.18 to $255.30)
    Available from 1,176 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count, automated test (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Same as above—checks for anemia or infection.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.89 (ranges $9.12 to $22.66)
    From 92 providers.

  • Procedure: Urinalysis, manual test (CPT Code: 81002)
    Purpose: Same as above—checks urine for abnormalities.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.58 (ranges $4.08 to $13.08)
    From 120 providers.

  • Procedure: Creatinine level to test kidney function or muscle injury (CPT Code: 82570)
    Purpose: Measures kidney health to see if your swelling and urine issues are related to kidney problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.40 (ranges $6.08 to $18.72)
    From 20 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
    Purpose: Tests thyroid function, which can affect energy levels and fluid retention.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.96 (ranges $19.74 to $38.17)
    From 77 providers.

Visit with a Nephrologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A specialist visit to evaluate kidney-related causes of your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.94 (ranges $147.71 to $246.18)
    From 184 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: Same as above—detailed organ function check.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $19.84 (ranges $12.42 to $27.25)
    From 7 providers.

  • Procedure: Creatinine level test (CPT Code: 82570)
    Purpose: Same as above—kidney function test.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $11.65 (ranges $6.10 to $17.20)
    From 3 providers.

  • Procedure: Manual urinalysis test with microscope (CPT Code: 81000)
    Purpose: A more detailed urine exam under microscope to find kidney issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $6.43 (ranges $4.82 to $8.04)
    From 3 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Checks heart activity since heart problems can also cause swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $32.71 (ranges $19.22 to $46.20)
    From 25 providers.

The most important thing you can do now is to schedule an appointment with a qualified healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms and guide you through necessary testing and treatment.

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor first to discuss your symptoms. They can refer you to a Nephrologist if needed.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms (swelling, fatigue, urine changes, nighttime urination), how long they have been happening, and any questions you have.
  3. Discuss Costs: Call the provider’s office when booking your appointment to ask about costs. The estimates here give you a general sense but can vary.
  4. Stay Reassured: Remember, getting professional advice is the best way to understand what’s going on and find the right treatment. You’re taking a positive step toward better 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 other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.