Swollen Belly and Yellow Skin? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Atlanta, GA

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Swollen Belly and Yellow Skin? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Atlanta, GA

If you’ve noticed your stomach swelling and your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellow, it’s natural to feel worried. Feeling more tired than usual, experiencing itching, and loss of appetite alongside these symptoms can be concerning and confusing. You might be unsure what’s going on, and that’s why you started searching for answers. It’s important to know you’re taking a responsible step by seeking more information. This post is designed to help you understand what might be causing your symptoms, who to see in Atlanta for an evaluation, and what you can expect in terms of costs if you’re paying out of pocket.

Your health is a priority, and the right medical care can make a big difference. Let’s walk through the next steps together.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Atlanta, GA

Based on your symptoms — a swollen belly and yellow skin (often signs related to liver or digestive issues) — several types of doctors can be a good place to start:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can diagnose and treat a broad range of health issues. They can evaluate your symptoms and, if needed, refer you to a specialist.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: A specialist in adult medicine who focuses on diagnosing and managing complex medical conditions. This doctor can handle liver and digestive system issues.
  • Gastroenterologist: A specialist who focuses on the digestive system and related organs, including the liver. They are highly skilled at diagnosing and treating causes of swelling and jaundice.
  • Hematologist: A doctor focusing on blood disorders that might contribute to your symptoms, including those that affect your liver or cause your skin to yellow.

Starting with one of these providers can ensure you get the right tests and treatment quickly.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here is a breakdown of typical procedures related to your symptoms, along with estimated self-pay costs based on providers in Atlanta, GA.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is your initial consultation where you’ll discuss all your symptoms and medical history. The doctor assesses your condition to decide which tests or specialist referrals you may need.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.48 (typically ranges from $147.36 to $245.60)
    This estimate is based on 348 providers in the Atlanta area.

  • Procedure: Liver function blood test panel (CPT Code: 80076)
    Purpose: Measures key chemicals in your blood to check liver health and function. This test helps understand if your liver is causing the yellowing and other symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.01 (typically ranges from $9.61 to $20.40)
    Provider count: 1

  • Procedure: Bilirubin level, direct (CPT Code: 82248)
    Purpose: Measures the amount of bilirubin in your blood to confirm jaundice and its severity. Elevated levels cause yellow skin and eyes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.87 (typically ranges from $5.90 to $9.84)
    Provider count: 1

  • Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of abdomen (CPT Code: 76700)
    Purpose: Uses sound waves to create images of your abdominal organs, allowing doctors to detect swelling or abnormalities in your liver and belly.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.26 (typically ranges from $146.45 to $244.08)
    Provider count: 4

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Provides a thorough medical evaluation specific to complex or ongoing symptoms like yours involving the liver and digestion.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.58 (typically ranges from $146.69 to $244.48)
    Provider count: 444

  • Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of abdomen (CPT Code: 76700)
    Purpose: Checks for any abnormalities in the abdomen including enlarged liver, fluid buildup, or other causes of swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $185.31 (typically ranges from $122.18 to $248.44)
    Provider count: 5

  • Procedure: Stool analysis for blood (CPT Codes: 82274 and 82270)
    Purpose: Screens for hidden blood in stool which can be linked to digestive issues causing abdominal swelling or other symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.60 and $7.32 respectively
    Provider counts: 12 and 6

  • Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: Gives a broad overview of your blood chemistry to detect problems with liver, kidneys, and other organs.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $21.68 (typically ranges from $12.41 to $30.95)
    Provider count: 28

Visit with a Gastroenterologist

  • Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of abdomen (CPT Code: 76700)
    Purpose: Specialized imaging to closely examine your liver and abdominal organs for causes of swelling and yellow skin.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $130.70 (typically ranges from $96.40 to $165.00)
    Provider count: 1

  • Procedure: Measurement of liver stiffness (CPT Code: 91200)
    Purpose: Assesses if liver scarring (fibrosis) is present, which can lead to swelling and jaundice.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $43.22 (typically ranges from $28.37 to $58.08)
    Provider count: 9

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Consultation with a liver and digestive system specialist for detailed evaluation and plan.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.50 (typically ranges from $144.37 to $240.62)
    Provider count: 114

Visit with a Hematologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Focused evaluation to check for blood-related issues that can cause jaundice and swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $184.07 (typically ranges from $114.83 to $253.31)
    Provider count: 12

  • Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: Detailed blood panel to assess chemical imbalances that might contribute to symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $101.97
    Provider count: 1

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count, automated test (CPT Code: 85027)
    Purpose: Checks red and white blood cells and platelets to find any abnormalities.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $45.67
    Provider count: 1

The most important thing you can do now is to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and start treatment if needed. Here’s how to move forward:

  • Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice doctor or Internal Medicine physician in Atlanta to start. If the problem seems specialized, ask for a referral to a Gastroenterologist or Hematologist.
  • Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, including when they started, any changes you’ve noticed, and other health concerns. Prepare questions like: “What could be causing my yellow skin?” or “What tests do I need?”
  • Discuss Costs: When booking, confirm the exact costs since prices may vary. The estimates above are average self-pay prices to help you plan financially.
  • Stay Reassured: Taking the step to see a doctor is the right choice and the first step toward feeling better and understanding what’s going on with 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 does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about any symptoms or health concerns you have.