High Blood Pressure Symptoms? What to Do in Chicago, IL
High Blood Pressure Symptoms? What to Do in Chicago, IL
If you’ve been dealing with severe headaches, dizziness, and a tight feeling in your chest, it’s completely normal to feel worried—especially when these symptoms happen all at once. You might be wondering if something serious like high blood pressure or a heart problem is causing this. You’re taking a proactive step by searching for answers, and that shows you’re prioritizing your health.
This post aims to help you understand what your symptoms might mean and guide you on what healthcare provider to see in Chicago, IL. We’ll also outline typical initial visit procedures and estimated self-pay costs so you can feel prepared for your visit. You’re in the right place to get clear information and make your next step with confidence.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Chicago, IL
Based on the symptoms you described—bad headaches, dizziness, and chest tightness—you have several good options for healthcare providers who can help diagnose and treat the issue:
- Cardiology: Heart specialists who diagnose and treat heart-related problems, including high blood pressure and chest pain.
- Emergency Medicine: Doctors trained to evaluate and manage urgent and potentially serious symptoms quickly, like chest tightness paired with dizziness.
- Family Practice: General doctors who can evaluate a wide range of health concerns and help determine if you need to see a specialist.
- Internal Medicine: Doctors who focus on adult health and chronic conditions, ideal for assessing ongoing symptoms related to blood pressure and heart health.
Any of these providers can be your first point of contact depending on how severe your symptoms feel and your personal circumstances.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s an overview of common procedures and their estimated costs if you pay out-of-pocket, based on current data from Chicago, IL providers.
Visit with a Cardiology Specialist
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Procedure: Emergency department visit with high level of medical decision making (CPT Code: 99285)
Purpose: This is a detailed emergency visit for urgent symptoms needing thorough evaluation—ideal if symptoms feel severe or worsening.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $292.64 (typically ranges from $219.48 to $365.80)
This estimate is based on 1 cardiology provider in Chicago. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads with interpretation and report (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: An ECG checks your heart’s electrical activity to detect irregularities related to chest symptoms or high blood pressure effects.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $34.92 (ranges from $18.06 to $51.77)
Based on 157 cardiology providers. -
Procedure: Ultrasound of heart with color blood flow and valve function (CPT Code: 93306)
Purpose: This ultrasound shows how well your heart is pumping and if blood flows normally, crucial for diagnosing heart issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $152.63 (ranges from $93.91 to $211.35)
Based on 224 cardiology providers.
Visit with an Emergency Medicine Provider
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Procedure: Emergency department visit with high level of medical decision making (CPT Code: 99285)
Purpose: Emergency doctors assess serious symptoms and decide if you need immediate treatment or tests.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $408.87 (ranges from $220.02 to $597.73)
Based on 1,068 emergency medicine providers. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) with interpretation only (CPT Code: 93010)
Purpose: A quick assessment of heart rhythm, often part of chest pain evaluation.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $23.24 (ranges from $9.92 to $36.56)
Based on 384 emergency providers. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: To check lungs and heart size, helping to detect causes of chest tightness or breathing issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $45.80 (ranges from $30.58 to $61.03)
Based on 18 providers.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A thorough consultation to discuss symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and chest tightness and plan next steps.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $202.91 (ranges from $152.18 to $253.64)
Based on 854 family practice providers. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) with interpretation and report (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: Used to rule out heart rhythm problems during your office visit.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $32.01 (ranges from $18.16 to $45.86)
Based on 160 providers. -
Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
Purpose: To measure blood components related to your symptoms and overall health.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.20 (ranges from $9.90 to $16.50)
Based on 343 providers. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: To check lungs and heart size if needed.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $46.96 (ranges from $31.93 to $61.98)
Based on 34 providers.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Comprehensive check-up and evaluation of adult symptoms related to blood pressure and heart.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.68 (ranges from $149.76 to $249.60)
Based on 1,099 providers. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) with interpretation and report (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: Heart rhythm evaluation to aid diagnosis.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $34.46 (ranges from $18.30 to $50.62)
Based on 339 providers. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: Examining the chest area to find causes of symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $49.82 (ranges from $37.37 to $62.28)
Based on 17 providers.
Your Recommended Next Steps
The best and safest thing to do now is to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible for evaluation. Here’s how to proceed:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Cardiology, Emergency Medicine, Family Practice, or Internal Medicine provider in Chicago. If your symptoms feel severe or worsening, consider going to the emergency department immediately.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, when they started, their severity, and any other health concerns or questions you have for the doctor.
- Discuss Costs: When booking, ask the provider’s office about out-of-pocket costs and insurance coverage to clarify fees and payment options.
- Stay Calm and Empowered: Taking this step shows you care about your health. Professional assessment will give you answers and peace of mind. You’re doing the right thing.
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 information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you experience severe symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden weakness, call emergency services immediately.