Fever, Sore Throat, and Fatigue? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Phoenix, AZ

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Fever, Sore Throat, and Fatigue? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Phoenix, AZ

If you’ve been dealing with a sore throat and fever for several days, have noticed swollen glands in your neck, and feel tired all the time, it’s completely natural to feel worried, especially when these symptoms just aren’t improving like a typical cold or flu would. When you’re feeling this unwell and it’s a new level of sickness for you, wanting to understand what’s happening and figuring out the right next steps is very important.

This post is here to help guide you through who might be best to see for your symptoms in Phoenix, AZ, what kinds of visits and tests you might expect, and an overview of typical costs so you can plan ahead. You’re in the right place to get clear, helpful information tailored to your situation and location.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Phoenix, AZ

Based on your symptoms—fever, sore throat, swollen glands, and ongoing fatigue—a few types of healthcare providers could be a good first step for getting an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can diagnose and treat a wide variety of common illnesses and conditions. They are usually the best first stop for general symptoms like yours.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: These doctors specialize in adult health and are skilled at investigating symptoms that might indicate infections or other systemic issues.
  • Infectious Disease Specialist: Experts in diagnosing and treating infections. You might be referred to one if your primary doctor suspects a complex infection.
  • Hematology-Oncology Specialist: This doctor specializes in blood disorders and cancers. If there is a suspicion of something more serious based on initial tests, you may be referred here.

Starting with a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor is often the most straightforward and effective approach.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)

  • Purpose: A detailed consultation where your doctor will review your symptoms, check your throat and glands, and assess your overall health. This is usually the first step to figure out the cause of your symptoms.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix, AZ: $191.39 (typically ranges from $143.54 to $239.24)

  • Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 602 providers in the Phoenix area.

  • Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)

  • Purpose: Drawing blood is a common step to check for infections, inflammation, or other blood-related causes behind your symptoms.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix, AZ: $11.39 (typically ranges from $8.54 to $14.24)

  • Provider Availability: Based on 229 providers.

  • Procedure: Bacterial blood culture (CPT Code: 87040)

  • Purpose: This test checks if bacteria are present in your blood, which could explain fever and tiredness.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix, AZ: $14.93 (typically ranges from $11.20 to $18.66)

  • Provider Availability: Based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Group A streptococcus detection test (CPT Code: 87880)

  • Purpose: A quick test to determine if strep throat is causing your sore throat.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix, AZ: $25.79 (typically ranges from $19.34 to $32.24)

  • Provider Availability: Based on 13 providers.

  • Procedure: Injection of drug or substance under skin or into muscle (CPT Code: 96372)

  • Purpose: If prescribed, this may be used to give medications like antibiotics or other treatments.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix, AZ: $21.71 (typically ranges from $16.28 to $27.14)

  • Provider Availability: Based on 101 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)

  • Purpose: A visit to discuss your symptoms with a doctor who specializes in diagnosing adult health issues that might be causing your prolonged illness.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix, AZ: $189.36 (typically ranges from $142.02 to $236.70)

  • Provider Availability: Based on 438 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood collection (CPT Code: 36415)

  • Purpose: Same as with family practice, collecting blood for tests to investigate causes.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix, AZ: $11.26 (typically ranges from $8.45 to $14.08)

  • Provider Availability: Based on 105 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count with differential (CPT Code: 85025)

  • Purpose: To check your red and white blood cells and platelets, which helps detect infections, anemia, or other blood-related problems.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix, AZ: $12.16 (typically ranges from $9.12 to $15.20)

  • Provider Availability: Based on 27 providers.

  • Procedure: Thyroid stimulating hormone blood test (CPT Code: 84443)

  • Purpose: Evaluates thyroid function which can cause fatigue if out of balance.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix, AZ: $26.21 (typically ranges from $19.66 to $32.76)

  • Provider Availability: Based on 23 providers.

  • Procedure: Influenza virus detection test (CPT Code: 87804)

  • Purpose: Quick test to check for flu infection that can cause fever and sore throat.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix, AZ: $25.78 (typically ranges from $19.33 to $32.22)

  • Provider Availability: Based on 13 providers.

Visit with an Infectious Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: New patient office or other outpatient visit, 45-59 minutes (CPT Code: 99204)
  • Purpose: A longer visit aimed at thoroughly investigating persistent or unusual infections that may be causing your symptoms.
  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix, AZ: $254.50 (typically ranges from $190.87 to $318.12)
  • Provider Availability: Based on 17 providers.

Visit with a Hematology-Oncology Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
  • Purpose: Specialist visit if blood disorders or cancers are suspected after initial testing.
  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Phoenix, AZ: $179.82 (typically ranges from $134.87 to $224.78)
  • Provider Availability: Based on 90 providers.

Your symptoms are important and warrant professional evaluation. Here’s how to move forward:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor in Phoenix, AZ to start—these providers can evaluate your symptoms and guide appropriate tests or referrals.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms, when they started, whether they’ve changed, and any questions or concerns you have. This helps the doctor understand your situation fully.
  3. Discuss Costs: When you book your appointment, ask the provider’s office about expected costs and payment options. The costs shared here are estimates and can vary.
  4. Stay Calm and Follow Up: Getting a clear diagnosis can take time. Trust the process and keep communication open with your healthcare provider.

Seeking professional advice is the best way to get personalized care and peace of mind.

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 provides general informational guidance and does not replace 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.