Tired Achy Joints and Rash on Face? Next Steps in Arlington, TX

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Feeling Tired with Achy Joints and a Rash on Your Face? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Arlington, TX

It’s understandable to feel worried when you’ve been tired for weeks, have achy joints especially in the mornings, and now notice an unusual rash across your cheeks and nose. These symptoms can feel confusing and concerning, especially if they are new to you and you don’t know what they might mean. If you’ve been searching for answers, you are taking an important first step.

This post is here to guide you through what might come next: the types of healthcare providers who can help, what initial visits and tests might involve, and an idea of what those visits might cost if you’re self-paying in Arlington, TX. Our aim is to empower you with clear information so you feel prepared, supported, and confident in taking the next steps for your health.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Arlington, TX

Based on your combination of fatigue, joint pain, and a distinctive facial rash, a few types of doctors could be the right starting point:

  • Rheumatology: Specialists who focus on diseases affecting joints and the immune system. They often diagnose conditions like autoimmune diseases which might cause joint pain and rashes.
  • Dermatology: Skin doctors who can assess and diagnose the rash on your face and determine if it relates to any underlying condition.
  • Internal Medicine: Doctors who specialize in adult medicine and complex illnesses, often helping to diagnose conditions that affect multiple systems including fatigue and inflammation.
  • Family Practice: General doctors who manage a wide variety of health issues and can coordinate your care or refer you to specialists if needed.

Choosing one of these providers depends on which symptom feels most pressing to you or which type of doctor you feel most comfortable seeing first.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here is some helpful information about common procedures and visits you might encounter, with estimated self-pay costs in Arlington, TX.

Visit with a Rheumatology Specialist

  • Procedure: Established Patient Office or Other Outpatient Visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is a follow-up visit where the rheumatologist will review your symptoms, examine your joints, and discuss your rash to understand if an autoimmune disorder or inflammation is causing your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $188.13 (ranges from $141.10 to $235.16)
    This estimate is based on 35 providers in the Arlington area.

  • Procedure: Complete Blood Cell Count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: A simple blood test to check your red and white blood cells and platelets, which can reveal signs of infection or inflammation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.06 (ranges from $9.05 to $15.08)
    This estimate is based on 6 providers.

  • Procedure: C-Reactive Protein Test (CPT Code: 86140)
    Purpose: Measures inflammation levels in your body, helpful to see if your joints and rash are part of an inflammatory process.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.05 (ranges from $6.04 to $10.06)
    This estimate is based on 6 providers.

  • Procedure: Rheumatoid Factor Level (CPT Code: 86431)
    Purpose: Checks for antibodies that can signal rheumatoid arthritis or related conditions that might explain joint pain and fatigue.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.80 (ranges from $6.60 to $11.00)
    This estimate is based on 4 providers.

  • Procedure: Antibody Measurement For Rheumatoid Arthritis (CPT Code: 86200)
    Purpose: More specific testing for antibodies linked to rheumatoid arthritis to help confirm a diagnosis.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.56 (ranges from $15.05 to $26.08)
    This estimate is based on 4 providers.

Visit with a Dermatology Specialist

  • Procedure: New Patient Office or Other Outpatient Visit, 30-44 minutes (CPT Code: 99203)
    Purpose: A dermatologist will assess your rash in detail, often necessary if the rash is unusual or persistent, to diagnose skin conditions or clues to systemic illness.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $174.82 (ranges from $131.11 to $218.52)
    This estimate is based on 81 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established Patient Office or Other Outpatient Visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Internal medicine doctors evaluate ongoing symptoms, manage chronic conditions, and order tests to look for causes like autoimmune diseases or thyroid problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.87 (ranges from $143.90 to $239.84)
    This estimate is based on 364 providers.

  • Procedure: Red Blood Cell Sedimentation Rate (CPT Code: 85652)
    Purpose: A blood test that helps detect inflammation anywhere in your body.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $4.79 (ranges from $3.17 to $6.40)
    Based on 9 providers.

  • Procedure: Screening Test for Autoimmune Disorder (CPT Code: 86038)
    Purpose: Helps to screen for autoimmune diseases that might cause your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.96 (ranges from $14.22 to $23.70)
    Based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Thyroglobulin Antibody Measurement (CPT Code: 86800)
    Purpose: Tests for antibodies related to thyroid disease, which can cause fatigue and joint pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $24.94 (ranges from $18.71 to $31.18)
    Based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Assessment of Emotional or Behavioral Problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: Sometimes helps evaluate if fatigue links to emotional or mental health factors.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.76 (ranges from $5.24 to $12.27)
    Based on 10 providers.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established Patient Office or Other Outpatient Visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A generalist who can review your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and order initial blood tests or imaging. A great first contact for many health concerns.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.68 (ranges from $143.76 to $239.60)
    Based on 502 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete Blood Cell Count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: To check for infections or anemia which could explain tiredness and joint symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.22 (ranges from $9.11 to $15.34)
    Based on 41 providers.

  • Procedure: Creatinine Level Test (CPT Code: 82570)
    Purpose: Checks kidney function or muscle injury that could relate to your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.88 (ranges from $6.07 to $13.69)
    Based on 46 providers.

  • Procedure: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test (CPT Code: 84443)
    Purpose: Evaluates thyroid health, as thyroid disorders can cause fatigue and joint pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.30 (ranges from $19.73 to $32.88)
    Based on 33 providers.

  • Procedure: Assessment of Emotional or Behavioral Problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: Helps understand if psychological factors might play a role in your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.94 (ranges from $5.39 to $10.48)
    Based on 16 providers.

Taking action now can help you get to the bottom of your symptoms and find relief. Here’s what to do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact one of the provider types listed above based on what feels most relevant—whether it’s Rheumatology, Dermatology, Internal Medicine, or Family Practice. Starting with a family or internal medicine doctor can often be a good first step if you’re unsure.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms, including how long you’ve had them, any patterns you’ve noticed, and any questions or concerns. This will help your doctor understand your situation fully.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask about the price for the visit and any tests they suggest. The estimates provided here reflect self-pay costs in Arlington and should help you prepare financially, but provider offices can give you the most accurate information.
  4. Stay Reassured: Remember, you are doing the right thing by seeking professional care. Many conditions that cause tiredness, joint pain, and rashes can be managed effectively once properly diagnosed.

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, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.