Sudden Knee Pop and Swelling? Your Next Healthcare Steps in The Woodlands, TX

knee injuryswellingknee poporthopedichealthcare costsThe Woodlands TX

Sudden Knee Pop and Swelling? Your Next Healthcare Steps in The Woodlands, TX

If you’ve just experienced a sudden pop in your knee during a workout followed by swelling and difficulty putting weight on it, it’s natural to feel worried and uncertain about what this might mean. Knee injuries like this can range from minor issues to something more serious that needs prompt attention. You’re not alone in searching for answers, and you’re in the right place to learn your next steps.

This post will help guide you through understanding who to see for your symptoms in The Woodlands, TX, what medical visits and procedures you might expect, and what the typical costs are if you are paying out-of-pocket. Our goal is to support and empower you to take the right action for your health with clear, local information.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in The Woodlands, TX

Based on your symptoms—a sudden knee pop, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight—several types of healthcare providers could be a good starting point:

  • Orthopedic Surgeons: Specialists in bone, joint, and muscle injuries. They are well-equipped to diagnose and treat knee injuries, including tears, fractures, or ligament damage.
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Doctors: Experts in non-surgical approaches focusing on recovery, pain management, and improving movement.
  • Family Practice Doctors: General doctors who can evaluate your knee, order imaging like X-rays, provide initial treatment, and refer you to specialists if needed.
  • Internal Medicine Doctors: Physicians who primarily treat adults and can address complex medical issues related to your overall health, including knee problems.

Each of these providers can help evaluate your knee injury; the most suitable choice may depend on your specific situation and urgency.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Below is a breakdown of common procedures for knee issues and their estimated self-pay costs in The Woodlands, TX, by provider type.

Visit with an Orthopedic Surgeon

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 20-29 minutes (CPT Code: 99213)
    Purpose: This visit allows the doctor to examine your knee, discuss your symptoms, and determine the need for further tests or treatment.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $143.59 (typically ranges from $106.50 to $180.68)
    This estimate is based on 87 providers in The Woodlands area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of knee, 4 or more views (CPT Code: 73564)
    Purpose: Used to check for fractures or joint abnormalities that may explain the swelling and pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $77.43 (typically ranges from $54.94 to $99.93)
    This estimate is based on 30 providers in The Woodlands area.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
    Purpose: This procedure involves removing excess fluid from your swollen knee to relieve pressure and help with diagnosis.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $153.87 (typically ranges from $83.60 to $224.14)
    This estimate is based on 61 providers in The Woodlands area.

Visit with a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Doctor

  • Procedure: New patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-44 minutes (CPT Code: 99203)
    Purpose: A detailed visit to assess your knee injury and outline a rehabilitation or treatment plan.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $177.26 (typically ranges from $130.60 to $223.93)
    This estimate is based on 3 providers in The Woodlands area.

  • Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of joint (CPT Code: 76881)
    Purpose: Ultrasound imaging to check soft tissues and inflammation around the knee without radiation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.41 (typically ranges from $62.82 to $320.00)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider in The Woodlands area.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
    Purpose: Used to reduce swelling or administer medication directly into the joint.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $154.79 (typically ranges from $86.38 to $223.20)
    This estimate is based on 3 providers in The Woodlands area.

  • Procedure: Injection of drug or substance under skin or into muscle (CPT Code: 96372)
    Purpose: Administering pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication via injection.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $30.25 (typically ranges from $16.33 to $44.18)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers in The Woodlands area.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A comprehensive visit where your general doctor evaluates your knee and directs next steps.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.28 (typically ranges from $149.46 to $249.10)
    This estimate is based on 239 providers in The Woodlands area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of knee, 4 or more views (CPT Code: 73564)
    Purpose: To identify any bone injury or joint issues causing the swelling and pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $74.53 (typically ranges from $55.90 to $93.16)
    This estimate is based on 5 providers in The Woodlands area.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
    Purpose: Draining excess fluid to relieve pressure or injecting medication directly into the knee.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $117.52 (typically ranges from $80.84 to $154.19)
    This estimate is based on 14 providers in The Woodlands area.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A general adult medical evaluation that may include assessing your knee condition and referring you to specialists.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.57 (typically ranges from $149.68 to $249.46)
    This estimate is based on 155 providers in The Woodlands area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of knee, 3 views (CPT Code: 73562)
    Purpose: Imaging to help detect fractures or joint problems in the knee.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $65.73 (typically ranges from $49.30 to $82.16)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers in The Woodlands area.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Understanding medical costs can feel like haggling at a market without a clear price tag. The healthcare pricing system in the U.S. is complex, and prices can vary widely based on the provider, facility, and your insurance status.

  • The maximum cost listed is usually just under what doctors and facilities charge as their “list price” for a procedure — this is often called the “charged amount.”
  • The minimum cost tends to be slightly above what Medicare (the federal health insurer) has negotiated to pay providers for the same service. Providers often lose money or barely break even when accepting this lower amount.

Knowing these ranges can help you set expectations and have informed discussions with your healthcare provider before committing to care.

Know Your Rights

It’s important to know you have rights when it comes to understanding and managing healthcare costs:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): By law, if you aren’t using health insurance and request an appointment at least 3 business days in advance, your healthcare provider must give you a good faith estimate of expected charges. This helps you avoid surprises.
  • Many providers offer self-pay discounts if you ask upfront, so don’t hesitate to inquire: “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
  • You can request an itemized bill to review all charges and dispute any that seem incorrect or duplicated.
  • You have the right to ask for CPT codes and billing details to better understand what you are being charged for.
  • Some states have additional protections against unreasonable billing practices—especially important if you don’t have insurance.

Your knee injury sounds concerning, and the best thing you can do is see a qualified healthcare professional promptly. Here’s how to move forward:

  • Schedule an Appointment: Contact an orthopedic surgeon, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor, family practice doctor, or internal medicine doctor in The Woodlands, TX, who can evaluate your injury.
  • Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms (like the knee pop, swelling, and difficulty walking), when they started, how they’ve changed, and any questions you want answered.
  • Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask about self-pay prices and confirm expected costs since figures here are estimates based on area averages.
  • Final Reassurance: Taking action by seeing a healthcare provider is the right step. Early evaluation can help prevent worsening and get you on track to recovery.

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 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.