Why Does My Cough Not Stop? Guide to Care in Arlington, TX

coughpersistent coughArlington TXhealthcare costspulmonary careallergyfamily practice

Why Does My Cough Not Stop? Guide to Care in Arlington, TX

A persistent cough lasting several weeks can be very frustrating, especially when you don’t smoke and can’t pinpoint the cause. It’s completely understandable to feel concerned and to want answers. If you’ve been searching for why your cough won’t stop, you’re taking the right first step toward getting help. This post will guide you through the potential healthcare providers who can evaluate your cough, outline the common procedures they might perform, and explain the typical costs for these visits and tests in Arlington, TX. By the end, you’ll have clear next steps to take control of your health.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Arlington, TX

When it comes to a persistent cough, several types of doctors or specialists could be your best starting points. Here are common providers who can help diagnose and treat the underlying cause:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues, including persistent coughs. They are a great first stop since they can order tests and refer you to specialists if needed.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Similar to family practice but focused on adults, an internal medicine specialist can evaluate your cough and related symptoms thoroughly.
  • Pulmonary Disease Specialist: A lung specialist who can perform advanced tests and examinations if your cough is possibly related to lung or airway issues.
  • Allergy/Immunology Specialist: If allergies or immune system reactions might be causing your cough, this specialist can provide targeted testing and treatment.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of typical procedures relevant to persistent cough diagnosis by provider type, along with estimated self-pay costs in the Arlington area.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is a detailed doctor visit, usually lasting 30-39 minutes, to review your symptoms and health history carefully to get to the root cause of your cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.68 (typically ranges from $143.76 to $239.60)
    This estimate is based on 502 providers in the Arlington area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: A chest X-ray helps doctors check for infections, lung problems, or other causes of a persistent cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $53.02 (typically ranges from $35.29 to $70.74)
    This estimate is based on 39 providers in Arlington.

  • Procedure: Detection test for influenza virus (CPT Code: 87804)
    Purpose: A quick lab test to rule out the flu as a cause of your cough and symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $35.21 (typically ranges from $19.45 to $50.97)
    This estimate is based on 40 providers in Arlington.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A thorough consultation to evaluate your cough and any related health issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.87 (typically ranges from $143.90 to $239.84)
    This estimate is based on 364 providers.

  • Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: To look for lung abnormalities that could explain your cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $49.60 (typically ranges from $34.39 to $64.80)
    This estimate is based on 8 providers.

  • Procedure: Detection test for influenza virus (CPT Code: 87400)
    Purpose: Checking if flu virus is the cause of your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $23.51 (typically ranges from $16.09 to $30.94)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

Visit with a Pulmonary Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A detailed lung specialist visit to explore chronic cough causes related to lung diseases.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.19 (range $142.04 to $244.33)
    Based on 72 providers.

  • Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Imaging to investigate lung and airway conditions causing your cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $53.39 (range $40.04 to $66.74)
    Based on 8 providers.

  • Procedure: Test measuring airflow and lung volume (CPT Code: 94010)
    Purpose: A lung function test to see how well you can breathe and if airways are obstructed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.67 (range $11.29 to $30.06)
    Based on 34 providers.

  • Procedure: Test of lung gas exchange efficiency (CPT Code: 94729)
    Purpose: This measures how well oxygen and carbon dioxide move between lungs and blood.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $54.90 (range $31.27 to $78.53)
    Based on 54 providers.

Visit with an Allergy/Immunology Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A focused visit to determine if allergies or immune reactions are causing coughing.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.72 (range $147.54 to $245.90)
    Based on 21 providers.

  • Procedure: Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
    Purpose: Assesses lung function, which is helpful in allergy-related respiratory issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $52.11 (range $31.61 to $72.62)
    Based on 12 providers.

  • Procedure: Nasal endoscopy exam (CPT Code: 31231)
    Purpose: Examines nasal passages to check for blockage or inflammation contributing to cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $296.85 (range $222.64 to $371.06)
    Based on 2 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Healthcare pricing in the U.S. can sometimes feel like haggling in a marketplace—different providers may quote widely varying prices for the same service. The numbers above reflect typical cash-paying patient rates in Arlington.

  • The maximum cost number you see is generally just below what providers “charge.” This is the higher end of billed amounts, though few pay this in full.
  • The minimum cost is usually just above the “Medicare allowed amount,” which is the price Medicare has negotiated to pay providers. At this level, providers may barely break even or even accept a loss, but it reflects what is often considered a fair market price.

Understanding this range can help you set expectations and ask informed questions about pricing when scheduling your visit.

Know Your Rights

When seeking care, you have important protections and options designed to help manage costs:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): If you are paying out of pocket without insurance, you have the legal right to request a GFE from your provider. This document outlines expected charges if you ask for it before scheduling or at least 3 business days prior to service.
  • Many providers offer self-pay discounts, especially if you ask upfront or pay upfront. Don’t hesitate to ask: “What’s the cash price if I pay at the time of service?”
  • You can also request a detailed, itemized bill after your visit. If you see incorrect, duplicate, or unreasonable charges, you have the right to dispute them.
  • Additionally, ask for CPT codes and billing modifiers. Many states have protections against unfair billing practices, especially if you do not have insurance.

Taking control of your persistent cough starts with professional care. Here’s what you can do:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice doctor, Internal Medicine physician, Pulmonary specialist, or Allergy/Immunology specialist in Arlington to start your evaluation.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down how long you’ve had the cough, what makes it better or worse, and any other symptoms or health information.
  3. Discuss Costs Upfront: When booking your appointment, ask about self-pay prices and confirm estimated costs to avoid surprises.
  4. Follow Through: Remember that persistent coughs sometimes point to treatable conditions—getting checked is the best way to find relief.

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 information and cost estimates based on available data for Arlington, TX. It is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Prices listed are self-pay estimates and may vary by provider and individual circumstances.