Sudden Knee Pop and Swelling? Next Steps for Care in Dallas, TX

knee injuryknee swellingorthopedic careDallas TXhealthcare costsself-payGood Faith Estimate

Sudden Knee Pop and Swelling? Next Steps for Care in Dallas, TX

Hearing or feeling a sudden pop in your knee followed by swelling and difficulty putting weight on it can be alarming. You’re right to be concerned and want to understand if this might be a serious injury. Many people in your situation feel uncertain about what to do next and how much it might cost to get the care they need.

This post is here to help you take the right next steps. We’ll guide you through who you should consider seeing, what to expect during your initial visits, and provide transparent information about typical self-pay costs for your area, Dallas, TX. Knowing these details can help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Dallas, TX

Based on your symptoms—a sudden knee pop, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight—a few types of healthcare providers could be the best place to start:

  • Orthopedic Surgery: Specialists who focus on diagnosing and treating injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. They are well-equipped to handle knee injuries, including potential ligament tears or cartilage damage.
  • Family Practice: General doctors who diagnose and treat many common health issues. They can examine your knee, order basic imaging, and refer you to a specialist if needed.
  • Internal Medicine: Providers who specialize in adult medicine and can evaluate your knee, especially if you have other health concerns. They can coordinate your care and arrange for imaging.
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Doctors who focus on restoring movement and function. They can evaluate your injury, provide treatments to manage pain and swelling, and develop rehab plans.

Each of these providers can serve as a good starting point depending on your comfort level and access.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Below are typical procedures and estimated self-pay costs you might encounter with each provider type in Dallas, TX.

Visit with an Orthopedic Surgeon

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This visit is for a detailed exam of your knee to understand the extent of your injury.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $198.48 (typically ranges from $148.86 to $248.10)
    Provider Availability: Based on 175 orthopedic surgery providers in Dallas.

  • Procedure: X-ray of knee, 4 or more views (CPT Code: 73564)
    Purpose: X-rays help identify fractures, bone alignment problems, or joint space narrowing.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $79.54 (typically ranges from $53.95 to $105.13)
    Provider Availability: Based on 60 providers offering this.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
    Purpose: Removing excess fluid or injecting medication can reduce swelling and help confirm diagnosis.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $148.54 (typically ranges from $81.24 to $215.84)
    Provider Availability: Based on 115 providers.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Initial evaluation of your knee and deciding if further imaging or specialist referral is needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.57 (typically ranges from $145.18 to $241.96)
    Provider Availability: Based on 494 family practice providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of knee, 1-2 views (CPT Code: 73560)
    Purpose: A basic knee X-ray to check for obvious bone issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $47.62 (typically ranges from $35.71 to $59.52)
    Provider Availability: Based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of knee, 3 views (CPT Code: 73562)
    Purpose: More detailed imaging than 1-2 views to better understand your knee condition.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $72.67 (typically ranges from $44.30 to $101.03)
    Provider Availability: Based on 2 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Provider

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Evaluation of your knee and overall health assessment.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.08 (typically ranges from $145.56 to $242.60)
    Provider Availability: Based on 508 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of knee, 3 views (CPT Code: 73562)
    Purpose: Imaging for a better look at your knee bones and joint.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $64.43 (typically ranges from $48.32 to $80.54)
    Provider Availability: Based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of joint (CPT Code: 76881)
    Purpose: Ultrasound helps assess soft tissue injuries like ligament or tendon damage.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $92.51 (typically ranges from $65.02 to $120.00)
    Provider Availability: Based on 1 provider.

Visit with a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Assessing your knee injury and planning physical therapy or rehabilitation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.49 (typically ranges from $135.65 to $257.33)
    Provider Availability: Based on 52 providers.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
    Purpose: Removing fluid or delivering medication to reduce swelling and pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $144.87 (typically ranges from $74.75 to $214.99)
    Provider Availability: Based on 13 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement (CPT Code: 76942)
    Purpose: Ultrasound guidance ensures precise needle placement during injections or aspirations.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $206.48 (typically ranges from $59.76 to $353.20)
    Provider Availability: Based on 4 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Healthcare pricing in the U.S. can sometimes feel like bargaining at a market stall—prices can vary widely depending on who’s charging and what services you receive. The figures shown here reflect typical self-pay costs you could expect from providers in Dallas, but actual charges may differ.

  • Maximum cost figures are just below what providers originally “charge” for a procedure, often their starting asking price.
  • Minimum cost reflects a price slightly above the “Medicare allowed amount,” which is what Medicare negotiates with providers as a fair payment. Providers may break even or take a small loss at this level.

Expect some variability, and always ask for updated cost information before services.

Know Your Rights

It’s important to know that you have protections when it comes to healthcare pricing:

  • The Good Faith Estimate (GFE) is a legal requirement. If you’re paying out of pocket and ask your provider at least 3 business days before your appointment, they must give you a GFE outlining expected charges.
  • Many providers offer self-pay discounts, especially if you pay upfront. Feel empowered to ask, “What’s the cash price if I pay today?”
  • You have the right to receive an itemized, detailed bill after treatment and contest any errors or duplicate charges.
  • You can also request CPT codes and billing modifiers used in your billing. Several states protect patients from unfair or “unconscionable” billing practices, particularly if you’re uninsured.

Understanding and asserting these rights can help you avoid surprises.

Above all, the best next step is to schedule an appointment with a qualified healthcare professional to properly assess your knee injury.

  • Schedule an Appointment: Contact an orthopedic surgeon, family practice doctor, internal medicine provider, or physical medicine specialist in Dallas.
  • Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, exactly when the injury happened, how you feel now, and any questions you want to ask.
  • Discuss Costs: When booking, ask the office for cost estimates or a Good Faith Estimate based on your self-pay status.
  • Final Reassurance: Seeking professional care is the right and most important thing you can do for your health and 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 information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.