Signs of Concussion After Fall? Your Guide to Care in The Woodlands, TX

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Signs of Concussion After Fall? Your Guide to Care in The Woodlands, TX

If you recently fell and hit your head during a ride and now find yourself with a slight headache and feeling a bit groggy, it’s natural to feel worried about a possible concussion. You didn’t lose consciousness, but those symptoms still merit attention. You’re not alone in this, and it’s important to understand what steps to take next to care for yourself safely. This post will help you navigate your concerns, explaining who to see for your symptoms here in The Woodlands, TX, and what initial costs you might expect, so you feel prepared and supported.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in The Woodlands, TX

Based on your symptoms—headache and grogginess after a head impact—a few types of healthcare providers can help evaluate your condition:

  • Internal Medicine Doctors: These are generalist physicians who can assess a wide range of health concerns, including symptoms following a head injury. They can determine if you need specialized care or additional testing.
  • Neurologists: Specialists focusing on the nervous system, including the brain. They are well equipped to evaluate and manage potential brain injuries like concussions.
  • Emergency Medicine Doctors: If symptoms worsen or you experience severe headache, confusion, vomiting, or other alarming signs, emergency room doctors provide urgent evaluation and treatment, including imaging like CT scans if necessary.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A detailed medical visit where the doctor will discuss your symptoms, assess your physical and neurological status, and decide on the next steps in your care.
    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: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads with interpretation and report (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: A simple heart test sometimes recommended if there are concerns about heart rhythm, which can be affected after a head injury or to rule out other issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $32.75 (typically ranges from $17.09 to $48.42)
    This estimate is based on 64 providers in The Woodlands area.

Visit with a Neurologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A focused evaluation on the nervous system by a specialist to diagnose or rule out concussion and guide your treatment or referral for further testing.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.75 (typically ranges from $147.56 to $245.94)
    This estimate is based on 34 providers in The Woodlands area.

Visit with Emergency Medicine

  • Procedure: Emergency department visit with moderate level of medical decision making (CPT Code: 99284)
    Purpose: An urgent medical assessment when symptoms may be more severe or worsening, including decisions about emergency testing or admission.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $503.06 (typically ranges from $144.49 to $861.62)
    This estimate is based on 128 providers in The Woodlands area.

  • Procedure: CT scan head or brain without contrast (CPT Code: 70450)
    Purpose: An imaging test often used in emergency settings to check for brain injuries like bleeding, fractures, or swelling after a head trauma.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $263.68 (typically ranges from $108.16 to $419.20)
    This estimate is based on 3 providers in The Woodlands area.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Medical billing in the United States can sometimes feel like a marketplace where prices vary widely, much like haggling for goods. The numbers you see here represent a range between a “minimum” and a “maximum” cost for each procedure:

  • The maximum cost is slightly below what providers generally charge as their standard fees—think of it as the “sticker price” they start negotiations with.
  • The minimum cost is slightly above what Medicare (a government health program) has negotiated to pay providers, often near or below their cost to deliver the service. Providers may break even or lose money at this rate.

These ranges give you a realistic expectation but always check with the provider to confirm.

Know Your Rights

If you decide to seek care without using health insurance, you have important protections:

  • Doctors are legally required to provide a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) if you ask or schedule services at least three business days in advance. This estimate outlines expected charges for your care.
  • Many providers offer discounts for self-pay or cash payments—it’s perfectly okay to ask, “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
  • You can request an itemized bill, dispute incorrect charges, and ask for the CPT codes and billing details. Many states protect consumers from excessive medical billing, especially if you are uninsured.

Taking care of your health after a head injury is important. Here’s how to move forward confidently:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact an Internal Medicine doctor or Neurologist in The Woodlands to start with a thorough evaluation. If symptoms worsen suddenly, go to the Emergency Department.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms, when they started, any changes you’ve noticed, and questions you want answered.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking, ask about the estimated self-pay price and whether there are any cash discounts.
  4. Stay Calm and Act: Remember that most concussions improve with safe monitoring and professional care. Seeking help is a smart and empowering choice.

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. If you believe you have a concussion or your symptoms worsen, seek immediate medical care.