Sudden Knee Pop Swelling? Next Healthcare Steps in Arlington, TX

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Experienced a Sudden Knee Pop and Swelling? Here’s What to Do Next in Arlington, TX

It’s understandably concerning when you feel a sudden pop in your knee during a workout, especially when swelling follows and you find it hard to put weight on your leg. You might be wondering if this is a serious injury requiring urgent care. You’re not alone in feeling uncertain — many people in Arlington, TX, face the same worry.

This post is here to guide you through understanding what your symptoms may mean, which healthcare providers can help, and what typical costs might look like if you’re paying out-of-pocket. We aim to empower you with clear, localized information so you know what to expect and how to take your next steps confidently.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Arlington, TX

Given your sudden knee pop and swelling, several types of healthcare providers could be a good starting point to evaluate and treat your injury:

  • Family Practice Doctors: Generalists who diagnose and treat a broad range of health issues. They can assess your knee, order initial tests like X-rays, and guide you on further care.
  • Orthopedic Surgeons: Specialists focused on bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments. They’re ideal for detailed knee evaluation, especially if your injury seems severe or you need specialized treatment.
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialists: Doctors who focus on restoring movement and function through therapy and medical treatments, helpful if rehabilitation or pain management is needed.
  • Internal Medicine Doctors: Physicians who manage adult health issues comprehensively and can provide initial knee evaluations and diagnostic services.

Each brings valuable expertise tailored to different aspects of your knee problem.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of common procedures for knee injuries from different providers in Arlington, TX, along with estimated self-pay costs based on local data.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A thorough in-person evaluation to understand your symptoms and history. This is often your first step to help diagnose the injury.
    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 knee, 1-2 views (CPT Code: 73560)
    Purpose: A quick imaging test to check for bone fractures or obvious joint problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $47.20 (typically ranges from $35.40 to $59.00)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from a large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
    Purpose: Removing excess fluid from your swollen knee or injecting medication to reduce inflammation and pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $139.16 (ranges from $77.00 to $201.31)
    This estimate is based on 12 providers.

  • Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: A blood test may be done to check for inflammation or infection if needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.96 (ranges from $9.72 to $16.20)
    This estimate is based on 163 providers.

Visit with an Orthopedic Surgeon

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Specialized examination focusing on bones, ligaments, and soft tissue injuries that might require surgical or advanced treatment.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $197.02 (ranges from $147.77 to $246.28)
    This estimate is based on 121 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of knee, 3 views (CPT Code: 73562)
    Purpose: Comprehensive imaging from different angles to better assess the knee joint’s condition.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $64.18 (ranges from $47.39 to $80.97)
    This estimate is based on 42 providers.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from a large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
    Purpose: Fluid removal or therapeutic injection as part of treatment or diagnosis.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $130.81 (ranges from $81.91 to $179.71)
    This estimate is based on 86 providers.

  • Procedure: Therapy procedure using exercise to develop strength and flexibility, each 15 minutes (CPT Code: 97110)
    Purpose: Exercises prescribed to improve knee function and help recovery.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $39.81 (ranges from $26.93 to $52.69)
    This estimate is based on 21 providers.

Visit with a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Assessment for rehabilitation needs or pain management strategies.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $187.09 (ranges from $140.32 to $233.86)
    This estimate is based on 54 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of knee, 3 views (CPT Code: 73562)
    Purpose: Detailed imaging to assess injury extent.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $64.91 (ranges from $48.68 to $81.14)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from a large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
    Purpose: Joint fluid management for swelling or therapeutic injections.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $135.68 (ranges from $75.86 to $195.50)
    This estimate is based on 15 providers.

  • Procedure: Injection of anesthetic or steroid into knee nerve branch using imaging (CPT Code: 64454)
    Purpose: Nerve block injections for pain control, guided by imaging.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $481.27 (ranges widely from $104.29 to $858.24)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: General evaluation and management of your knee symptoms with potential referrals.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.87 (ranges from $143.90 to $239.84)
    This estimate is based on 364 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of knee, 3 views (CPT Code: 73562)
    Purpose: Imaging to diagnose potential fractures or joint issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $59.67 (ranges from $39.35 to $80.00)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Radiologist review of knee joint image (CPT Code: 73580)
    Purpose: Specialist interpretation of your knee X-ray to confirm diagnosis.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $245.92 (ranges from $154.06 to $337.78)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound study of arm and leg arteries (CPT Code: 93922)
    Purpose: May be used to check circulation in your leg if swelling has vascular concerns.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $168.63 (ranges from $91.37 to $245.90)
    This estimate is based on 11 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Think of healthcare pricing like shopping in a market where you can sometimes negotiate a better price. The figures shown represent typical self-pay costs for providers in Arlington, TX, but actual charges can vary.

  • The maximum cost you see is slightly below what providers typically “charge” — this is their asking price before negotiations or insurance adjustments.
  • The minimum cost is just above the “Medicare allowed amount” — what government insurance usually agrees to pay. At this level, providers often break even or may lose money.

Knowing these ranges helps you set realistic expectations and aids you in asking questions about pricing.

Know Your Rights

The healthcare system includes protections for patients, especially if you are paying without insurance:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): By law, providers must give you a written estimate of expected charges if you request it or schedule services at least 3 business days in advance. This helps you avoid surprise bills.
  • 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 have the right to a detailed, itemized bill and can dispute incorrect or unreasonable charges. You can also request CPT codes and billing modifiers for clarity on what you are being charged for.
  • Various state protections help you contest unfair billing, especially if you are uninsured.

Taking care of your knee injury promptly is important. Here’s what to do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice doctor, Orthopedic Surgeon, Physical Medicine specialist, or Internal Medicine doctor in Arlington as soon as possible.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down when your symptoms started, what you felt (such as the pop), how your knee feels now, and any questions or concerns.
  3. Discuss Costs: Ask the provider’s office about self-pay pricing or possible discounts when you book your appointment. Remember, the costs above are estimates.
  4. Get Professional Help: Following up with a healthcare professional will ensure you get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to help you heal.

Taking these steps will guide you on the path to recovery with professional support.

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 substitute professional medical advice. If you experience severe pain, inability to walk, or other urgent symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.