Signs of Concussion After Fall: What to Do in Arlington, TX

concussionfall injuryArlington TXhealthcare costsbrain injuryemergency careneurology

Signs of Concussion After Fall: What to Do in Arlington, TX

If you recently fell during a bike ride and hit your head, it’s natural to feel concerned, especially if you now have a headache and feel groggy—even if you didn’t lose consciousness. These are common signs that could indicate a concussion, which is a mild traumatic brain injury. It’s important to take these symptoms seriously and know the right next steps to protect your health.

This post will guide you through understanding potential warning signs, help you identify which healthcare providers in Arlington, TX can evaluate you, and provide an overview of what you might expect in terms of initial visit costs. You’re in the right place to get clear and practical information so you can move forward with confidence.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Arlington, TX

Based on your symptoms after a head injury, here are a few types of healthcare providers you might consider:

  • Internal Medicine Doctors: These are general doctors who can assess your overall health, help diagnose a concussion, and decide if further testing is needed.
  • Emergency Medicine Physicians: If your symptoms worsen or you feel it might be urgent, emergency doctors can evaluate you quickly, perform tests, and provide immediate care.
  • Neurologists: Specialists focusing on the brain and nervous system. If needed, they can provide a detailed evaluation and advanced testing for head injuries and concussion-related issues.

Each of these provider types can be an appropriate starting point depending on the severity of your symptoms and how quickly you want to be evaluated.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of common procedures these providers might perform when evaluating a potential concussion, along with typical self-pay cost estimates in Arlington, TX. These prices are approximate and based on local provider availability.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)

  • Purpose: This visit lets the doctor review your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and decide if you need further tests.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.87 (typically ranges from $143.90 to $239.84)

  • Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 364 providers in the Arlington area.

  • Procedure: MRI scan of brain before and after contrast (CPT Code: 70553)

  • Purpose: MRI provides detailed images of your brain to identify serious injuries or complications that aren’t visible on simple scans.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $867.73 (typically ranges from $267.38 to $1,468.07)

  • Provider Availability: 1 provider offers this procedure in the area.

Visit with an Emergency Medicine Physician

  • Procedure: Emergency department visit with moderate level of medical decision making (CPT Code: 99284)

  • Purpose: If you need immediate care, this visit includes a thorough assessment and possibly urgent tests to rule out life-threatening issues.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $429.12 (typically ranges from $141.70 to $716.54)

  • Provider Availability: 480 providers available.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 1 view (CPT Code: 71045)

  • Purpose: If your fall involved impact on your chest or ribs, the doctor may want to check for fractures or injuries.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.65 (typically ranges from $10.49 to $30.81)

  • Provider Availability: 31 providers available.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CBC) automated (CPT Code: 85025)

  • Purpose: This blood test checks for signs of infection or other issues that might be important if you are seriously injured.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.18 (typically ranges from $9.13 to $15.22)

  • Provider Availability: 8 providers available.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) with interpretation (CPT Code: 93010)

  • Purpose: An ECG checks your heart’s rhythm, important if you have dizziness or fainting.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $32.54 (typically ranges from $9.54 to $55.54)

  • Provider Availability: 319 providers.

Visit with a Neurologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)

  • Purpose: Neurologists provide expert exams focused specifically on brain and nerve function to assess concussion impact.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.48 (typically ranges from $144.36 to $240.60)

  • Provider Availability: 104 providers.

  • Procedure: Measurement of brain wave activity, awake and drowsy (CPT Code: 95816)

  • Purpose: This EEG test monitors your brain’s electrical activity to detect abnormalities after injury.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $384.63 (ranges from $263.65 to $505.62)

  • Provider Availability: 37 providers.

  • Procedure: Measurement of brain wave activity, awake and asleep (CPT Code: 95819)

  • Purpose: Similar to above but includes observation during sleep for a thorough assessment.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $423.00 (ranges from $317.24 to $528.74)

  • Provider Availability: 25 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete ultrasound of brain blood flow (CPT Code: 93886)

  • Purpose: Uses ultrasound to check how well blood flows through brain vessels, detecting blockages or clots.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $364.10 (ranges from $273.07 to $455.12)

  • Provider Availability: 4 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of brain blood flow for blood clots (CPT Code: 93892)

  • Purpose: Focused test to detect blood clots in brain circulation that can result from trauma.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $263.38 (ranges from $197.53 to $329.22)

  • Provider Availability: 3 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Healthcare pricing in the U.S. can often feel like market haggling—prices vary widely depending on who you see, how the service is billed, and your method of payment.

  • The maximum costs listed are usually just below what medical providers charge upfront—think of this as the “sticker price” they ask for.
  • The minimum costs are closer to what Medicare (a government insurance program) has negotiated providers to accept—often at or below their break-even point.

This range gives you an idea of what to expect but talking directly with the provider’s billing office is always best to get a clearer picture for your case.

Know Your Rights

You have the right to clear information about your care costs:

  • Providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) if you are paying without insurance and ask for one. This estimate should be provided if you request it at least 3 business days before your appointment.
  • Many providers will offer self-pay discounts or cash prices if you ask ahead. It never hurts to say, “What is the cash price if I pay upfront?”
  • You can request an itemized bill listing all charges and ask for explanations about any confusing fees.
  • If you find errors or charges that seem too high, you can dispute the bill. Some states have laws against unfair billing practices, especially for uninsured patients.
  • Always ask for CPT codes and billing modifiers; these help you understand what exactly you’re paying for.

The most important thing you can do now is to see a healthcare professional to get a proper evaluation.

  • Schedule an Appointment: Contact an Internal Medicine specialist, Emergency Medicine physician, or Neurologist in Arlington, TX. If your symptoms worsen or you experience severe headache, vomiting, difficulty speaking, or weakness, seek emergency care immediately.
  • Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how you felt immediately after the fall, and any questions you have for the doctor.
  • Discuss Costs: When booking, ask about fees and if a Good Faith Estimate can be provided so you know what to expect financially.
  • Final Reassurance: Taking professional advice is the best way to ensure your brain heals safely and that you get the support you need.

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.

This blog post is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you suspect a serious head injury, please seek emergency care immediately.