Why Does My Cough Not Stop? A Guide to Care in Los Angeles, CA

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Why Does My Cough Not Stop? A Guide to Care in Los Angeles, CA

If you’ve been dealing with a cough that just won’t quit for several weeks, you’re not alone — and it’s completely understandable to feel worried and frustrated, especially when you don’t smoke and aren’t sure what might be causing it. A persistent cough can interfere with your daily life and may hint at a variety of health issues, so it’s important to take the right steps to get answers.

This post is here to guide you through what to do next: who to see, what kind of tests you might expect, and a general idea of what costs to anticipate for care in Los Angeles. You’re in the right place to find clear, practical information to help you move forward confidently.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles

If you have a persistent cough, there are several types of healthcare providers in Los Angeles who could help diagnose and treat your symptoms:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can evaluate a wide range of common health problems. They can perform initial evaluations and manage many causes of cough.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Specialists in adult health who focus on diagnosing and treating complex or persistent conditions — a great choice if your cough has lasted a long time or other symptoms are present.
  • Pulmonary Disease Specialist: A lung expert who focuses on respiratory issues. If your cough is suspected to involve your lungs specifically, this is the specialist likely to provide in-depth testing and treatment.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Below is an overview of typical procedures these providers might recommend to investigate your persistent cough, along with estimated costs based on self-pay pricing in Los Angeles.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established Patient Office or Other Outpatient Visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A detailed consultation lasting 30-39 minutes to review your symptoms, medical history, and perform an examination. This helps the doctor decide next steps for testing and treatment.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $233.69 (typically ranges from $157.19 to $310.19)
    This estimate is based on 799 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of Chest, 2 Views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: A common imaging test to look at your lungs and chest structure for infections, inflammation, or other causes of cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $58.94 (typically ranges from $38.86 to $79.02)
    This estimate is based on 70 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Routine Electrocardiogram (ECG) Using at Least 12 Leads (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Measures heart electrical activity — useful if cough might be linked to cardiac causes like heart failure.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $41.67 (typically ranges from $19.06 to $64.28)
    This estimate is based on 295 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Urinalysis, Manual Test (CPT Code: 81002)
    Purpose: Checks for infections or other conditions that could indirectly relate to your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $10.50 (typically ranges from $4.08 to $16.91)
    This estimate is based on 103 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Detection Test by Immunoassay for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) (CPT Code: 87807)
    Purpose: A test to identify certain viral infections that can cause cough, especially if symptoms align.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.54 (typically ranges from $15.41 to $25.68)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider in the Los Angeles area.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established Patient Office or Other Outpatient Visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A more in-depth consultation for adults with persistent or complex symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $225.65 (typically ranges from $153.18 to $298.12)
    This estimate is based on 1176 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of Chest, 2 Views (CPT Code: 71046)
    See above for the purpose.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $59.63 (typically ranges from $41.72 to $77.53)
    This estimate is based on 111 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Routine Electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
    See above for the purpose.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $40.33 (typically ranges from $18.98 to $61.68)
    This estimate is based on 529 providers in the Los Angeles area.

Visit with a Pulmonary Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: Established Patient Office or Other Outpatient Visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A focused visit specifically for lung-related conditions, including persistent cough causes like asthma, COPD, or infections.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $249.05 (typically ranges from $150.04 to $348.07)
    This estimate is based on 151 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of Chest, 2 Views (CPT Code: 71046)
    See above for the purpose.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $62.28 (typically ranges from $41.64 to $82.93)
    This estimate is based on 14 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Test to Measure Expiratory Airflow and Volume (CPT Code: 94010)
    Purpose: Measures how well you can breathe out air, helpful to diagnose asthma or other lung function issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $49.96 (typically ranges from $24.79 to $75.14)
    This estimate is based on 47 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Test to Examine How Well the Lungs Exchange Gases (CPT Code: 94729)
    Purpose: Assesses how efficiently your lungs move oxygen into your blood and remove carbon dioxide, important in chronic lung conditions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $75.17 (typically ranges from $51.25 to $99.10)
    This estimate is based on 76 providers in the Los Angeles area.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Healthcare costs can often feel confusing, like shopping at a market where prices aren’t clearly labeled and vary depending on who you talk to. In the American healthcare system, prices you see are often negotiable or vary based on your insurance status, provider contracts, and other factors.

  • The maximum cost you see here is a bit less than the “charged amount” — that’s the higher price doctors initially set for a procedure.
  • The minimum cost is a bit above the “Medicare allowed amount,” which is what Medicare has negotiated to pay. Providers may actually lose money or just break even at this rate.

Understanding this range helps you know what to expect and gives you room to ask for discounts or shop around based on your needs.

Know Your Rights

You have important rights when it comes to understanding what your care will cost:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): By law, if you’re paying out-of-pocket (not using insurance), doctors must provide a clear estimate of expected charges if you ask or schedule care at least three business days ahead.
  • Many providers offer self-pay discounts, especially if you ask before your appointment. Don’t hesitate to ask, “What is the cash price if I pay upfront?”
  • You can also request an itemized bill showing each charge. If you see errors, duplicates, or suspicious charges, you can dispute them.
  • You have the right to ask for the CPT codes and billing details related to your care.
  • Several states have protections against unfair or unreasonable billing practices, especially for uninsured patients.

Knowing these rights empowers you to advocate for clear, fair pricing.

Taking charge of your persistent cough means acting with knowledge and confidence. Here’s what you can do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice, Internal Medicine, or Pulmonary Disease specialist in Los Angeles to begin your evaluation.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long you’ve had the cough, any other related signs, and questions you want to ask.
  3. Discuss Costs Upfront: When booking, ask about self-pay costs and request a Good Faith Estimate if you’re paying out-of-pocket.
  4. Stay Reassured: Remember, a persistent cough deserves professional attention. Getting checked out is the right step toward feeling better.

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 and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment.