Persistent Back Pain Causes? Your Guide to Next Steps in Los Angeles

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Persistent Back Pain Causes? Your Guide to Next Steps in Los Angeles

If you’ve been experiencing lingering back pain that comes and goes over the past few months, especially after standing for long periods, you’re not alone—and it’s completely understandable to want answers. Persistent lower back discomfort can impact your daily life, even when it’s not severe enough to stop you from doing activities. You might be wondering what could be causing this ongoing pain and what your next steps should be at your age.

This post is here to help you make sense of your symptoms and guide you toward the right healthcare providers in Los Angeles, CA. We’ll explain who you might want to see first, what typical office visits and tests cost if you’re paying out of pocket, and how to understand those costs. Most importantly, we want to encourage and empower you to seek professional advice to find relief and peace of mind.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles

Based on your persistent back pain, there are several types of healthcare providers who could be a good starting point for diagnosis and treatment:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can evaluate a wide range of health issues, diagnose common causes of back pain, and refer you for further tests or specialists as needed. Great for an initial visit to discuss symptoms.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Similar to family practice but primarily focused on adults, these doctors manage chronic conditions and can help identify underlying causes of back pain.
  • Pain Management Specialist: Doctors specialized in diagnosing and managing chronic pain conditions. They offer treatments that may include medications, injections, or other therapies tailored to reduce your discomfort.
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist: These providers focus on restoring mobility and function. They can assess musculoskeletal issues, recommend physical therapy, and perform image-guided injections if needed.
  • Orthopedic Surgeon: Specialists who treat mechanical issues in bones, joints, and muscles. They can provide advanced imaging, diagnose structural problems, and if necessary, discuss surgical options.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of typical procedures you might undergo with each provider type in Los Angeles, along with estimated self-pay costs based on local data.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is the appointment where your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms, examine your back, and decide if further testing or referrals are needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $233.69 (ranges from $157.19 to $310.19)
    This estimate is based on 799 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views (CPT Code: 72100)
    Purpose: A basic imaging test to check for bone or joint problems in your lower back.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $66.90 (ranges from $48.34 to $85.46)
    This estimate is based on 8 providers in the area.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A thorough check-up for adult patients to evaluate back pain and any related health issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $225.65 (ranges from $153.18 to $298.12)
    This estimate is based on 1,176 providers in Los Angeles.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views (CPT Code: 72100)
    Purpose: To look at the bones of your lower back to find signs of injury or wear and tear.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $69.25 (ranges from $51.36 to $87.14)
    This estimate is based on 11 providers.

Visit with a Pain Management Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Focused on understanding and managing your pain specifically, which may involve more specialized treatment options.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $287.84 (ranges from $156.30 to $419.38)
    This estimate is based on 44 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views (CPT Code: 72100)
    Purpose: Imaging to evaluate structural causes of pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $57.80 (ranges from $28.00 to $87.60)
    Providers: 2.

  • Procedure: MRI scan of lower spinal canal without contrast (CPT Code: 72148)
    Purpose: Detailed imaging that provides a clear picture of discs, nerves, and spinal cord to identify issues like herniated discs or nerve irritation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $591.26 (ranges from $176.96 to $1,005.56)
    Provider count: 1.

Visit with a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Assess your physical function and develop plans to improve mobility and manage pain through therapy or injections.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $251.70 (ranges from $160.39 to $343.00)
    Providers: 60.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views (CPT Code: 72100)
    Purpose: Initial imaging for structural analysis or injury detection.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $100.68 (ranges from $55.08 to $146.28)
    Providers: 3.

  • Procedure: Injection of anesthetic and/or steroid drug into sacral spine nerve root (CPT Code: 64483)
    Purpose: An invasive procedure to reduce nerve inflammation and pain using targeted injections guided by imaging.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $1,153.36 (ranges from $233.80 to $2,072.93)
    Providers: 30.

  • Procedure: Injection of lower or sacral spine facet joint (CPT Code: 64493)
    Purpose: Injection to relieve inflammation and pain in small spinal joints.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $828.78 (ranges from $193.12 to $1,464.45)
    Providers: 26.

  • Procedure: Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement (CPT Code: 76942)
    Purpose: Using ultrasound to accurately place needles for injections or biopsies.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $396.65 (ranges from $74.42 to $718.88)
    Providers: 14.

Visit with an Orthopedic Surgeon

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Evaluation by a surgical specialist for musculoskeletal issues that may require specialized or possibly surgical treatment.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $241.46 (ranges from $157.21 to $325.71)
    Providers: 325.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views (CPT Code: 72100)
    Purpose: Checking bone alignment and joint integrity.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $83.02 (ranges from $53.33 to $112.70)
    Providers: 82.

  • Procedure: MRI scan of lower spinal canal without contrast (CPT Code: 72148)
    Purpose: Detailed assessment of discs, nerves, and soft tissues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $527.70 (ranges from $198.72 to $856.69)
    Providers: 24.

  • Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of joint (CPT Code: 76881)
    Purpose: Non-invasive imaging to assess joint issues or soft tissues around the spine.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $217.10 (ranges from $70.15 to $364.06)
    Providers: 13.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Think of healthcare prices like prices at a market where buyers and sellers negotiate. Different providers “ask” for different amounts, and the amount you pay might vary based on your negotiations or payment method.

  • The maximum cost represents something close to what providers ask for — the “list price” that can often be negotiable.
  • The minimum cost usually falls near what Medicare has negotiated to pay, often close to or below the cost providers break even on, reflecting lower prices that might be available with good negotiation or insurance agreements.

Self-pay patients often see prices across this range. This means you have leverage to ask for discounts or shop around for a better price.

Know Your Rights

One important protection you have is the Good Faith Estimate (GFE):

  • If you aren’t using insurance, your doctor is legally required to provide a written estimate of what they expect to charge if you ask for one or schedule services at least 3 business days in advance.
  • Many providers also offer self-pay discounts even though they are not legally required to — it’s always a good idea to ask upfront: “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
  • You can request an itemized bill so you can see exactly what you are being charged for, including CPT codes and modifiers.
  • If you find charges that seem incorrect or unreasonable, you have the right to dispute them.
  • Many states protect patients from unfair billing, especially for uninsured individuals.

Taking action is your best step forward:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Pain Management, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, or Orthopedic provider in Los Angeles for an evaluation.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, and any questions or concerns to discuss.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking, ask the provider’s office about expected costs and any payment plans or discounts.
  4. Remember: Seeking professional advice is a positive, empowering choice that helps you take charge of your health and wellbeing.

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 provides estimated costs and general information for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for your specific health concerns.