Sudden Headache and Blurred Vision? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Long Beach, CA

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Sudden Headache and Blurred Vision? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Long Beach, CA

Suddenly developing a severe headache along with blurred vision can be understandably worrying—especially if headaches aren’t a common issue for you. It’s natural to feel concerned and want clear answers. You’re in the right place. This post will guide you through important next steps: who you can see for these symptoms, what initial medical visits might involve, and estimated self-pay costs in Long Beach, CA. Our aim is to help you feel informed and empowered in seeking the care you need.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Long Beach, CA

Based on your symptoms—sudden headache and trouble seeing out of one eye—a few types of healthcare providers could be appropriate starting points:

  • Neurologist: Specialists in the nervous system who can diagnose headaches related to brain or nerve issues.
  • Ophthalmologist: Eye doctors who can assess your vision and eye health for problems that might cause blurred vision.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: General physicians with expertise in diagnosing a wide variety of adult medical issues.
  • Emergency Medicine Physician: Doctors trained to handle urgent or serious symptoms requiring immediate evaluation.

Each of these providers can help evaluate your symptoms depending on urgency and suspected cause.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of typical procedures these providers might perform and what you can expect to pay as a self-pay patient in Long Beach, CA:

Visit with a Neurologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A focused visit where the neurologist will review your symptoms, perform a neurological exam, and decide on further testing or treatment.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.52 (typically ranges from $157.14 to $261.90)
    This estimate is based on 116 providers in the Long Beach area.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of both sides of head and neck blood flow (CPT Code: 93880)
    Purpose: This test checks blood flow in the head and neck arteries, helping identify possible circulation issues causing headaches or vision changes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $63.73 (typically ranges from $47.80 to $79.66)
    This estimate is based on 7 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of heart with color-depicted blood flow, rate, direction, and valve function (CPT Code: 93306)
    Purpose: Evaluates heart function and blood flow which can sometimes relate to neurological symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $303.28 (typically ranges from $189.77 to $416.80)
    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: A comprehensive visit to assess your symptoms, including possible initial diagnostic testing or referrals.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.33 (typically ranges from $157.00 to $261.66)
    This estimate is based on 602 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads with interpretation and report (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Measures your heart’s electrical activity, useful if symptoms might relate to heart issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $36.99 (typically ranges from $18.98 to $55.00)
    This estimate is based on 241 providers.

  • Procedure: CT scan head or brain without contrast (CPT Code: 70450)
    Purpose: Imaging test that scans your head to detect problems like bleeding, stroke, or other brain issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $276.39 (typically ranges from $150.37 to $402.40)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

Visit with an Emergency Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Emergency department visit with high level of medical decision making (CPT Code: 99285)
    Purpose: For urgent evaluation of your symptoms to quickly rule out serious conditions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $572.51 (typically ranges from $216.72 to $928.30)
    This estimate is based on 464 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Sometimes ordered to check for heart or lung conditions that might affect symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $59.82 (typically ranges from $44.87 to $74.78)
    This estimate is based on 25 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads with interpretation and report only (CPT Code: 93010)
    Purpose: Monitors heart rhythm as part of emergency evaluation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $30.33 (typically ranges from $10.22 to $50.43)
    This estimate is based on 322 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count, automated test (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Blood test checking for infection, anemia, or other issues related to headaches and symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.53 (typically ranges from $9.13 to $23.92)
    This estimate is based on 12 providers.

Visit with an Ophthalmologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Eye exam focusing on your vision change and eye health evaluation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $220.66 (typically ranges from $165.49 to $275.82)
    This estimate is based on 104 providers.

  • Procedure: Established patient complete exam of visual system (CPT Code: 92014)
    Purpose: Detailed examination of all aspects of your vision and eye condition.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $223.42 (typically ranges from $167.57 to $279.28)
    This estimate is based on 150 providers.

  • Procedure: Imaging of retina (CPT Code: 92134)
    Purpose: Specialized imaging to detect retina problems that might cause vision issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $81.31 (typically ranges from $51.67 to $110.94)
    This estimate is based on 164 providers.

  • Procedure: Imaging of optic nerve (CPT Code: 92133)
    Purpose: Testing focused on the optic nerve which can affect eyesight.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $79.03 (typically ranges from $46.07 to $111.98)
    This estimate is based on 149 providers.

  • Procedure: Photography of the retina (CPT Code: 92250)
    Purpose: Captures images of the retina to help diagnose eye issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $82.05 (typically ranges from $47.69 to $116.42)
    This estimate is based on 121 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Healthcare pricing in the U.S. can feel a bit like haggling in a busy marketplace—list prices are often higher than what many actually pay, with some wiggle room based on negotiations and insurance.

  • The maximum cost listed is close to the amount doctors typically charge for a procedure before discounts or insurance adjustments.
  • The minimum cost tends to be just above what Medicare (the government insurance for seniors and some disabled people) has negotiated to pay providers. Many providers break even or take a small loss at this level.

These estimates give you a general idea, but actual costs may vary based on your specific situation and location in Long Beach.

Know Your Rights

In the U.S., you have protections around healthcare costs:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): If you’re paying out of pocket and schedule services at least three business days in advance, your provider must give you a GFE outlining expected charges. This helps you plan your finances with transparency.
  • Many providers offer self-pay discounts if you ask ahead of time. Don’t hesitate to ask: “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
  • You can request an itemized bill with CPT codes and billing details to review charges. If you see errors or unreasonable fees, you have the right to dispute them.
  • Laws in many states protect patients against “unconscionable” billing practices, especially if you don’t have insurance.

Being informed about these rights empowers you to negotiate and avoid surprise bills.

The most important thing is to get evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Here’s how you can proceed:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a neurologist, ophthalmologist, internal medicine doctor, or emergency medicine provider depending on the severity and urgency of your symptoms.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, when they started, and any other health information or questions you want to share with your doctor.
  3. Discuss Costs: When you book the appointment, ask about costs and whether a Good Faith Estimate can be provided to avoid surprises.
  4. Final Reassurance: Seeking care is the right and courageous step to protect your health. Early evaluation can help identify any serious conditions and get you the treatment 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.

Disclaimer: This information is intended to guide your understanding of typical healthcare steps and costs in Long Beach, CA, based on available data as of 2025. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you experience severe or worsening symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.