Signs of Concussion After Fall? Healthcare Options in Fort Worth, TX

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Signs of Concussion After Fall? Healthcare Options in Fort Worth, TX

Falling and hitting your head can be scary, especially when you start to feel symptoms like a headache or grogginess afterwards. It’s completely normal to be concerned about the possibility of a concussion, even if you didn’t lose consciousness. Your health and peace of mind matter, and you’re taking a smart step by seeking information.

This post is here to help guide you through the important next steps after a head injury. We’ll explain who you might want to see for your symptoms in Fort Worth, TX, what kind of procedures could be involved, and the typical costs you can expect if you’re paying out of pocket. Knowing this can help you feel more prepared and confident moving forward.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Fort Worth, TX

Based on your symptoms after a fall, there are a few types of healthcare providers you might consider consulting:

  • Neurology: Specialists in the brain and nervous system. They can diagnose and treat complex head injuries like concussion and recommend further testing if necessary.
  • Family Practice: These are general doctors who treat a wide variety of conditions. They can evaluate your symptoms, provide initial care, and refer you to specialists if needed.
  • Internal Medicine: Doctors who focus on adult health and can assess neurological symptoms along with your overall health.
  • Emergency Medicine: If symptoms worsen or you feel very unwell, emergency medicine doctors can provide urgent care and perform needed diagnostic testing promptly.

Each of these providers brings different expertise and may be appropriate depending on how your symptoms develop.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of common procedures you might experience and their typical self-pay costs in Fort Worth based on provider type.

Visit with a Neurology Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This visit involves a detailed evaluation of your neurological symptoms like headache or grogginess. It helps the doctor understand if you have a concussion or other brain injury.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.09 (typically ranges from $144.82 to $241.36)
    This estimate is based on 56 providers in the Fort Worth area.

  • Procedure: Measurement of brain wave activity while awake and drowsy (CPT Code: 95816)
    Purpose: This EEG test helps assess your brain’s electrical activity and can detect abnormalities related to brain injury.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $412.24 (ranges from $309.18 to $515.30)
    Providers available: 22.

  • Procedure: Complete ultrasound of brain blood flow (CPT Code: 93886)
    Purpose: This ultrasound examines blood flow within the brain to check for circulation issues that might be related to injury.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $385.10 (ranges from $288.83 to $481.38)
    Providers available: 2.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: An internal medicine doctor reviews your symptoms and overall health to help identify neurological or other causes behind your headache and grogginess.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.37 (ranges from $145.78 to $242.96)
    Providers available: 224.

  • Procedure: MRI scan of brain before and after contrast (CPT Code: 70553)
    Purpose: An MRI provides detailed images of your brain to detect injury, swelling, or bleeding that might not be visible otherwise.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $867.73 (wide range from $267.38 to $1468.07)
    Providers available: 1.

Visit with Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A family practice doctor can evaluate your symptoms, provide initial treatment, and help decide if a specialist referral is needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.38 (ranges from $144.29 to $240.48)
    Providers available: 350.

Visit with Emergency Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Emergency department visit with moderate complexity (CPT Code: 99284)
    Purpose: Appropriate if symptoms are severe or worsening. Immediate, thorough evaluation and diagnostic testing can be done to rule out serious injury.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $470.60 (ranges from $140.98 to $800.22)
    Providers available: 226.

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.46 (ranges from $144.35 to $240.58)
    Providers available: 19.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Navigating healthcare prices can feel like haggling at a busy market — the “sticker price” you see is often a starting point. Here’s a quick guide to understanding the ranges:

  • The maximum cost you see near the top of the range is typically just below what providers initially charge for the procedure. This is like the “asking price” at the market.
  • The minimum cost near the bottom of the range represents roughly what Medicare negotiates to pay providers — usually the lowest they accept to break even or avoid loss. This is like the lowest “deal price” vendors might accept.

Your actual cost will depend on many factors, including your negotiation, payment method, and whether you have insurance.

Know Your Rights

If you’re paying without insurance, doctors are required by law to provide a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) when you ask or schedule services at least 3 business days in advance. The GFE gives you a detailed preview of expected charges so you aren’t caught off guard.

Many providers also offer self-pay discounts, especially if you ask before your visit. It’s okay and smart to ask: “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”

You have the right to:

  • Request an itemized bill detailing every charge.
  • Ask for CPT codes and billing explanations.
  • Dispute charges that seem wrong or excessive.

Several states protect patients from unfair billing practices, especially those who don’t have insurance.

Taking action now can help you feel more in control and safeguard your health.

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to a Neurologist, Family Practice, or Internal Medicine provider in Fort Worth to have your symptoms professionally evaluated.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, when they started, and any questions you want to ask the doctor.
  3. Discuss Costs: Confirm estimated costs with the provider’s office ahead of time as the prices listed here are averages and can vary.
  4. Remember: Your health is important. Seeking a professional evaluation is the right and responsible step toward recovery.

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 only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you experience worsening symptoms, loss of consciousness, vomiting, or confusion, seek emergency medical care immediately.