Why Does My Cough Not Stop? Getting Care in New York, NY
Why Does My Cough Not Stop? Getting Care in New York, NY
Having a persistent cough for several weeks without clear cause can be really frustrating and worrying—especially when you don’t smoke and have been trying to understand what might be going on. You’re not alone in this, and it’s completely reasonable to want answers and relief.
This post is here to help you take the next steps confidently. We’ll explain which types of doctors you can see in New York, NY, what to expect during your visits, and the typical self-pay costs for common initial procedures. Our goal is to guide you to professional care options that can diagnose and treat your cough so you can feel better soon.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in New York, NY
When you’re dealing with a persistent cough, a few types of healthcare providers could be good starting points:
- Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can diagnose and treat many common health issues. They’re a great first stop and can help decide if you need a specialist.
- Internal Medicine Doctor: These providers specialize in adult medicine and can handle more complex or chronic issues. They will thoroughly evaluate your symptoms.
- Pulmonary Disease Specialist: A lung specialist who focuses on respiratory issues such as chronic coughs, asthma, or other lung conditions. You might see this type of doctor if your cough requires more detailed lung testing.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here are typical procedures each provider might perform, along with estimated costs in New York, NY.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: This is a 30-39 minute consultation to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and guide next steps. It helps your doctor get a complete picture of your health to diagnose and plan treatment.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $225.02 (typically ranges from $168.77 to $281.28)
This estimate is based on 734 providers in the New York, NY area. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: A chest X-ray helps evaluate your lungs and detect infections or other abnormalities that could explain your cough.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $68.07 (ranges from $45.64 to $90.51)
This estimate is based on 56 providers in the area. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: This heart test checks your cardiac rhythm and function, helpful if your cough might be related to heart issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $41.19 (ranges from $20.39 to $61.99)
This estimate is based on 362 providers. -
Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
Purpose: Blood tests can identify infections, inflammation, or other conditions contributing to your cough.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.93 (ranges from $9.70 to $16.16)
This estimate is based on 466 providers. -
Procedure: Urinalysis, manual test (CPT Code: 81002)
Purpose: Checking urine can sometimes help detect related conditions or infections.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.29 (ranges from $4.09 to $12.48)
This estimate is based on 111 providers.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Comprehensive evaluation of your persistent cough with a focus on adult medicine and chronic conditions.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $221.20 (ranges from $165.90 to $276.50)
This estimate is based on 2373 providers. -
Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
Purpose: To run laboratory tests that help identify causes like infections or inflammation.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.93 (ranges from $9.70 to $16.16)
This estimate is based on 1537 providers. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: To visually inspect lungs and chest structures for abnormalities.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $64.16 (ranges from $46.32 to $81.99)
This estimate is based on 41 providers.
Visit with a Pulmonary Disease Specialist
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Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Focused evaluation of lungs and respiratory system, ideal if initial care hasn’t resolved your cough or if more complex testing is needed.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $243.27 (ranges from $161.40 to $325.14)
This estimate is based on 283 providers. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: Checking for lung infections, chronic lung disease, or other chest issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $75.72 (ranges from $46.54 to $104.90)
This estimate is based on 26 providers. -
Procedure: Test to examine how well lungs exchange gases (CPT Code: 94729)
Purpose: Identifies how effectively your lungs are oxygenating your blood, essential for diagnosing lung diseases.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $85.75 (ranges from $49.31 to $122.18)
This estimate is based on 211 providers. -
Procedure: Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
Purpose: Measures airflow to help diagnose obstructive or restrictive lung conditions.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $61.63 (ranges from $26.68 to $96.58)
This estimate is based on 127 providers. -
Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
Purpose: For additional testing to support lung health evaluation.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $14.35 (ranges from $9.80 to $18.90)
This estimate is based on 72 providers.
How to Interpret the Cost Estimates
Understanding healthcare costs in the US can feel like navigating a haggling market with varying prices for the same item. The listed cost ranges reflect this reality:
- The maximum cost is just below what providers typically “charge”—their initial asking price.
- The minimum cost is slightly above what Medicare (the government insurer) has negotiated as a fair payment for the procedure, which is often close to the provider’s break-even point or a slight loss.
Your final cost might fall anywhere in between, depending on the provider’s pricing, your location, and whether you negotiate or use insurance.
Know Your Rights
You have several important protections when it comes to medical billing and cost transparency:
- Good Faith Estimate (GFE): By law, if you don’t use health insurance, your doctor must provide a detailed estimate of your expected charges if you request it or schedule services at least three business days in advance.
- Ask for discounts: Many providers offer self-pay discounts—don’t hesitate to ask, “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
- Request an itemized bill: You can ask for detailed billing statements showing CPT codes and charges. If you find errors, duplicates, or unreasonable fees, you have the right to dispute them.
- States often protect patients from unfair billing practices, especially for uninsured individuals, so know that you are empowered to advocate for transparent and fair billing.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Your next step is to get a professional evaluation to determine the cause of your persistent cough and start appropriate treatment. Here’s how:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice, Internal Medicine, or Pulmonary Disease doctor near you in New York, NY.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long they’ve lasted, any exposures or related issues, and questions you want to ask.
- Discuss Costs: When booking, ask the provider’s office to confirm estimated costs based on your self-pay status.
- Final Reassurance: Remember, taking action by seeing a qualified healthcare professional is the best thing you can do for your health and peace of mind.
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 general information based on available data and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.