Tingling Hands and Heart Racing in the Morning? Your Next Steps in Los Angeles, CA
Tingling Hands and Heart Racing in the Morning? Your Next Steps in Los Angeles, CA
Waking up in the morning with a racing heart and tingling in your hands can be quite concerning. Whether you suspect anxiety, poor sleep, or wonder if something more serious is causing these symptoms, it’s completely normal to feel worried and want answers. You’re not alone in this, and taking the right next steps can help you get the care and peace of mind you deserve.
This post is here to guide you through understanding what kind of healthcare providers you might need to see, the common procedures involved in initial evaluations, and a transparent look at what those services typically cost in the Los Angeles area. By the end, you’ll have a clearer path forward towards professional help.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles
Based on your symptoms — tingling hands and heart racing in the morning — several types of healthcare providers could be a good place to start:
- Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can assess a wide range of symptoms, run initial tests, and help decide if you need a specialist.
- Internal Medicine Doctor: Focuses on adult health and complex medical issues; can evaluate your heart symptoms and run diagnostic tests.
- Cardiologist: A heart specialist who can provide in-depth evaluations of your heart’s function and rhythm.
- Psychiatrist: A mental health professional who can assess if anxiety or other psychological conditions are contributing to your symptoms.
Each of these providers plays a different role, but any of them can be the right first step depending on your comfort and specific concerns.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: This visit allows your doctor to discuss your symptoms in detail, perform a physical exam, and decide on initial tests or referrals.
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: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads with interpretation and report (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: A heart tracing test to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity, helpful for evaluating your racing heart.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $41.67 (typically ranges from $19.06 to $64.28)
This estimate is based on 295 providers in this area. -
Procedure: Blood test, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
Purpose: To check thyroid function, as thyroid problems can cause heart racing and tingling sensations.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $33.58 (typically ranges from $19.74 to $47.42)
This estimate is based on 9 providers in the Los Angeles area.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Detailed evaluation of your symptoms to diagnose or refer you further.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $225.65 (typically ranges from $153.18 to $298.12)
This estimate is based on 1,176 providers in Los Angeles. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads with interpretation and report (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: To assess heart rhythm for abnormalities that might explain the racing sensation.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $40.33 (typically ranges from $18.98 to $61.68)
This estimate is based on 529 providers in this area.
Visit with a Cardiologist
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A specialist consult to deeply assess heart function and symptoms related to heart racing.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $222.00 (typically ranges from $157.70 to $286.29)
This estimate is based on 341 providers in Los Angeles. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads with interpretation and report (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: You may receive a heart rhythm test here to diagnose arrhythmias or other cardiac conditions.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $41.83 (typically ranges from $18.98 to $64.68)
This estimate is based on 287 providers. -
Procedure: Ultrasound of the heart with color-depicted blood flow (CPT Code: 93306)
Purpose: An ultrasound to see heart valves, blood flow, and cardiac function to rule out structural issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $245.78 (typically ranges from $137.46 to $354.10)
This estimate is based on 351 providers.
Visit with a Psychiatrist
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Evaluation of mental health issues like anxiety that can cause physical symptoms such as heart racing or tingling.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $273.73 (typically ranges from $154.70 to $392.76)
This estimate is based on 200 providers in Los Angeles. -
Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services (CPT Code: 90792)
Purpose: A thorough diagnostic session to understand possible anxiety or other conditions causing your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $301.38 (typically ranges from $226.03 to $376.72)
This estimate is based on 55 providers.
How to Interpret the Cost Estimates
Healthcare pricing in America can feel a bit like a market where the price tag isn’t always fixed. Think of it as shopping where sellers list a “sticker price,” but the actual amount you pay depends on negotiations and the buyer’s circumstances.
- The maximum cost estimate you see here is usually just below the “charged amount” – the price the doctor or facility lists for a procedure.
- The minimum cost estimate is usually slightly above the “Medicare allowed amount,” which is what Medicare has negotiated with providers as a reasonable price. At or near this level, providers often break even or sometimes even lose money.
Understanding this range helps you know what to expect but always ask providers directly what they will charge you.
Know Your Rights
If you’re paying out of pocket (not using insurance), it’s important to know you have rights when it comes to pricing and billing:
- Good Faith Estimate (GFE): By law, doctors must provide you with a detailed cost estimate if you request one or schedule services at least 3 business days in advance.
- Many providers offer discounts for self-pay patients—never hesitate to ask, “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
- You have the right to request an itemized bill detailing every charge, and you can dispute any fees you believe are incorrect or unfair.
- You can also ask for CPT codes (procedure codes) and billing modifiers to better understand how charges are determined.
- Several states protect patients from “unconscionable” or excessive billing, especially for those without insurance.
Knowing these rights empowers you to navigate costs smarter and avoid surprises.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Taking your symptoms seriously and acting promptly is the best thing for your health. Here’s what you can do now:
- Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to a Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, or Psychiatry provider based on your comfort and symptom focus.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms including when they started, how often they occur, and any other questions or concerns.
- Discuss Costs Upfront: When you call to book, ask about expected costs and requests for a Good Faith Estimate if paying out of pocket.
- Stay Positive: Seeking professional advice is a strong and proactive step toward feeling better and understanding your health.
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 post provides general guidance based on local provider and cost data and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized care.