Swollen Ankles and Tired All the Time? Your Guide to Next Steps in Houston, TX

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Swollen Ankles and Tired All the Time? Your Guide to Next Steps in Houston, TX

If you’ve noticed your legs and feet swelling for a few days and you’re feeling tired all the time even after resting, it’s understandable to feel worried. Adding to that concern, if your urine looks foamy and you’re sometimes nauseous, it’s natural to wonder if something is seriously wrong with your body. Swelling can be linked to various health conditions, especially related to heart, kidney, or other internal issues. You’re not alone in searching for answers, and you’re taking the right step by wanting to know what to do next.

This post is here to help you understand which healthcare providers you might consider seeing in Houston, TX. We’ll explain what kind of doctors are appropriate for these symptoms, what typical office visits and tests might involve, and give you a sense of estimated costs if you’re paying out of pocket. You’re in the right place to get clear, approachable information on how to move forward.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Houston, TX

When dealing with swollen ankles and ongoing fatigue, combined with unusual urine appearance, there are a few types of doctors who could be good starting points:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. They can perform initial evaluations and coordinate care or referrals if specialist attention is needed.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Similar to family practice but focused on adult care, these doctors are skilled in managing complex conditions and ordering tests to understand underlying causes.
  • Nephrologist: A kidney specialist who is particularly suited for symptoms that could involve kidney function, such as swelling, tiredness, and foamy urine.
  • Cardiologist: A heart specialist who can check if your symptoms relate to heart or blood vessel issues, which can also cause swelling and fatigue.

Each of these provider types can be a helpful first step in diagnosing and treating the cause of your symptoms.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here is a breakdown of common procedures and office visits you might have with each type of provider in Houston, along with estimated self-pay costs based on local data.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established Patient Office or Outpatient Visit (30-39 minutes) (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is a longer doctor visit to discuss your symptoms and medical history in detail. It helps the doctor understand your health and decide what tests or treatments you need.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.94 (typically ranges from $146.95 to $244.92)
    This estimate is based on 511 providers in the Houston area.

  • Procedure: Automated Urinalysis Test (CPT Code: 81003)
    Purpose: This test checks your urine for signs of kidney issues or infections, which might explain foamy urine and swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $4.67 (typically ranges from $2.63 to $6.71)
    Based on 66 providers.

  • Procedure: Urine Microalbumin (Protein) Level (CPT Code: 82043)
    Purpose: Detects protein in the urine, helping assess kidney health—a key factor when urine looks foamy.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.01 (ranges from $6.76 to $11.26)
    Based on 36 providers.

  • Procedure: Creatinine Level Test (Testing Kidney Function) (CPT Code: 82570)
    Purpose: Measures how well your kidneys are working by checking creatinine in blood or urine.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.11 (ranges from $6.08 to $10.14)
    Based on 37 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete Blood Cell Count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Checks your red and white blood cells and platelets to assess overall health and possible causes of fatigue.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.11 (ranges from $9.08 to $15.14)
    Based on 55 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established Patient Visit (30-39 minutes) (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms and medical history, to guide diagnosis and referrals.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.75 (ranges from $146.06 to $243.44)
    Based on 492 providers.

  • Procedure: Automated Urinalysis Test (CPT Code: 81003)
    Purpose: Urine check to look for kidney problems or infections.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $5.07 (ranges from $2.64 to $7.50)
    Based on 26 providers.

  • Procedure: Urine Microalbumin Level (CPT Code: 82043)
    Purpose: Identifies protein in urine for kidney health screening.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.96 (ranges from $6.72 to $11.20)
    Based on 15 providers.

  • Procedure: Creatinine Level Test (CPT Code: 82570)
    Purpose: Kidney function assessment.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.90 (ranges from $6.06 to $11.74)
    Based on 16 providers.

  • Procedure: Comprehensive Blood Chemistry Panel (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: A broad set of blood tests to check organ function and detect problems causing fatigue or swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $17.98 (ranges from $12.40 to $23.56)
    Based on 42 providers.

Visit with a Nephrologist (Kidney Specialist)

  • Procedure: Established Patient Visit (30-39 minutes) (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Focused consultation for kidney-related symptoms like swelling and foamy urine.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $182.02 (ranges from $136.51 to $227.52)
    Based on 132 providers.

  • Procedure: Manual Urinalysis Test (Under Microscope, Non-automated) (CPT Code: 81000)
    Purpose: Detailed urine examination to check kidney health and infections.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $6.30 (ranges from $4.73 to $7.88)
    Based on 5 providers.

  • Procedure: Creatinine Level Test (CPT Code: 82570)
    Purpose: Test to confirm how well your kidneys are filtering waste.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.35 (ranges from $6.10 to $12.60)
    Based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Kidney Function Blood Test Panel (CPT Code: 80069)
    Purpose: A set of comprehensive tests focused on kidney performance.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.61 (ranges from $10.21 to $21.00)
    Based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Complete Abdominal Ultrasound (CPT Code: 76700)
    Purpose: Imaging test to look at your kidneys and other organs to find causes of swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $189.81 (ranges from $142.36 to $237.26)
    Based on 1 provider.

Visit with a Cardiologist (Heart Specialist)

  • Procedure: Established Patient Visit (30-39 minutes) (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Heart health evaluation which can help find if swelling is related to heart or circulation issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.50 (ranges from $145.87 to $243.12)
    Based on 248 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound Study of Arm or Leg Veins (CPT Code: 93970)
    Purpose: Checks for blood clots or poor circulation causing swelling in legs or ankles.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $252.43 (ranges from $189.32 to $315.54)
    Based on 60 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete Blood Cell Count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Helps detect infections or anemia that may contribute to tiredness.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.18 (ranges from $9.13 to $15.22)
    Based on 9 providers.

  • Procedure: Comprehensive Blood Chemistry Panel (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: Blood tests to assess overall chemical balance in your body and heart risk factors.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.97 (ranges from $12.42 to $21.53)
    Based on 8 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood Sample Collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Routine blood draw for lab tests.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.15 (ranges from $9.86 to $16.44)
    Based on 17 providers.

Taking the next step is important for your health, and here’s how you can proceed:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Call to make an appointment with a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor first for an initial evaluation. They can help guide you to specialists like a Nephrologist or Cardiologist if needed.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms including swollen ankles, fatigue duration, any changes in urine appearance, and feelings of nausea. Also note any other health conditions or medications.
  3. Discuss Costs: When you book your appointment, ask about the cost of visits and tests. The prices above are general estimates and can vary by office or insurance coverage.
  4. Stay Positive and Informed: Remember, swelling and tiredness can be caused by many treatable conditions. Getting professional advice is a strong, proactive step toward feeling better.

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 and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If your symptoms worsen or you experience severe signs such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or confusion, seek emergency care immediately.