Signs of Concussion After Fall? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Long Beach, CA

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Signs of Concussion After Fall? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Long Beach, CA

If you recently fell during a ride, hit your head, and now feel a slight headache and grogginess, it’s completely natural to be worried about a possible concussion. Even without losing consciousness, some symptoms may indicate you need professional evaluation. You’re not alone in searching for guidance, and it’s great that you’re taking your symptoms seriously. This post will help you understand what signs to watch for, who to see for your symptoms in Long Beach, CA, and what initial costs you might expect. You’re in the right place to make an informed next step toward care.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Long Beach, CA

When it comes to head injuries and symptoms like headache or grogginess after a fall, a few types of healthcare providers can be your starting point:

  • Emergency Medicine: Doctors in emergency departments handle urgent issues, especially when symptoms are concerning. They can quickly evaluate your head injury and decide if further tests or immediate care are needed.
  • Neurology: Neurologists specialize in brain and nervous system issues. If your symptoms persist or you need more specialized testing, they can provide advanced evaluation and treatment.
  • Family Practice: These are generalist doctors who manage a wide range of health concerns. They can assess your concussion symptoms, provide initial care, and guide you if specialist care is necessary.
  • Internal Medicine: Internists focus on adult medicine and can assess head injury symptoms, especially if you have other health conditions. They provide thorough examinations and coordinate further testing if needed.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Visit with an Emergency Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Emergency department visit with moderate medical decision making (CPT Code: 99284)

  • Purpose: This visit is for urgent assessment of your head injury to make sure you don’t have a serious concussion or other complications needing immediate treatment.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $387.64 (ranges from $149.18 to $626.10)

  • Provider Availability: Based on 489 providers in Long Beach, CA.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound scan of head and neck soft tissue (CPT Code: 76536)

  • Purpose: This imaging checks for soft tissue injury around your head and neck area, which might be necessary depending on your symptoms.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $160.34 (ranges from $120.25 to $200.42)

  • Provider Availability: Based on 1 provider in the area.

Visit with a Neurologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)

  • Purpose: A neurologist uses this time to evaluate your brain function and symptoms related to concussion.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.52 (ranges from $157.14 to $261.90)

  • Provider Availability: 116 providers in Long Beach.

  • Procedure: Measurement of brain wave activity, awake and drowsy (CPT Code: 95816)

  • Purpose: This EEG test assesses brain activity to detect abnormalities related to concussion or other brain injuries.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $274.08 (ranges from $205.56 to $342.60)

  • Provider Availability: 54 providers in the area.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)

  • Purpose: Your family doctor can evaluate symptoms, provide initial care, and refer you to specialists if necessary.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $212.06 (ranges from $159.05 to $265.08)

  • Provider Availability: 574 providers in Long Beach.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)

  • Purpose: Sometimes ordered to check for injury if you had a fall impacting your chest or ribs along with the head injury.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $59.65 (ranges from $41.04 to $78.26)

  • Provider Availability: 63 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)

  • Purpose: Internal medicine doctors evaluate adult patients for concussion symptoms, especially if other health issues are present.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.33 (ranges from $157.00 to $261.66)

  • Provider Availability: 602 providers.

  • Procedure: CT scan of head or brain without contrast (CPT Code: 70450)

  • Purpose: This scan is crucial if your doctor suspects a serious injury to your brain that needs detailed imaging.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $276.39 (ranges from $150.37 to $402.40)

  • Provider Availability: 1 provider in the area.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Understanding healthcare costs can feel like navigating a tricky marketplace. Think of it like haggling at a market stall: the listed price may not be what you finally pay after negotiation or discounts. The maximum cost shown is usually close to the “charged amount” — that’s what providers initially ask for their services. The minimum cost is often just above the “Medicare allowed amount,” which is the price Medicare negotiates with providers. At this lower price point, providers might even be breaking even or losing money.

Keep in mind these costs are estimates for self-pay patients in Long Beach, CA, and your final bill can vary based on individual circumstances or if you use insurance.

Know Your Rights

You have the right to a Good Faith Estimate (GFE). If you plan to pay out-of-pocket and not use insurance, your provider must give you a written estimate of your expected charges if you ask for it or schedule your care at least 3 business days in advance.

Many providers offer discounts if you pay upfront — it’s always okay to ask: “What’s the cash price if I pay at the time of service?”

You can request an itemized bill showing each charge, CPT codes, and modifiers. If you see any incorrect or unreasonable fees, you have the right to dispute them. Many states protect patients against unfair billing, especially for those without insurance.

Taking action now will help you get the care you need and peace of mind:

  1. Schedule an Appointment with one of the recommended providers—starting with a Family Practice doctor or Emergency Medicine if symptoms worsen.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit by noting all symptoms, how long they’ve lasted, and any questions you want to ask the doctor.
  3. Discuss Costs ahead of time by confirming estimates with the office when you book, so you’re prepared financially.
  4. Remember: Seeking professional help is the best way to ensure your health is properly evaluated and treated.

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 is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.