Frequent Night Urination in Elderly Men? Your Next Steps in Long Beach, CA

frequent night urinationelderly menprostate healthurologyLong BeachCAhealthcare costsmedical providers

Frequent Night Urination in Elderly Men? Your Next Steps in Long Beach, CA

If you’re experiencing frequent night urination that seems to be getting worse over time, especially as an elderly man, it’s natural to feel concerned. Many men worry about prostate health when symptoms like waking multiple times during the night to urinate occur. You are not alone, and your concern is valid — frequent nighttime urination can be a signal to check in with a healthcare professional.

This post is here to guide you through what steps to consider next, which types of doctors could best help you, and what you might expect to pay for initial visits and tests right here in Long Beach, California. Knowing what to expect can help reduce worry and empower you to take control of your health.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Long Beach, CA

For frequent night urination in elderly men, there are a few types of healthcare providers you can consider starting with. Each has different expertise and may help determine the cause and best treatment:

  • Urology: Urologists specialize in the urinary tract and male reproductive system. They’re the experts for prostate and bladder issues that might be causing your symptoms.
  • Internal Medicine: Internal medicine doctors are specialists in adult health who can evaluate general medical conditions and perform screening tests such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests.
  • Family Practice: Family practice doctors provide broad care for all ages and can evaluate urinary symptoms, perform initial tests, and refer you to specialists if needed.

Starting with any one of these providers is a good way to make sure your symptoms are properly assessed.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of typical procedures, what they do, and the estimated out-of-pocket costs you might expect to see in Long Beach for self-pay patients:

Visit with a Urologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A detailed office visit where the urologist will discuss your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and plan next steps.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $229.91 (typically ranges from $155.72 to $304.10)
    This estimate is based on 88 providers in the Long Beach area.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound scan of the prostate through the rectum (CPT Code: 76873)
    Purpose: An imaging test to check the prostate size and look for abnormalities.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $253.99 (ranges from $99.18 to $408.80)
    Available from 1 provider locally.

  • Procedure: PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) measurement, total (CPT Code: 84153)
    Purpose: A blood test to screen for signs of prostate issues including enlargement or cancer.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $30.81 (ranges from $21.62 to $40.00)
    Available from 1 provider locally.

  • Procedure: Biopsy of prostate gland (CPT Code: 55700)
    Purpose: If needed, this procedure removes small tissue samples from the prostate for detailed examination.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $675.42 (ranges from $266.00 to $1,084.84)
    There are 34 providers offering this procedure.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Prostate cancer screening; PSA test (CPT Code: G0103)
    Purpose: Screening blood test to detect early prostate problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $34.55 (ranges from $22.70 to $46.40)
    Available from 2 providers.

  • Procedure: PSA measurement, total (CPT Code: 84153)
    Purpose: Same as above, a blood test to help evaluate prostate health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $31.14 (ranges from $21.62 to $40.66)
    Available from 6 providers.

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: An office visit to discuss symptoms and perform initial assessments.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.33 (ranges from $157.00 to $261.66)
    Offered by 602 providers locally.

  • Procedure: Urinalysis, manual test (CPT Code: 81002)
    Purpose: A simple urine test to check for infection or other urinary tract issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.13 (ranges from $4.08 to $14.18)
    Available from 77 providers.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A general office visit to assess symptoms and plan further testing or treatment.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $212.06 (ranges from $159.05 to $265.08)
    Available from 574 providers.

  • Procedure: Urinalysis, manual test (CPT Code: 81002)
    Purpose: Checking your urine for infections or other issues that might explain symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.74 (ranges from $4.08 to $13.41)
    Offered by 92 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound scan of prostate through rectum (CPT Code: 76873)
    Purpose: Imaging to examine the prostate if needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $316.54 (ranges from $237.41 to $395.68)
    Available from 2 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Healthcare pricing in the U.S. can feel a bit like haggling at a marketplace. The prices you see are often negotiable and vary widely. Here’s a quick guide to understanding these numbers:

  • The maximum cost listed is similar to the “sticker price” or what the healthcare provider initially charges for a procedure. It’s usually the highest amount you might be expected to pay without any discounts or insurance.

  • The minimum cost reflects the “Medicare allowed amount,” which is a negotiated fee that Medicare agrees to pay. At this lower end, providers might barely break even or even take a loss, but it represents a more affordable baseline cost.

These ranges help you understand what to expect but be sure to ask your provider for the specific cost to you beforehand.

Know Your Rights

You have important protections when it comes to understanding medical costs:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): By law, if you are paying out-of-pocket and not using insurance, your healthcare provider must provide you a clear estimate of expected charges if you request it at least 3 business days before your procedure or visit.

  • Many providers offer self-pay discounts, especially if you ask upfront. Don’t hesitate to inquire: “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”

  • You can request an itemized bill that lists every charge and the related procedure codes (CPT codes). This transparency lets you identify and dispute any errors or charges that seem incorrect.

  • Several states have protections against unfair billing practices, particularly for people without insurance, so you have strong legal rights to challenge unreasonable bills.

The best thing you can do now is to get professional advice. Here’s what to do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to a urologist, internal medicine doctor, or family practice physician in Long Beach to discuss your symptoms.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long they’ve been happening, any other related symptoms, and questions you want to ask.
  3. Discuss Costs: When you call to book, ask about estimated costs and if there are any self-pay discounts available. Knowing ahead can ease concerns.
  4. Remember: You’re doing the right thing by addressing your health. Early evaluation often leads to better outcomes 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 post is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition.