Why Does My Cough Not Stop? Next Steps in Phoenix, AZ

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Why Does My Cough Not Stop? Next Steps in Phoenix, AZ

If you’ve been dealing with a persistent cough for several weeks, it’s completely understandable to feel worried and frustrated—especially if you don’t smoke and can’t pinpoint the cause. A cough that won’t go away can disrupt your daily life, interfere with sleep, and leave you wondering what to do next.

This post is here to support you. We’ll help guide you through the possible types of doctors to see in Phoenix, what kinds of visits and tests might be involved, what those can cost if you’re paying out-of-pocket, and how to advocate for yourself with healthcare providers. You’re in the right place to start figuring this out with confidence.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Phoenix, AZ

When a cough sticks around for weeks, a few types of doctors could be a good starting point to get answers and treatment:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can evaluate your overall health and treat common causes of cough, such as infections, allergies, or acid reflux.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: A specialist in adult health who can diagnose complex or ongoing medical issues that might be behind your cough.
  • Pulmonary Disease Specialist: A lung expert who focuses on diagnosing and managing chronic respiratory problems if your cough relates to lung function.
  • Allergy/Immunology Specialist: If allergies or immune system issues might be causing your cough, this doctor can test and treat you accordingly.
  • Infectious Disease Specialist: If an infection is suspected to be unusual or prolonged, this specialist can provide advanced diagnosis and care.

Starting with a family practice or internal medicine provider is usually the easiest first step. They can evaluate you and decide if you need a specialist referral.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Below are some typical procedures you might undergo with each provider type, along with what they are for and the estimated self-pay costs in Phoenix, AZ. Costs are estimates and can vary by provider.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is a face-to-face visit where the doctor reviews your symptoms, medical history, and performs an exam to diagnose the cause of your cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.39 (typically ranges from $143.54 to $239.24)
    This estimate is based on 602 providers in the Phoenix area.

  • Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: A simple imaging test to look at your lungs and chest for infections, fluid, or other issues causing your cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $47.36 (ranges from $35.52 to $59.20)
    Based on 28 local providers.

  • Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: To check for infections, allergies, or other systemic problems affecting your cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $11.39 (ranges from $8.54 to $14.24)
    Based on 229 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Comprehensive evaluation focused on adult and complex health issues contributing to your cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $189.36 (ranges from $142.02 to $236.70)
    Based on 438 providers.

  • Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Imaging to assess your lungs and chest condition.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $41.18 (ranges from $30.68 to $51.67)
    Based on 18 providers.

  • Procedure: Inhalation treatment for airway obstruction or sputum production (CPT Code: 94640)
    Purpose: Treatment to help open your airways and clear mucus, if needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.28 (ranges from $10.37 to $26.19)
    Based on 3 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Labs to find underlying causes like infections or allergies.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $11.26 (ranges from $8.45 to $14.08)
    Based on 105 providers.

Visit with a Pulmonary Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Specialized evaluation focusing on lung diseases that might cause chronic cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.09 (ranges from $143.32 to $238.86)
    Based on 72 providers.

  • Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Lung imaging to check for abnormalities.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $51.38 (ranges from $38.53 to $64.22)
    Based on 15 providers.

  • Procedure: Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
    Purpose: A lung function test to measure how well air moves out of your lungs.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $37.68 (ranges from $27.19 to $48.18)
    Based on 42 providers.

  • Procedure: Test to examine how well lungs exchange gases (CPT Code: 94729)
    Purpose: Assessing how efficiently your lungs supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $70.48 (ranges from $52.86 to $88.10)
    Based on 58 providers.

  • Procedure: Inhalation treatment for airway obstruction or sputum production (CPT Code: 94640)
    Purpose: Breathing treatments to relieve symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $21.22 (ranges from $10.39 to $32.04)
    Based on 12 providers.

Visit with an Allergy/Immunology Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Evaluation for allergies or immune system issues that could cause cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.82 (ranges from $145.37 to $242.28)
    Based on 33 providers.

  • Procedure: Evaluation of use of breathing device (CPT Code: 94664)
    Purpose: To assess if you need or are properly using inhalers or breathing devices.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $27.46 (ranges from $19.62 to $35.30)
    Based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Test to examine how well lungs exchange gases (CPT Code: 94729)
    Purpose: Measures lung gas exchange efficiency.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $85.06 (ranges from $63.79 to $106.32)
    Based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
    Purpose: Lung function test for airflow.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $50.24 (ranges from $30.42 to $70.06)
    Based on 16 providers.

Visit with an Infectious Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Specialized care for persistent or unusual infections causing cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $190.18 (ranges from $142.63 to $237.72)
    Based on 28 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Think of healthcare pricing like shopping in a market where the price on the tag is not fixed—there’s a range of what you might pay depending on many factors including negotiations and discounts.

  • The maximum cost shown is a bit less than what doctors might initially charge for that procedure. That’s often the starting point before discounts or insurance adjustments.
  • The minimum cost given tends to be just above what Medicare (the government insurance) pays. Providers sometimes get closer to breaking even or possibly losing money at this rate.

These numbers represent a general pricing range for someone paying cash or without insurance and can vary based on your provider, insurance, or negotiated rates.

Know Your Rights

When you schedule healthcare services, you have the right to a Good Faith Estimate (GFE). This means:

  • If you’re paying out-of-pocket and ask for one or arrange services at least 3 business days in advance, your doctor must provide an estimate of your expected charges.
  • Although not required by law, many providers offer discounts when you pay upfront. Don’t hesitate to ask: “What’s the cash price if I pay now?”
  • You can ask for a detailed, itemized bill and can dispute charges that seem incorrect, duplicated, or excessive.
  • You have the right to know the CPT codes and billing details for transparency.
  • Many states protect patients from outrageous or unfair billing, especially if uninsured.

Taking action now can lead to relief and answers. Here’s what to do:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor in Phoenix to start your evaluation. They can refer you to specialists if needed.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your cough history—how long it’s lasted, any other symptoms, and your questions to make the most of your time.
  3. Discuss Costs Upfront: When booking, ask about self-pay prices and request a Good Faith Estimate to avoid surprises.
  4. Stay Positive: Seeking care is the best thing you can do for your health. Professionals are there to help you get 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 information is intended to help you understand general healthcare options and estimated costs in Phoenix, AZ. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your symptoms or health condition.