Signs of Concussion After Fall? Next Steps in Dallas, TX

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Signs of Concussion After Fall? Next Steps in Dallas, TX

If you recently took a fall during a ride and hit your head, it’s completely natural to feel worried—especially when you start experiencing symptoms like a slight headache or feeling groggy. Even without losing consciousness, these can be signs of a concussion or other head injury that shouldn’t be ignored. You’re not alone, and you’re in the right place to learn what to do next.

This post will guide you through recognizing possible concussion symptoms, suggest which healthcare providers you might need to see in Dallas, TX, and give you an idea of the initial costs involved so you can feel prepared and confident seeking care.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Dallas, TX

After a fall with head impact and concussion-like symptoms, a few types of doctors are usually a good starting point to get checked:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can evaluate your overall health and symptoms, order initial tests if needed, and guide your care or refer you to specialists.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Specialists in adult medicine focusing on diagnosis and treatment, including head injuries, often with experience in more complex cases.
  • Neurologist: A specialist who focuses on the brain and nervous system; particularly helpful if symptoms persist or worsen, or if you need specialized neurological testing.
  • Emergency Medicine Doctor: If your symptoms feel severe or sudden worsening occurs (like confusion, repeated vomiting, or difficulty staying awake), emergency doctors provide urgent care for serious injuries.

Choosing the right doctor depends on how urgent your symptoms are and what kind of evaluations you may need.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s an overview of typical procedures and estimated self-pay costs in Dallas, TX, for each relevant provider type:

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is a standard visit where the doctor will assess your symptoms, ask about your fall, and may perform a physical exam.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Dallas: $193.57 (typically ranges from $145.18 to $241.96)
    Provider Availability: Based on 494 providers in the Dallas area.

  • Procedure: CT scan head or brain without contrast (CPT Code: 70450)
    Purpose: If your doctor suspects a more serious injury, this imaging helps detect bleeding or fractures.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Dallas: $266.02 (ranging from $81.38 to $450.66)
    Provider Availability: 1 provider in the Dallas area.

  • Procedure: MRI scan of brain without contrast (CPT Code: 70551)
    Purpose: A more detailed brain imaging used if symptoms persist or worsen.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Dallas: $600.54 (ranges from $159.58 to $1041.50)
    Provider Availability: 1 provider in Dallas.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Similar to family practice, this visit evaluates your symptoms and health overall.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Dallas: $194.08 (range: $145.56 - $242.60)
    Provider Availability: 508 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Sometimes ordered if there’s concern about injury beyond the head, like chest trauma during the fall.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $54.24 (range: $36.54 - $71.94)
    Providers: 72 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) 12-leads (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Used to check heart function, especially if you feel dizzy or lightheaded post-fall.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $29.35 (range: $16.97 - $41.73)
    Providers: 212 providers.

Visit with a Neurologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Specialist visit for detailed neurological assessment if your primary care doctor refers you.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.50 (range: $144.37 - $240.62)
    Provider Availability: 113 providers.

  • Procedure: MRI scan of brain without contrast (CPT Code: 70551)
    Purpose: Neurologists often order MRIs to investigate brain injuries more deeply.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $464.16 (range: $160.66 - $767.67)
    Providers: 16 providers.

  • Procedure: Measurement of brain wave activity (EEG) awake and drowsy (CPT Code: 95816)
    Purpose: Used to evaluate brain function if seizures or abnormal brain activity is suspected after head trauma.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $492.18 (range: $222.24 - $762.13)
    Providers: 40 providers.

Visit with an Emergency Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Emergency department visit with moderate complexity (CPT Code: 99284)
    Purpose: For urgent evaluation if symptoms are severe or worsening, such as confusion or extreme headache.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $431.30 (range: $142.07 - $720.54)
    Provider Availability: 429 providers.

  • Other procedures like X-rays, blood tests, and ECGs may also be performed in the ED if needed.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Healthcare pricing in the U.S. can feel a bit like haggling at a market. The prices you see aren’t always what you end up paying—there’s a lot of variability depending on the provider and your insurance status.

  • The maximum cost is often just below what providers initially charge (the “list price”). This is what many patients might be expected to pay without discounts or insurance.
  • The minimum cost usually hovers just above the amount Medicare has negotiated for the procedure, which often means the doctor breaks even or may even lose money at that rate.

Knowing this can help set expectations and remind you to ask providers about cash prices or self-pay discounts.

Know Your Rights

If you’re paying out of pocket, you have important legal protections:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): By law, if you don’t use insurance and request a cost estimate at least 3 business days before services, providers must give you a detailed, written estimate of expected charges.
  • Many providers offer self-pay discounts especially if you ask ahead of time. Don’t hesitate to ask, “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
  • You have the right to request a detailed, itemized bill and challenge any incorrect or surprising charges. You can also ask for the CPT codes and billing details.
  • Some states protect patients from unfair or excessive billing, especially for uninsured individuals.

Being informed empowers you to manage your healthcare costs wisely.

Your health and peace of mind come first. Here’s what to do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice doctor, Internal Medicine doctor, or Neurologist in Dallas, TX, to get your symptoms evaluated.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long you have had them, details about your fall, and any questions or concerns.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask about the expected cost and if a Good Faith Estimate can be provided.
  4. Stay Calm and Confident: Seeking professional advice is the right and responsible step for your health. Early evaluation can help ensure your recovery.

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 estimated costs in the Dallas, TX area based on self-pay rates. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you experience worsening symptoms or severe headache, seek emergency care immediately.