Signs of Concussion After Fall? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Atlanta, GA

If you recently fell during a ride and hit your head, you’re likely feeling worried—especially if you’ve started experiencing a headache or a bit of grogginess afterward. Although you didn’t lose consciousness, these symptoms understandably raise concerns about a possible concussion. It’s normal to want to understand what to look for and what you should do next.

This post will help guide you through recognizing potential concussion symptoms, explain what types of doctors you might consider seeing in Atlanta, GA, and provide a clear idea of the initial costs you might expect. You’re in the right place to find information that can help you take the next steps toward proper care.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Atlanta, GA

When it comes to symptoms like headache and grogginess after a fall, there are a few types of healthcare providers who can help evaluate your condition and provide the right treatment:

• Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who diagnoses and treats many common illnesses and injuries. They are a great first stop as they can assess your symptoms thoroughly and refer you if needed.
• Emergency Medicine Doctor: If symptoms worsen quickly or you feel very unwell, an emergency medicine physician can provide urgent evaluation and treatment, including necessary imaging.
• Neurologist: A specialist focusing on the brain and nervous system, a neurologist can perform detailed assessments of possible brain injuries such as concussions.
• Internal Medicine Doctor: Similar to a family practice doctor but often focused on adult patients, an internist can also evaluate your symptoms and order relevant tests like a CT scan.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of common procedures and visits you might expect with each provider type, along with estimated self-pay costs in Atlanta, GA.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

• Procedure: Established patient office visit for 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
  Purpose: This visit allows the doctor to evaluate your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and decide if further testing is needed.
  Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.50 (typically ranges from $147.36 to $245.64)
  This estimate is based on 348 providers in the Atlanta area.

• Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
  Purpose: Sometimes ordered if there is a concern about injury beyond your head, such as chest trauma from the fall.
  Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $59.76 (ranging from $39.17 to $80.34)
  Based on 32 providers in Atlanta.

Visit with an Emergency Medicine Doctor

• Procedure: Emergency department visit with high level of medical decision making (CPT Code: 99285)
  Purpose: For potentially serious cases needing urgent evaluation, this visit covers assessment, diagnostics, and treatment plans.
  Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $584.16 (ranges from $208.01 to $960.32)
  Based on 423 providers locally.

• Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
  Same purpose and costs as listed above, based on 6 emergency providers.

• Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads (CPT Code: 93010)
  Purpose: Sometimes used to check heart function if symptoms or fall circumstances raise concerns.
  Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $30.78 (ranges from $9.61 to $51.94)
  Based on 269 providers.

Visit with a Neurologist

• Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
  Purpose: A more specialized assessment of brain and nervous system function to evaluate concussion or related complications.
  Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $201.82 (ranges from $147.58 to $256.07)
  Based on 85 neurologists in Atlanta.

• Procedure: MRI scan of brain without contrast (CPT Code: 70551)
  Purpose: Provides detailed imaging of the brain if more information is needed beyond initial exams.
  Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $320.64 (ranges from $240.48 to $400.80)
  Based on 6 neurologists.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

• Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
  Same purpose and cost as family practice visit.
  Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.58 (ranges from $146.69 to $244.48)
  Based on 444 internists.

• Procedure: CT scan of head or brain without contrast (CPT Code: 70450)
  Purpose: Used to quickly evaluate brain injuries such as bleeding or swelling after a head injury.
  Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $152.32 (ranges from $114.24 to $190.40)
  Based on 1 provider in the area.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Think of healthcare pricing in the U.S. a bit like shopping in a marketplace where prices can vary widely depending on where you go and what deals you can negotiate. The costs you see here include a range:

• The maximum cost is usually what providers charge before discounts or insurance adjustments—think of it as the “asking price.”
• The minimum cost approximates what Medicare has negotiated to pay providers—often close to the providers’ break-even point or even a loss.

So, the actual price you pay could be somewhere in between, especially if you ask about cash discounts or if you use insurance.

Know Your Rights

If you’re planning to pay out-of-pocket, you have important rights to keep costs clear and fair:

• Good Faith Estimate (GFE): By law, doctors must provide you a written, detailed estimate of expected charges if you’re paying out of pocket and request it at least 3 business days before your visit.
• Many providers offer self-pay discounts—it’s always okay to ask: “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
• You have the right to receive a detailed itemized bill and to dispute charges that seem incorrect or duplicate.
• You can request full billing codes used for your visit (CPT codes) and question anything unclear. Many states protect consumers from unreasonable medical bills, especially if you don’t have insurance.

Your Recommended Next Steps

When you’re feeling concerned about a possible concussion, taking action quickly and confidently is key:

1. Schedule an Appointment with a Family Practice doctor, Internal Medicine physician, or Neurologist in Atlanta to get a thorough evaluation. If symptoms worsen or you feel very unwell, consider going to an Emergency Department.
2. Prepare for Your Visit by writing down all your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, and any questions you want answered.
3. Discuss Costs upfront when you call to book your appointment. Let them know if you plan to pay cash and ask for a Good Faith Estimate.
4. Remember, seeking professional advice is the best way to ensure your health 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.

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.