Why Does My Cough Not Stop? Next Healthcare Steps in The Woodlands, TX

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Why Does My Cough Not Stop? Next Healthcare Steps in The Woodlands, TX

Having a cough that just won’t go away for several weeks can be frustrating and concerning. If you don’t smoke but still find yourself constantly coughing, it’s natural to wonder what might be causing it and where to turn for help. You’re not alone in feeling this way, and it’s important to address these symptoms early.

This guide is here to help you understand the potential next steps, including which types of doctors could help diagnose and treat your persistent cough. Additionally, we’ll provide you with an idea of what initial visits and tests might cost around The Woodlands, TX, so you can feel more confident when seeking care.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in The Woodlands, TX

When dealing with a persistent cough, there are a few types of healthcare providers who might be appropriate starting points. Based on your symptoms, consider:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can diagnose and treat many common illnesses, including infections and allergies. They are often the best first step to evaluate symptoms and recommend further testing or referrals if needed.
  • Pulmonary Disease Specialist: A doctor specializing in lung and respiratory conditions. They can perform specialized testing if your cough seems related to lung function or chronic issues.
  • Infectious Disease Specialist: For coughs possibly caused by infections that are difficult to diagnose or treat, these specialists can offer targeted care.
  • Allergy/Immunology Specialist: If allergies or immune system reactions are suspected causes of your cough, these doctors provide testing and treatment options.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Experts in adult medicine, they can evaluate a wide range of systems and symptoms, and manage chronic conditions possibly related to your cough.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This visit is to discuss your symptoms and get a clinical evaluation to help determine possible causes of your cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.28 (typically ranges from $149.46 to $249.10)
    This estimate is based on 239 providers in The Woodlands area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: An X-ray helps check your lungs for infections, inflammation, or other issues that might cause a persistent cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $55.87 (ranges from $32.08 to $79.67)
    This estimate is based on 22 providers.

  • Procedure: Detection test for Influenza virus via immunoassay (CPT Code: 87804)
    Purpose: A simple test to see if the flu virus might be causing your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.13 (ranges from $19.44 to $32.82)
    This is offered by 25 providers.

  • Procedure: Detection test for COVID-19 via immunoassay (CPT Code: 87426)
    Purpose: Tests if your cough might be related to COVID-19 infection.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $85.44 (ranges from $41.29 to $129.59)
    Available from 23 providers.

Visit with a Pulmonary Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A focused evaluation to investigate lung-related causes of your cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $202.72 (ranges $152.04 to $253.40)
    Based on 26 providers.

  • Procedure: Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
    Purpose: This lung function test checks how well you breathe out air, useful for diagnosing asthma or other lung conditions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $40.46 (ranges $28.66 to $52.27)
    Offered by 14 providers.

  • Procedure: Test to examine gas exchange in lungs (CPT Code: 94729)
    Purpose: Measures how efficiently your lungs transfer oxygen and carbon dioxide.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $63.87 (ranges $46.51 to $81.22)
    Available from 22 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Same as above.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $55.65 (ranges $36.90 to $74.40)
    Available from 1 provider.

Visit with an Infectious Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Specialized evaluation for infections that may be causing your lingering cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.19 (ranges $145.64 to $242.74)
    Based on 17 providers.

Visit with an Allergy/Immunology Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Helps determine if allergies or immune responses are behind your cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $202.85 (ranges $152.14 to $253.56)
    Based on 14 providers.

  • Procedure: Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
    Purpose: Same lung function test as pulmonary specialists.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $42.79 (ranges $31.98 to $53.60)
    From 4 providers.

  • Procedure: Test to measure rate of airflow (CPT Code: 94375)
    Purpose: Measures breathing speed to help diagnose airway problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $61.11 (ranges $45.64 to $76.59)
    From 8 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Comprehensive adult evaluation for your cough and any related health concerns.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.57 (ranges $149.68 to $249.46)
    Based on 155 providers.

  • Procedure: Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
    Purpose: Lung function testing described above.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $43.28 (ranges $32.46 to $54.10)
    From 5 providers.

  • Additional procedures related to blood work, urine analysis, and ECG might be ordered depending on your symptoms to rule out other conditions.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Healthcare pricing can feel confusing and unpredictable, much like haggling at a busy market where prices vary depending on the seller and negotiation. The prices listed represent estimates, not fixed charges.

  • The maximum cost you see is slightly below the amount providers typically charge before any discounts or negotiations—think of it as the “asking price.”
  • The minimum cost is just above what Medicare, a government insurance program, pays for the same procedure. Providers may accept this amount even if it means little to no profit.

Understanding this range helps you prepare for what you might pay out of pocket, especially if you’re paying without insurance.

Know Your Rights

In the U.S., doctors are legally required to provide you with a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of expected charges if you aren’t using insurance and ask for it, or if you schedule care at least 3 business days ahead.

  • The GFE helps you understand your potential financial responsibility upfront.
  • Many providers also offer self-pay discounts if you ask before your visit—don’t hesitate to inquire, “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
  • You have the right to request an itemized bill to check for any incorrect or duplicate charges.
  • You can also ask your provider for CPT codes and billing details to help you understand each charge.
  • Numerous states have laws protecting against unfair or “unconscionable” medical bills, especially for uninsured patients.

Taking charge of your health starts with connecting to the right care. Here’s what to do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to a Family Practice doctor or one of the specialists listed above to begin your evaluation.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, when your cough began, any other health changes, and questions you want answers to.
  3. Discuss Costs: When you call to book your appointment, ask about costs and whether a Good Faith Estimate can be provided.
  4. Final Reassurance: Remember, persistent coughs sometimes signal treatable conditions. Getting timely professional advice is the best step for 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.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information based on cost and provider data for The Woodlands, TX at the time of writing. It does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with any health concerns or questions.