Feeling Weird? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Long Beach, CA

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Feeling Weird? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Long Beach, CA

It’s understandably unsettling when you start feeling “weird” — maybe your concentration slips, sleep feels restless, or you notice a faint dizziness without a clear cause. These subtle symptoms can leave you feeling uneasy and worried about what might be happening in your body or mind. You’re not alone in this experience, and it’s a good step that you are seeking information and clarity.

This post is here to help you understand what kinds of medical professionals might be best to see based on your symptoms. We’ll also walk you through what to expect during an initial visit and give you a sense of typical self-pay costs for medical care in Long Beach, CA. Our goal is to empower you with clear, practical next steps so you can take charge of your health with confidence.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Long Beach, CA

Feeling “off” or weird can stem from a variety of causes involving physical, emotional, or neurological health. Based on your symptoms, here are a few types of doctors who could be a good starting point:

  • Internal Medicine Doctor: These physicians specialize in adult health and can diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions. They often manage complex symptoms affecting multiple body systems and can coordinate specialized care if needed.
  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist providing comprehensive care for all ages. Family practice doctors can evaluate your symptoms, manage both physical and emotional health concerns, and are a great first stop for new or ongoing issues.
  • Psychiatrist: A specialist focusing on mental health conditions. If your feelings of unease and difficulty concentrating might be related to emotional or behavioral health, psychiatry could offer assessment and treatment options.
  • Neurologist: Doctors who diagnose and treat nervous system disorders, including issues that affect balance, cognition, sleep, or dizziness. If your symptoms suggest a neurological cause, this specialist can conduct detailed evaluations.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s what the first visits and common assessments typically look like with each provider type in Long Beach, CA, along with estimated self-pay cost information:

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This visit allows your doctor to review your health, discuss your symptoms, and perform a physical exam to help narrow down causes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.33 (typically ranges from $157 to $262)
    This estimate is based on 602 providers in Long Beach.

  • Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: A quick screening that helps identify if emotional or behavioral factors might be contributing to how you feel.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $14.83 (typically ranges from $6.52 to $23.15)
    This estimate is based on 7 providers in Long Beach.

  • Procedure: Annual depression screening, 5 to 15 minutes (CPT Code: G0444)
    Purpose: A focused screening to detect depressive symptoms which can underlie feelings of being “off.”
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $32.50 (typically ranges from $24.37 to $40.62)
    This estimate is based on 87 providers.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Similar to Internal Medicine, this visit helps the doctor evaluate your overall health and symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $212.06 (typically ranges from $159 to $265)
    This estimate is based on 574 providers.

  • Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: Screening to explore if emotional health concerns need to be addressed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.83 (typically ranges from $6.37 to $35.29)
    This estimate is based on 5 providers.

  • Procedure: Annual depression screening, 5 to 15 minutes (CPT Code: G0444)
    Purpose: Checking for depressive symptoms in a brief visit.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $32.53 (typically ranges from $24.40 to $40.66)
    This estimate is based on 83 providers.

Visit with a Psychiatrist

  • Procedure: New patient office or outpatient visit, 30-44 minutes (CPT Code: 99203)
    Purpose: A longer initial assessment specifically focusing on mental and emotional health to understand underlying issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.91 (typically ranges from $146 to $244)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: Specialized screening of emotional or behavioral symptoms by a mental health expert.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.61 (typically ranges from $6.46 to $10.76)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

Visit with a Neurologist

  • Procedure: New patient office or outpatient visit, 45-59 minutes (CPT Code: 99204)
    Purpose: A detailed neurological evaluation that can cover dizziness, concentration issues, and sleep disturbances.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $281.73 (typically ranges from $211 to $352)
    This estimate is based on 67 providers.

  • Procedure: Sleep study including heart rate, breathing, airflow, and effort (CPT Code: 95806)
    Purpose: An in-depth test to identify sleep disorders that might cause fatigue or concentration problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $143.26 (typically ranges from $56 to $231)
    This estimate is based on 4 providers.

  • Procedure: Evaluation and testing for balance with recording (CPT Code: 92540)
    Purpose: Testing to determine causes of dizziness or balance problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.50 (typically ranges from $144 to $241)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Exam of neurobehavioral status, first hour (CPT Code: 96116)
    Purpose: Comprehensive assessment of cognitive and behavioral function.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $158.06 (typically ranges from $119 to $198)
    This estimate is based on 7 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Understanding healthcare costs can often feel like navigating a confusing marketplace. Think of it like shopping where the listed price is not always fixed, and there’s room for negotiation or deals depending on the buyer and seller.

  • The maximum cost you see here is close to what doctors initially charge for a procedure or visit — often called the “charged amount.”
  • The minimum cost is slightly above the amount Medicare has negotiated to pay — called the “Medicare allowed amount.” At this lower price, many providers may break even or even take a loss.

These ranges reflect variations in provider pricing, location, services included, and whether discounts are applied. Your final cost can depend on the specific provider, your negotiation, and your insurance status.

Know Your Rights

If you’re paying out-of-pocket without insurance, the law requires that healthcare providers give you a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of expected charges if you ask for it or schedule services at least 3 business days ahead.

  • The GFE helps you understand what to expect financially before your visit.
  • Many providers offer discounts for upfront self-pay. Don’t hesitate to ask: “What’s the cash price if I pay at the time of service?”
  • You have the right to request an itemized bill, and to dispute charges that seem incorrect, duplicated, or unreasonable.
  • You can also ask for the CPT codes used on your bill to understand what services you were charged for.
  • Several states have protections against excessive or “unconscionable” billing practices, especially for uninsured patients.

Being informed and proactive about costs helps you avoid surprises and get fair treatment.

The most important thing is to prioritize your health by connecting with a qualified healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms in person. Here’s what you can do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to one of the mentioned provider types — like an Internal Medicine or Family Practice doctor — who can examine your symptoms and guide further action.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, their duration, any triggers or patterns, and questions you want to ask. This will help your provider understand your concerns better.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking, ask the provider’s office to confirm your expected self-pay costs and whether they offer any discounts or payment plans.
  4. Feel Empowered: Remember that seeking professional care is a positive step towards feeling better. Your health is worth this attention and care.

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 is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.