Feeling Weird? Find Out What to Do Next in Los Angeles, CA

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Feeling Weird? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Los Angeles, CA

Lately, feeling generally “off” — like trouble concentrating, mild dizziness, or disrupted sleep — can be unsettling. It’s natural to worry when symptoms are subtle and don’t point to a clear cause. You’re not alone in wondering, “Why do I feel weird?” and wanting to understand what’s behind it before it worsens.

This post will help guide you through your potential next steps: who you might see for these symptoms, what kinds of visits or assessments you can expect, and the typical costs you might face here in Los Angeles, CA. You’ve come to the right place to get clear, practical information so you can take confident action for your health.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles

Based on your symptoms — difficulty concentrating, feeling uneasy, mild dizziness, and sleep disruption — several healthcare providers may be appropriate starting points:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can evaluate many causes, and address both physical and emotional symptoms. They’re often the best first step to rule out common conditions or refer you onward.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Specializes in adult healthcare and managing complex or chronic issues. They can assess physical health related to symptoms such as dizziness and concentration problems.
  • Psychiatrist: Focuses on mental health diagnosis and treatment, including emotional distress, anxiety, or depression that might cause these feelings.
  • Neurologist: A doctor specializing in the brain and nervous system, appropriate if you or your doctor suspect a neurological cause for dizziness or concentration issues.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A comprehensive checkup to discuss your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and possibly order tests.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $233.69 (typically ranges from $157.19 to $310.19)
    Provider Availability: Based on 799 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: A brief evaluation to understand emotional or behavioral symptoms like anxiety or trouble concentrating.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.88 (ranges from $6.42 to $21.34)
    Provider Availability: Provided by 12 local providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: To review physical health, discuss symptoms, and coordinate further testing or referrals.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $225.65 (ranges from $153.18 to $298.12)
    Provider Availability: 1,176 providers available locally.

  • Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: Brief check for emotional/behavioral causes of symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.42 (ranges from $6.41 to $20.44)
    Provider Availability: 16 providers offer this service.

  • Procedure: Assessment and care planning for impaired thought processing, 60 minutes (CPT Code: 99483)
    Purpose: A longer, detailed evaluation when cognitive issues or concentration problems are concerning.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $452.64 (ranges from $339.48 to $565.80)
    Provider Availability: 23 providers.

Visit with a Psychiatrist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Follow-up counseling or medication management for mental health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $273.73 (ranges from $154.70 to $392.76)
    Provider Availability: 200 psychiatrists in the area.

  • Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services (CPT Code: 90792)
    Purpose: An initial, detailed assessment to diagnose mental health conditions that might cause your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $301.38 (ranges from $226.03 to $376.72)
    Provider Availability: 55 providers.

Visit with a Neurologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: To evaluate neurological factors potentially causing dizziness or concentration problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $238.58 (ranges from $152.92 to $324.24)
    Provider Availability: 255 providers.

  • Procedure: Exam of neurobehavioral status, first hour (CPT Code: 96116)
    Purpose: A detailed evaluation of brain-related functions affecting behavior and thinking.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $151.76 (ranges from $113.82 to $189.70)
    Provider Availability: 19 providers.

  • Procedure: Testing of autonomic nervous system function (CPT Codes: 95923, 95924)
    Purpose: Specialized tests for nervous system regulation affecting balance and dizziness.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: From $224.70 to $265.07
    Provider Availability: Each test offered by 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Evaluation and testing for balance with recording (CPT Code: 92540)
    Purpose: To diagnose causes of dizziness or balance issues with objective testing.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $226.03 (ranges from $145.07 to $307.00)
    Provider Availability: 4 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Think of healthcare pricing like shopping in a busy market where prices can vary depending on the vendor and negotiation.

  • The maximum cost shown is close to what the doctors “charge” — the sticker price before any negotiations or discounts.
  • The minimum cost is near the “Medicare allowed amount,” which is what Medicare insures have negotiated as a fair payment — doctors often only break even or may lose money at this rate.

This wide price range reflects the complexity of the system, varying overhead, and different provider fee structures. Your out-of-pocket cost will depend on several factors, including whether you pay upfront, have insurance, or negotiate.

Know your rights

You are empowered to ask and understand healthcare costs before your visit:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): If you plan to pay out-of-pocket and not use insurance, your provider must give you a clear estimate of your expected charges if you ask or schedule services at least 3 business days before your appointment. This is legally required to help you plan and compare costs.

  • Many providers offer self-pay discounts if you ask in advance. Always inquire, “What is the cash price if I pay upfront?”

  • You have a right to request an itemized, detailed bill and can dispute charges that look incorrect, repeated, or unreasonable. You may also ask for the CPT codes for services billed.

  • Various states have consumer protections against excessive or confusing charges, especially for uninsured patients. Knowing these rights can prevent surprise bills and confusion.

Taking action can ease your worry and get you the care you need:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Psychiatrist, or Neurology provider to discuss your symptoms.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms, how long they’ve lasted, and any questions or concerns you want to address.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking, ask for a Good Faith Estimate or cash price to avoid surprises. Remember, the costs listed here are typical estimates.
  4. Trust Yourself: Seeking professional advice is a strong, positive step toward feeling 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 provides estimated costs and general guidance but does not replace medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your situation.