Sudden Coughing Up Blood in Elderly? What To Do in Chicago, IL
Sudden Coughing Up Blood in Elderly? What To Do in Chicago, IL
If you’re an older adult and suddenly cough up blood, it’s natural to feel scared and uncertain about what’s happening. Even if you don’t feel sick in other ways, this is a new symptom you’ve never had before, which understandably raises concerns. You’re not alone in this, and it’s good that you’re seeking answers and guidance.
This post is here to help you understand what steps to take next, who you might need to see, and what the typical costs might look like in Chicago, IL. Our goal is to provide clear information so you can feel more confident about getting the care you need.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Chicago, IL
Based on your symptoms—coughing up blood without other illness signs—there are a few types of healthcare providers who could be a good starting point:
- Internal Medicine Doctors: These doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating adults’ health issues, including sudden symptoms like coughing blood. They can evaluate you thoroughly and guide further testing.
- Emergency Medicine Providers: If you feel the bleeding is heavy, or if you develop other symptoms like chest pain or difficulty breathing, these providers in the emergency department are prepared for urgent evaluations.
- Pulmonary Disease Specialists (Pulmonologists): These lung specialists focus on respiratory problems and may be involved if your primary doctor feels specialized lung exams or procedures are needed.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s a breakdown of common procedures for each provider type in Chicago, along with estimated self-pay costs based on available data. This can help you prepare financially and understand what care involves.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A thorough checkup and evaluation to understand your symptom and overall health. This visit allows your doctor to ask detailed questions and perform an exam.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.68 (typically ranges from $149.76 to $249.60)
This estimate is based on 1,099 providers in the Chicago area. -
Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: A chest X-ray helps detect lung or chest problems that might cause bleeding.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $55.34 (ranges from $37.37 to $73.31)
Based on 17 providers locally. -
Procedure: Insertion of needle into vein for blood sample (CPT Code: 36415)
Purpose: Blood tests can check for infections or other causes of bleeding.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.30 (ranges from $9.97 to $16.62)
Based on 401 providers. -
Procedure: Detection test for SARS coronavirus and influenza (CPT Code: 87428)
Purpose: Rule out viral infections that may cause coughing and bleeding.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $75.16 (ranges from $42.44 to $107.88)
Based on 7 providers. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) with interpretation (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: Check heart function as it can sometimes relate to respiratory symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $42.90 (ranges from $18.30 to $67.50)
Based on 339 providers.
Visit to Emergency Medicine (Emergency Department)
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Procedure: Emergency department visit with high level of medical decision making (CPT Code: 99285)
Purpose: A comprehensive urgent evaluation when immediate care is necessary.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $508.49 (ranges from $220.02 to $796.97)
Based on 1,068 providers. -
Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
Purpose: Same as above, to check lungs quickly in emergency.
Estimated Cost: $55.98 (ranges from $30.58 to $81.38)
Based on 18 providers. -
Procedure: ECG with interpretation (CPT Code: 93010)
Purpose: Check heart in emergency.
Estimated Cost: $29.34 (ranges from $9.92 to $48.75)
Based on 384 providers. -
Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
Purpose: Blood tests in emergency context.
Estimated Cost: $13.42 (ranges $10.07 to $16.78)
Based on 17 providers. -
Procedure: COVID-19 and influenza multiplex test (CPT Code: 87636)
Purpose: Detect respiratory viruses.
Estimated Cost: $186.67 (ranges $140.00 to $233.34)
Based on 2 providers.
Visit with a Pulmonary Disease Specialist
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Procedure: Follow-up established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Specialized lung evaluation for diagnosis and management.
Estimated Cost: $186.22 (ranges $139.67 to $232.78)
Based on 144 providers. -
Procedure: Diagnostic lung airway exam using an endoscope (CPT Code: 31622)
Purpose: Look inside your lungs to find the exact cause of bleeding.
Estimated Cost: $1,269.64 (wide range from $159.28 to $2,380.00)
Based on 1 provider. -
Procedure: Lung airway suctioning for cell collection (CPT Code: 31624)
Purpose: Obtain lung samples for testing.
Estimated Cost: $448.26 (ranges from $65.02 to $831.50)
Based on 40 providers. -
Procedure: Lung biopsy via endoscope (CPT Code: 31625)
Purpose: Remove small lung tissue samples to diagnose cause of bleeding.
Estimated Cost: $690.83 (ranges from $92.86 to $1,288.80)
Based on 3 providers. -
Procedure: Aspiration of fluid from chest cavity (CPT Code: 32554)
Purpose: Remove and test fluid if accumulated and related to bleeding.
Estimated Cost: $150.74 (ranges $113.05 to $188.42)
Based on 3 providers.
How to Interpret the Cost Estimates
Navigating healthcare costs in the U.S. can feel like haggling at a busy marketplace—prices vary widely and depend on many factors. Here’s how to understand the cost ranges provided:
- The maximum cost usually reflects what providers initially charge—akin to the asking price in a market.
- The minimum cost approximates what Medicare, the government insurance program for seniors, has negotiated as fair payment. This is often close to what providers break even on or may lose money.
Knowing this helps you understand why prices vary and why it’s important to ask providers for a clear estimate before proceeding.
Know Your Rights
You have a right to transparency when it comes to healthcare costs. Under the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) rules:
- If you’re paying without insurance, your provider must give you a written estimate of charges if you ask at least 3 business days before a scheduled service.
- Many providers offer discounts for upfront cash payments. Don’t hesitate to ask the office, “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
- You can request a detailed, itemized bill and ask for explanations on charges, including CPT codes and modifiers.
- Many states protect patients against unfair billing practices, especially if you’re uninsured.
Remember: being informed and asking questions empowers you to make the best decisions for your care.
Your Recommended Next Steps
If you have suddenly coughed up blood, the most important thing is to seek professional medical evaluation promptly:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact an internal medicine doctor or, if the bleeding or symptoms worsen, visit an emergency department. A pulmonary specialist can be a next step if your primary doctor recommends it.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptom details—when the bleeding started, amount of blood, any other symptoms—and list any questions for your doctor.
- Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, call the provider’s office to confirm estimated costs. The prices listed here are general estimates and can vary.
- Stay Calm and Act: Taking this step is the right choice 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 is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. If you experience severe symptoms such as heavy bleeding, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, seek emergency care immediately.