Heart Racing But Not Anxious? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Chicago, IL

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Heart Racing But Not Anxious? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Chicago, IL

If you’ve been feeling jittery or noticed your heart racing even when you’re not stressed, it’s understandable to feel worried. You might be wondering if it’s something in your lifestyle like coffee, or if it could be a heart or anxiety-related issue. You’re not alone in this concern, and it’s good you’re paying attention to your body.

This post will help guide you through the possible next steps: who might be the right healthcare providers to see in Chicago, IL, what kind of initial visits and tests you might expect, and how much those could typically cost if you are paying on your own. You’re in the right place to learn how to move forward safely and confidently.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Chicago, IL

Based on your symptoms of a racing heart without obvious anxiety, here are some provider types who could be a good starting point to get answers and care:

  • Cardiology: Heart specialists who can check whether your heart’s rhythm and function are normal and investigate any underlying cardiac issues.
  • Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology: A cardiology subspecialty focusing on heart rhythm disorders, which could be especially useful if your racing heart is due to irregular beats.
  • Family Practice: General doctors who can evaluate your symptoms broadly, manage common heart and mental health conditions, and refer you if needed.
  • Internal Medicine: Similar to family practice, these doctors focus on adult medicine and can help diagnose and manage heart or related conditions.
  • Psychiatry: Specialists in mental health who can evaluate if there’s an anxiety or other emotional component affecting your heart rate.

Each of these providers might approach your symptoms from a slightly different angle, so choosing one depends on whether you think it’s mainly physical or possibly related to stress or emotional health.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s an overview of common procedures you might face with each provider type in Chicago, along with estimated self-pay costs based on local data.

Visit with a Cardiology Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A focused appointment to discuss your symptoms, examine you, and decide if further heart tests are needed. This is your chance to get detailed answers about your heart’s health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.02 (typically ranges from $144.01 to $240.02)
    This estimate is based on 260 providers in Chicago.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG), 12 leads with interpretation (CPT Code: 93010)
    Purpose: A quick, painless test that records your heart’s electrical activity to check for irregular rhythms. Often one of the first tests for a racing heart.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $22.40 (ranges from $10.06 to $34.75)
    Based on 204 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of the heart with color blood flow and valve function (CPT Code: 93306)
    Purpose: An imaging test to look at your heart’s structure and how well blood is moving through it. Helps rule out structural problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $187.86 (ranges from $93.91 to $281.80)
    Based on 224 providers.

Visit with a Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Detailed evaluation when irregular heart rhythm might be the cause of your racing heart.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.73 (ranges from $145.30 to $242.16)
    Based on 52 providers.

  • Procedure: Heart rhythm review over continuous external ECG monitoring for 48 hrs to 7 days (CPT Code: 93244)
    Purpose: Extended monitoring to detect irregular heartbeats that may not show up in a regular ECG. Very useful for intermittent symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $52.20 (ranges from $28.91 to $75.50)
    Based on 30 providers.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A general evaluation of your symptoms and overall health. Family doctors can often address common causes or refer you appropriately.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $202.91 (ranges from $152.18 to $253.64)
    Based on 854 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) 12 leads (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Same as cardiology ECG, a baseline heart rhythm check.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $39.65 (ranges from $18.16 to $61.15)
    Based on 160 providers.

  • Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: A brief screening to explore if emotional or behavioral health issues might be impacting your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18.17 (ranges from $6.12 to $30.22)
    Based on 24 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: An adult-focused general medical evaluation for your concerns.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.68 (ranges from $149.76 to $249.60)
    Based on 1,099 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) 12 leads (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Heart rhythm check similar to other providers.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $42.90 (ranges from $18.30 to $67.50)
    Based on 339 providers.

  • Procedure: Annual depression screening (CPT Code: G0444)
    Purpose: A brief check for depressive symptoms that could relate to your feelings and heart racing.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $30.05 (ranges from $22.54 to $37.56)
    Based on 84 providers.

Visit with a Psychiatry Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Mental health evaluation and managing potential anxiety or other emotional causes of your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $189.02 (ranges from $141.77 to $236.28)
    Based on 171 providers.

  • Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services (CPT Code: 90792)
    Purpose: Comprehensive mental health evaluation with possibility of medication management.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $288.91 (ranges from $216.68 to $361.14)
    Based on 116 providers.

  • Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: Quick check for emotional issues influencing physical symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $11.90 (ranges from $5.68 to $18.12)
    Based on 3 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Navigating healthcare prices in the U.S. can feel like haggling at a market where prices vary a lot. The costs you see are estimates and can differ depending on where you go and how the provider bills.

  • The maximum cost you see is usually just under what providers originally ask for a service (called the “charged amount”).
  • The minimum cost tends to be just above the “Medicare allowed amount,” which is the rate Medicare has negotiated with providers. At this lower price, providers may be breaking even or losing money.

Think of the cost range as a guide—not a fixed price. Actual charges can vary depending on your provider’s policies, discounts, or any additional tests.

Know Your Rights

You have important protections when it comes to medical bills:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): If you are paying out-of-pocket and not using insurance, your healthcare provider must give you a GFE if you ask for it or schedule your services at least 3 business days in advance. This document shows the expected charges so you know what to expect.
  • Many providers offer self-pay discounts if you ask upfront. Don’t hesitate to inquire: “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
  • You can request a detailed, itemized bill and challenge any charge that looks wrong or unfair. It’s also your right to ask for CPT codes that explain what’s being billed.
  • Some states protect patients against “unconscionable” billing practices, especially for those without insurance, so don’t feel powerless.

Taking control of your health begins with action. Here’s what to do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to one of the providers listed above — family practice or internal medicine doctors are good generalists, while cardiologists and psychiatrists specialize in heart and emotional health.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, when they started, how often your heart races, any lifestyle factors like caffeine use, and questions you want answered.
  3. Discuss Costs in Advance: When you book your appointment, ask about expected costs and if a Good Faith Estimate can be provided.
  4. Remember: Seeking professional advice is the right, smart step toward feeling better and finding reassurance.

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 is not medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your health condition.