Experiencing Headaches from Birth Control? Your Guide to Next Healthcare Steps in Chicago

Starting a new birth control pill can sometimes bring up concerns like headaches and nausea, especially if these symptoms happen frequently, like most mornings. It’s natural to wonder whether these effects are part of your body adjusting or if the birth control isn’t the right one for you. Your feelings are completely valid, and seeking guidance on what to do next shows you’re taking good care of your health.

This post is here to help you understand some possible next steps, including which kinds of healthcare providers you might consider seeing in Chicago, IL, and what initial visit costs you can expect if you’re paying out-of-pocket. You’re in the right place to make an informed and confident decision about your care.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Chicago, IL

Based on your symptoms of headache and nausea after starting birth control, a few types of doctors could be a good starting point:

• Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions, including common side effects of medications and headaches. They can evaluate your birth control symptoms and help decide your next steps.
• Internal Medicine Doctor: Similar to family practice doctors but typically focused on adult patients with a broad knowledge of medicine. They can carefully assess your symptoms and medical history to find the cause.
• Neurologist: A specialist focused on headaches and neurological symptoms. If your headaches are severe, persistent, or unusual, your primary doctor might refer you to a neurologist for further evaluation.

Starting with a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor can be a practical way to discuss your symptoms and get personalized advice.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

When you visit a doctor for your symptoms, they typically schedule an outpatient office visit to discuss your health history, symptoms, and perform an exam. Here are the common procedures with estimated self-pay costs in Chicago for each provider type:

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

• Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
• Purpose: This visit allows your doctor to review your symptoms, medications, and perform a physical exam to evaluate your headaches and nausea. It’s a thorough routine check-up that helps guide your treatment plan.
• Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Chicago: $202.91 (typically ranges from $152.18 to $253.64)
• Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 854 family practice providers in the Chicago area.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

• Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
• Purpose: Your doctor will assess adult health concerns and work to understand whether the medication or another issue is causing your symptoms. This type of appointment is similar to family practice in scope but with a focus on adults.
• Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Chicago: $199.68 (typically ranges from $149.76 to $249.60)
• Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 1,099 internal medicine providers in the Chicago area.

Visit with a Neurologist

• Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
• Purpose: A neurologist specializes in diagnosing headaches and other neurological symptoms, offering a deeper evaluation if your symptoms are complex or not improving. This visit may occur after a referral from your primary care doctor.
• Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Chicago: $185.42 (typically ranges from $139.07 to $231.78)
• Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 239 neurology providers in the Chicago area.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Navigating healthcare costs can feel like haggling in an unfamiliar marketplace — prices vary widely and it’s not always clear why. Here are a few key points to help you understand the estimates:

• The maximum cost you see is usually just under the “charged amount,” which is what doctors initially ask for the procedure. This is often negotiable.
• The minimum cost is a bit above the “Medicare allowed amount,” which is what Medicare has negotiated to pay doctors. At this price, providers often break even or might even lose money.

Knowing this, costs can vary depending on your provider and your method of payment, but understanding these ranges helps you plan better.

Know Your Rights

You have important rights around medical billing and cost estimates, especially if you’re paying without insurance:

• Under federal law, doctors must provide a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of expected charges if you ask for one or schedule services at least 3 business days in advance.
• Even where not mandated, many providers offer discounts for self-pay patients if you ask ahead of time. Don’t hesitate to ask: “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
• You can also request a detailed, itemized bill that breaks down charges and includes CPT codes. If you spot errors, duplications, or unreasonable fees, you have the right to dispute them.
• Many states protect patients from “unconscionable” billing, especially for uninsured patients. It’s always okay to advocate for yourself and seek fair pricing.

Your Recommended Next Steps

Taking control of your health starts with professional advice. Here’s what to do next:

1. Schedule an appointment with a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor in Chicago to discuss your headaches and nausea.
2. Prepare for your visit by writing down your symptoms, how often they occur, when they started, and any specific questions or concerns you have.
3. Discuss costs upfront with the provider’s office to confirm pricing and ask about any self-pay options or discounts.
4. Follow up promptly if symptoms worsen or you have any new concerns — your health matters.

Remember, seeking expert advice is the right and empowered choice for your well-being.

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.

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This blog post is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for personal guidance.