Heart Racing but Not Anxious? Next Steps in Atlanta, GA

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Heart Racing but Not Anxious? Next Steps in Atlanta, GA

If you’ve been experiencing moments when your heart suddenly races, but you don’t feel anxious or stressed, it’s natural to feel concerned and wonder what might be causing this. Whether it’s from drinking coffee, changes in your lifestyle, or something else, these sensations can be unsettling. You’re not alone in searching for answers, and it’s smart to seek clarity about your health.

This post is here to help guide you through the next steps: which types of healthcare providers might be the best fit to evaluate your symptoms, what kinds of procedures you can expect during initial visits, and an idea of the costs involved in Atlanta, GA. Understanding these aspects can empower you to take action confidently and get the care you deserve.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Atlanta, GA

When your heart feels like it’s racing without an obvious cause like anxiety, several specialists could help determine the reason and provide peace of mind or treatment. Here are the types of providers you might consider:

  • Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology: Specialists who focus on the electrical activity of the heart, ideal if your symptoms might relate to irregular heart rhythms.

  • Cardiology: Heart doctors who diagnose and treat a wide range of heart problems, including heart racing episodes.

  • Internal Medicine: Doctors who specialize in adult health including heart and systemic conditions; they can provide an initial evaluation and guide you if further care is needed.

  • Family Practice: Generalist doctors who handle many health issues and can offer initial assessment and basic testing to understand your symptoms.

  • Psychiatry: If your heart racing might relate to emotional or behavioral concerns, psychiatrists can evaluate and treat anxiety or other conditions that affect your heart rate.

Each of these provider types can be a valuable first step depending on your specific concerns and symptoms.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of typical procedures for each provider type, what they mean, and the estimated costs for self-pay patients in Atlanta, GA.

Visit with a Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A detailed check-up to review your heart’s electrical activity and discuss symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $212.63 (typically ranges from $146.15 to $279.11)
    This estimate is based on 27 providers in the Atlanta area.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads with interpretation and report (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: A quick, painless test that records your heartbeat’s electrical signals to check for irregular rhythms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $35.81 (typically ranges from $17.14 to $54.49)
    This estimate is based on 26 providers in the Atlanta area.

Visit with a Cardiologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Assessment of your heart’s function and symptoms to identify potential underlying heart disease or rhythm issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $210.07 (typically ranges from $147.13 to $273.01)
    This estimate is based on 161 providers in Atlanta.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) with interpretation (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Detect electrical problems in your heart rhythm.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $34.63 (typically ranges from $17.22 to $52.04)
    This estimate is based on 127 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of heart with color blood flow, rate, direction, valve function (CPT Code: 93306)
    Purpose: A detailed imaging test to look at your heart’s structure and blood flow, often used if initial tests suggest further investigation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $179.84 (typically ranges from $92.16 to $267.51)
    This estimate is based on 132 providers.

  • Procedure: Exercise or drug-induced heart stress test with ECG (CPT Code: 93018)
    Purpose: Measures how your heart works under stress to detect abnormal rhythms or blockages.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $31.21 (typically ranges from $16.48 to $45.94)
    This estimate is based on 81 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Comprehensive evaluation of symptoms and general health, including heart and related conditions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.58 (typically ranges from $146.69 to $244.48)
    This estimate is based on 444 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Basic heart rhythm check using 12-lead ECG.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $35.60 (typically ranges from $17.26 to $53.94)
    This estimate is based on 210 providers.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Initial consultation and symptom review, with the ability to order basic tests or refer you if more specialized care is needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.50 (typically ranges from $147.36 to $245.64)
    This estimate is based on 348 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Detect irregular heartbeats quickly and painlessly.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $34.54 (typically ranges from $17.18 to $51.89)
    This estimate is based on 93 providers.

  • Additional Tests: Blood tests such as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to check for hormonal causes, and blood glucose tests to exclude diabetes-related symptoms are also commonly available.

Visit with a Psychiatrist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Evaluate emotional or behavioral factors that might contribute to racing heart sensations, including anxiety or panic disorders.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $181.70 (typically ranges from $136.27 to $227.12)
    This estimate is based on 91 providers.

  • Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services (CPT Code: 90792)
    Purpose: A more in-depth diagnostic review combining medical and psychological assessment.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $290.56 (typically ranges from $217.92 to $363.20)
    This estimate is based on 27 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Understanding healthcare costs can feel like navigating a complex marketplace. Think of it like shopping in a busy market where sellers list prices, but there’s room to negotiate and variation depending on circumstances.

  • The maximum cost shown is near what providers typically “charge”: this is their asking price, like a sticker on an item.

  • The minimum cost is close to the Medicare allowed amount, which is what government insurance deems as reasonable payment. Providers may accept this amount for certain patients or programs, often at a financial loss or break-even point.

These ranges highlight typical prices but actual costs can vary based on your choices, payment method, and provider policies.

Know Your Rights

In the U.S., the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) is a legal safeguard designed to protect you as a patient:

  • If you’re paying out-of-pocket (not using insurance), your provider must give you a Good Faith Estimate if you ask for one or schedule services at least 3 business days ahead.

  • Many providers also offer self-pay discounts, especially if you ask upfront. Don’t hesitate to inquire: “What is the cash price if I pay upfront?”

  • You have the right to request an itemized bill with CPT codes and billing details. If you spot charges that seem wrong, duplicative, or unfair, you can dispute them.

  • Various state laws protect against excessively high or “unconscionable” billing, especially for uninsured patients.

Being informed about your rights helps you advocate effectively for transparency and fairness.

Taking action can relieve worry and put you on a path to answers and care.

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to one of the specialists listed above based on your symptom concerns — a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor is often a good first step.

  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Note all your symptoms, when they started, how often they happen, and any lifestyle factors like caffeine intake. Write down any questions you have.

  3. Discuss Costs: When booking, confirm the likely costs and ask about Good Faith Estimates or self-pay discounts available.

  4. Final Reassurance: Remember, seeking professional guidance is the best way to understand your heart health and reduce your worry. You are taking the right step.

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 replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider for concerns about your health.