Signs of Concussion After Fall? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Chicago, IL

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Signs of Concussion After a Fall? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Chicago, IL

Experiencing a fall and hitting your head can be unsettling, especially when you notice symptoms like a headache or feeling a bit groggy afterward. You didn’t lose consciousness, but you’re rightly concerned about whether you might have a concussion. It’s perfectly normal to feel worried and want clear answers.

This guide is here to help you understand the potential signs of a concussion after your fall, who you should consider seeing for an evaluation in Chicago, IL, and what initial costs you might expect. You’re in the right place to get straightforward information that can help you take the next steps confidently.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Chicago, IL

Based on your symptoms — headache and grogginess after a head impact — several types of healthcare providers could be good places to start for help and evaluation:

  • Emergency Medicine: These doctors are experts in urgent and potentially serious injuries. If you experience worsening symptoms, confusion, trouble walking, or severe headaches, visiting an emergency room is appropriate.
  • Family Practice: Family doctors are general practitioners who manage a wide range of health concerns. They can assess your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and decide if further testing or specialist care is needed.
  • Neurology: Neurologists specialize in the brain and nervous system. For symptoms suggesting concussion or more complex issues, a neurologist can provide in-depth evaluation and management.
  • Internal Medicine: Internists are also trained to diagnose and treat adult illnesses. Like family doctors, they can be a good first contact to assess your condition and guide next steps.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here is a breakdown by provider type of typical procedures you might have and their estimated self-pay costs in Chicago, IL:

Visit with an Emergency Medicine Provider

  • Procedure: Emergency department visit with high level of medical decision making (CPT Code: 99285)
    Purpose: This visit addresses urgent medical concerns by thoroughly evaluating your symptoms, deciding if any immediate treatment or tests are required, and ruling out serious injury.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $508.49 (ranges from $220.02 to $796.97)
    This estimate is based on 1068 providers in the Chicago area.

  • Procedure: CT scan of head or brain without contrast (CPT Code: 70450)
    Purpose: This imaging test helps detect bleeding, swelling, or fractures in the brain or skull after a head injury.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $631.35 (ranges from $94.69 to $1168.01)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider in the Chicago area.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A detailed visit to discuss your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and determine if more tests or referrals are needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $202.91 (ranges from $152.18 to $253.64)
    This estimate is based on 854 providers in Chicago.

  • Procedure: CT scan of head or brain without contrast (CPT Code: 70450)
    Purpose: Used if your doctor suspects something serious, this scan looks inside your head for injury signs.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $273.22 (ranges from $87.85 to $458.59)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider in Chicago.

Visit with a Neurologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A focused neurological assessment to evaluate brain function and symptoms in detail.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $185.42 (ranges from $139.07 to $231.78)
    This estimate is based on 239 providers in Chicago.

  • Procedure: MRI scan of brain without contrast (CPT Code: 70551)
    Purpose: An MRI provides detailed images of the brain to check for subtle injuries that a CT scan might miss.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $926.62 (ranges from $253.25 to $1600.00)
    This estimate is based on 3 providers in Chicago.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A thorough visit to discuss symptoms and decide if additional tests or referrals are needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.68 (ranges from $149.76 to $249.60)
    This estimate is based on 1099 providers in Chicago.

  • Procedure: CT scan head or brain without contrast (CPT Code: 70450)
    Purpose: This scan can help identify any structural damage following your fall.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $154.93 (ranges from $61.39 to $248.47)
    This estimate is based on 3 providers in Chicago.

  • Procedure: CT scan of cranial cavity without contrast (CPT Code: 70480)
    Purpose: Similar to the head CT, this test provides more detailed views of the skull cavity and brain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $369.53 (ranges from $131.05 to $608.00)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider in Chicago.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Healthcare pricing in the U.S. can feel a bit like a marketplace where prices vary widely, much like bargaining at a busy market. The numbers you see here are self-pay estimates—what you might pay without insurance.

  • The maximum cost estimate is close to what providers might charge upfront (sometimes called the billed amount). This is often higher than what insurers pay.
  • The minimum cost estimate is near the amount Medicare has negotiated and allows for payment. At this rate, providers generally break even or may even lose money.

Understanding these ranges can help you be better prepared for what to expect financially when seeking care.

Know Your Rights

When seeking medical care, especially without insurance, it’s important to know your rights:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): Federal law requires that doctors provide a written estimate of expected charges if you request one or schedule services at least 3 business days in advance. This helps you avoid surprise bills.
  • 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 have the right to request a detailed, itemized bill. If you see any charges that seem duplicated or unreasonable, you can dispute them.
  • You can also ask for CPT codes and billing modifiers used on your bill to better understand what you are being charged for.
  • Several states have additional patient protections against unfair billing practices, particularly if you are uninsured.

Your health and peace of mind are paramount. Taking the following steps can help you get the care you need:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact one of the provider types listed above (Family Practice, Internal Medicine, or Neurology is generally appropriate unless symptoms worsen acutely, in which case go to Emergency Medicine).
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, when they started, any changes you’ve noticed, and any questions you want to ask your doctor.
  3. Discuss Costs: When you book your appointment, ask for a Good Faith Estimate and confirm self-pay pricing to avoid surprises.
  4. Final Reassurance: Seeking professional medical advice is the right step. Early evaluation can help rule out serious injury and guide your recovery.

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 is provided for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.