Chronic Joint Pain Causes and Care Options in Arlington, TX

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Experiencing Chronic Joint Pain in Arlington, TX? Here’s What to Do Next

If you’ve recently noticed persistent joint pain in your hands and knees that’s making everyday tasks harder but isn’t severe enough to send you rushing to the emergency room, you’re not alone. Chronic joint pain can be frustrating and worrisome, especially when it doesn’t improve over time. It’s natural to wonder about the possible causes and what steps you should take to get relief and answers.

This post is here to guide you through understanding potential causes of chronic joint pain, who to see for a professional evaluation in Arlington, TX, and what typical costs might be so you can plan ahead. You’ve taken an important step by looking for information, and we’re here to support you.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Arlington, TX

Based on your symptoms of persistent joint pain in hands and knees, several types of healthcare providers could be good starting points:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who diagnoses and treats a wide range of health issues. They are often the first stop for joint pain and can order initial tests.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Specialists in adult medicine focusing on complex or chronic conditions. They can provide detailed evaluation and management of joint pain causes.
  • Rheumatologist: A specialist in diseases of joints, muscles, and bones, including arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions. They are experts in diagnosing and managing chronic joint pain related to autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here is a breakdown of the common office visits and procedures you might encounter with each provider type in Arlington, along with their estimated self-pay costs.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This appointment is where your doctor takes a detailed history and examines your joints to understand the pain and potential causes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.68 (typically ranges from $143.76 to $239.60)
    This estimate is based on 502 providers in the Arlington area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of knee, 1-2 views (CPT Code: 73560)
    Purpose: An X-ray helps detect bone changes or joint damage that might explain your knee pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $47.20 (typically ranges from $35.40 to $59.00)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of hand, minimum of 3 views (CPT Code: 73130)
    Purpose: X-rays of your hands can reveal arthritis or other joint problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $48.49 (typically ranges from $34.16 to $62.82)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
    Purpose: Removing fluid from your joint may be needed to diagnose or ease inflammation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $139.16 (typically ranges from $77.00 to $201.31)
    This estimate is based on 12 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This allows the doctor to evaluate your chronic joint pain comprehensively and order any necessary tests.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.87 (typically ranges from $143.90 to $239.84)
    This estimate is based on 364 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: A blood test to check for infections, anemia, or inflammation that might cause joint symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.74 (typically ranges from $9.11 to $18.37)
    This estimate is based on 45 providers.

  • Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level (CPT Code: 83036)
    Purpose: This test screens for diabetes, a condition that can affect joints indirectly.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $23.57 (typically ranges from $11.39 to $35.75)
    This estimate is based on 63 providers.

  • Procedure: Creatinine level (CPT Code: 82570)
    Purpose: Tests kidney function to make sure other treatments are safe for you.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.10 (typically ranges from $6.08 to $18.12)
    This estimate is based on 36 providers.

Visit with a Rheumatologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A specialist visit focused on diagnosing autoimmune or inflammatory causes of joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $188.13 (typically ranges from $141.10 to $235.16)
    This estimate is based on 35 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of hand, 2 views (CPT Code: 73120)
    Purpose: Helps identify joint damage typical with arthritis.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $48.51 (typically ranges from $36.38 to $60.64)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
    Purpose: Used for diagnosis or treatment of inflamed joints.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $115.32 (typically ranges from $79.27 to $151.36)
    This estimate is based on 7 providers.

  • Procedure: Red blood cell sedimentation rate (CPT Code: 85652)
    Purpose: A blood test to detect inflammation in the body, helping confirm joint inflammation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $4.78 (typically ranges from $3.14 to $6.41)
    This estimate is based on 6 providers.

  • Procedure: C-reactive protein measurement (CPT Code: 86140)
    Purpose: Another blood test that measures inflammation and infection.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.05 (typically ranges from $6.04 to $12.07)
    This estimate is based on 6 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

The American healthcare pricing system can sometimes feel like navigating a marketplace where prices vary widely. Imagine shopping for an item at multiple stores — some stores list a high “sticker price,” but discounts, sales, or insurance negotiations can change what you actually pay.

  • The maximum cost you see is often what doctors “charge” for a procedure before any discounts or insurance payments.
  • The minimum cost is usually just above what Medicare, the government’s health program for older adults, agrees to pay—this is often the lowest practical price and can be where doctors break even or may even lose money.

Keeping this in mind can help you understand the range and ask your provider what your best price options are.

Know Your Rights

You have important rights when it comes to understanding healthcare costs and billing:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): If you’re paying out-of-pocket without insurance, your doctor must provide a clear, written estimate of expected charges if you request it at least three business days in advance or when scheduling services. This is required by law.
  • Many providers offer self-pay discounts if you ask upfront. It never hurts to say: “What’s the cash price if I pay at the time of service?”
  • You have the right to receive a detailed, itemized bill listing all services and charges and to dispute any errors or unreasonable costs.
  • You can also ask for CPT codes (billing codes for procedures) and billing modifiers to better understand charges.
  • Many states protect patients from abusive billing practices, especially if you are uninsured.

The best next step is to schedule an appointment with a qualified healthcare professional who can evaluate your joint pain and guide you toward diagnosis and relief.

  • Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to a Family Practice, Internal Medicine, or Rheumatology provider in Arlington, TX.
  • Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms’ details, when they started, what makes them better or worse, and any questions you want to ask.
  • Discuss Costs: When booking, ask the provider’s office about expected costs and whether they offer any self-pay discounts.
  • Feel Confident: Remember, seeking care is empowering and the right thing to do for your health.

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, diagnosis, or treatment. Costs are estimates based on area data and may vary by provider and individual circumstances.