Feeling Tired After Starting Antihistamines? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Los Angeles, CA

If you’ve recently started taking antihistamines for allergies and have found yourself feeling unusually tired or experiencing a dry mouth, it’s completely understandable to feel concerned and to want answers. These side effects can be uncomfortable and might make you wonder if what you’re experiencing is normal or something to worry about.

This post is here to help guide you through what might be causing these symptoms, who you should consider seeing for a professional evaluation, and what you can expect in terms of the visit and potential costs in the Los Angeles area. You’re in the right place to find clear, practical next steps.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles, CA

Based on your symptoms after using antihistamines, several types of healthcare providers can help you understand and manage these side effects:

• Allergy/Immunology Specialist: These doctors specialize in allergies and immune system-related issues. They can evaluate your reaction to allergy medications and adjust your treatment accordingly.
• Internal Medicine Physician: These doctors focus on adult health and can diagnose and treat a broad range of conditions, including medication side effects.
• Family Practice Doctor: A family practice physician is a generalist who treats patients of all ages and can help assess your symptoms, recommend treatment, or refer you to a specialist if needed.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of what typical office visits might look like with these providers, along with estimated self-pay costs in Los Angeles.

Visit with an Allergy/Immunology Specialist

• Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
• Purpose: This visit is to review your allergy medication and side effects in detail, adjust your treatment plan if needed, and address any concerns about symptoms like tiredness or dry mouth.
• Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Los Angeles: $213.81 (typically ranges from $160.36 to $267.26)
• Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 47 allergy/immunology providers in the Los Angeles area.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Physician

• Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
• Purpose: A thorough examination to assess your symptoms, review current medications, and recommend any necessary tests or referrals.
• Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Los Angeles: $225.65 (typically ranges from $153.18 to $298.12)
• Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 1,176 internal medicine providers in the Los Angeles area.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

• Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 20-29 minutes (CPT Code: 99213)
• Purpose: A more general visit that evaluates your current health concerns, including side effects, and offers guidance or referrals as needed.
• Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Los Angeles: $167.54 (typically ranges from $113.35 to $221.74)
• Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 830 family practice providers in the Los Angeles area.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Navigating healthcare costs in the U.S. can feel a bit like haggling in a marketplace—prices vary depending on who you see, where you go, and what you need. The costs listed provide a helpful range to expect before insurance or discounts:

• The maximum cost is close to what doctors initially charge for a procedure, often called the “charged amount.” It’s usually the highest price you might be asked to pay.
• The minimum cost is near what Medicare, a government health program, has negotiated as a fair payment to doctors. At this level, doctors may break even or sometimes lose money on the visit.

Understanding this range can help you prepare financially and ask informed questions when scheduling your appointment.

Know Your Rights

You have important protections regarding healthcare pricing in the U.S.:

• Good Faith Estimate (GFE): If you aren’t using health insurance and plan to self-pay, doctors are legally required to provide a written estimate of expected charges if you request it or schedule services at least 3 business days ahead.
• Many providers offer self-pay discounts if you ask upfront or pay cash at the time of service.
• You have the right to request a detailed, itemized bill and question any charges that seem incorrect, duplicated, or unreasonable.
• You can also ask for the CPT codes used for billing to better understand the services you received.
• Several states have protections against unfair billing practices, especially for people without insurance.

Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider’s office about these options—being informed helps you get the best care at a fair price.

Your Recommended Next Steps

Taking care of your health is important, and moving forward with the right support will give you the answers and relief you need. Here’s what to do next:

1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact an Allergy/Immunology specialist, Internal Medicine physician, or Family Practice doctor in Los Angeles.
2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, when they started, and any questions or concerns you have to ensure a productive conversation.
3. Discuss Costs: When you call to book your appointment, ask about prices and if a Good Faith Estimate is available.
4. Remember: You are doing the right thing by seeking professional advice about your medication side effects. Your health matters.

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 seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.