Heart Disease Signs in Elderly Women: Next Steps in Los Angeles, CA

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Heart Disease Signs in Elderly Women: Next Steps in Los Angeles, CA

If your doctor has mentioned that you have risk factors for heart disease, it’s completely natural to want to be proactive—even if you don’t currently have symptoms. Given your age and family history, paying attention to early signs and knowing what to do next can give you peace of mind and potentially protect your heart health. You’re in the right place to learn what symptoms might be warning signs, who you should see to evaluate your heart health, and what typical costs look like in Los Angeles, CA.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles, CA

Based on your concerns about heart disease, several types of healthcare providers could be the right starting point:

  • Cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating heart and blood vessel conditions. They’re experts in heart-related tests and treatments if you need specialized care.
  • Internal Medicine Doctors focus on adult health and often manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol, which can affect heart disease risk.
  • Family Practice Doctors are generalists who can diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues, including heart disease risk factors. They are often the first point of contact and can refer you to a specialist if needed.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Visit with a Cardiology Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This visit allows the cardiologist to review your history, perform an exam, and discuss your heart disease risk personally with you.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $221.99 (typically ranges from $157.70 to $286.29)
    This estimate is based on 341 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads with interpretation and report (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: A quick, painless test that checks your heart’s electrical activity and can reveal irregularities.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $41.83 (ranges from $18.98 to $64.68)
    This estimate is based on 287 providers in Los Angeles.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of the heart with color-depicted blood flow, rate, direction and valve function (CPT Code: 93306)
    Purpose: Sometimes called an echocardiogram, this test provides detailed images of how your heart is functioning.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $245.78 (ranges from $137.46 to $354.10)
    This estimate is based on 351 providers in Los Angeles.

  • Procedure: Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) (CPT Code: 80061)
    Purpose: Measures your cholesterol levels to help assess your heart disease risk.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $25.73 (ranges from $15.72 to $35.74)
    This estimate is based on 29 providers in Los Angeles.

  • Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level (CPT Code: 83036)
    Purpose: Checks blood sugar levels over time, as diabetes is a risk factor for heart disease.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $21.35 (ranges from $11.40 to $31.30)
    This estimate is based on 29 providers in Los Angeles.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Annual wellness visit, includes a personalized prevention plan of service (CPT Code: G0439)
    Purpose: A comprehensive checkup focusing on your overall health and heart disease prevention strategies.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.79 (ranges from $148.21 to $251.38)
    This estimate is based on 685 providers in Los Angeles.

  • Procedure: Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) (CPT Code: 80061)
    Purpose: Lipid test to evaluate your cholesterol levels as part of heart disease risk assessment.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $34.63 (ranges from $15.72 to $53.54)
    This estimate is based on 87 providers in Los Angeles.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: A standard test to monitor heart rhythm and detect abnormalities.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $40.33 (ranges from $18.98 to $61.68)
    This estimate is based on 529 providers in Los Angeles.

  • Procedure: Annual depression screening, 5 to 15 minutes (CPT Code: G0444)
    Purpose: Since mental health can impact heart health, this screening is important to identify depression.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $32.46 (ranges from $24.20 to $40.72)
    This estimate is based on 173 providers in Los Angeles.

  • Procedure: Annual, face-to-face intensive behavioral therapy for cardiovascular disease, individual, 15 minutes (CPT Code: G0446)
    Purpose: Brief counseling focused on lifestyle changes to prevent heart disease.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $46.01 (ranges from $33.23 to $58.80)
    This estimate is based on 63 providers in Los Angeles.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Annual wellness visit with personalized prevention plan (CPT Code: G0439)
    Purpose: Regular checkup with focus on assessing and preventing heart disease risk factors.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $207.05 (ranges from $151.32 to $262.78)
    This estimate is based on 491 providers in Los Angeles.

  • Procedure: Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) (CPT Code: 80061)
    Purpose: Cholesterol and triglyceride test to evaluate heart health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $31.98 (ranges from $15.73 to $48.22)
    This estimate is based on 20 providers in the area.

  • Procedure: Annual alcohol misuse screening, 5 to 15 minutes (CPT Code: G0442)
    Purpose: Screening to identify alcohol use that could impact heart health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $33.39 (ranges from $24.72 to $42.06)
    This estimate is based on 49 providers in Los Angeles.

  • Procedure: Annual, face-to-face intensive behavioral therapy for cardiovascular disease, individual, 15 minutes (CPT Code: G0446)
    Purpose: Counseling to support heart-healthy lifestyle choices.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $47.86 (ranges from $33.02 to $62.69)
    This estimate is based on 38 providers in Los Angeles.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Understanding medical costs can feel like navigating a market where prices vary widely depending on many factors. Think of it as if you’re shopping: the highest price quoted by a provider is often what they ideally ask to be paid (the “charged amount”), while the lowest price is closer to what Medicare, the government insurance program, negotiates to pay providers (the “Medicare allowed amount”). Doctors often break even or receive less than their full charge if they accept Medicare rates. Your actual cost might be anywhere between these figures depending on your insurance, discounts, or negotiations.

Know Your Rights

If you decide to pay out-of-pocket (self-pay) and not use insurance, you have the right to a Good Faith Estimate (GFE). By law, providers must give you, upon request or if you schedule services at least 3 business days in advance, a written estimate of expected charges for your care. This helps you plan financially without surprises.

Many doctors also offer self-pay discounts if you ask ahead of time—don’t hesitate to say, “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?” You can always request an itemized bill to check every charge, ask for CPT codes that explain procedures, and dispute any errors or unreasonable fees. State laws protect patients against unfair billing, especially if you are uninsured.

Taking action now can help you stay ahead of any heart health concerns:

  • Schedule an Appointment: Contact a cardiologist, internal medicine physician, or family practice doctor in Los Angeles to discuss your heart disease risk.
  • Prepare for Your Visit: Write down any questions, your family history, and any subtle symptoms you might notice—even if they seem minor.
  • Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask about self-pay prices and confirm if they provide a Good Faith Estimate.
  • Stay Empowered: Remember, asking questions and seeking professional advice is the best way to care for your heart.

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. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment options.