Persistent Back Pain Causes and Care Options in Long Beach, CA

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Feeling Persistent Back Pain? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Long Beach, CA

If you’ve been experiencing back pain that comes and goes over the past few months—especially lingering lower back discomfort after standing for long periods—you’re not alone. It’s understandable to feel concerned when pain is constant enough to be bothersome but not severe enough to stop your daily activities. You’ve taken a smart first step by seeking information about possible causes and what to do next.

This post is here to help you understand what conditions might be behind your persistent back pain, who you should consider seeing for an evaluation in Long Beach, CA, and what the initial costs might look like if you are paying out of pocket. By the end, you’ll have clear guidance on how to move forward with confidence.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Long Beach, CA

Based on your symptoms of persistent lower back discomfort, several types of healthcare providers can be good starting points for evaluation and treatment. Each brings a different expertise to help diagnose and manage back pain:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues, including back pain. Great for an initial assessment and referrals if needed.
  • Internal Medicine Physician: Specializes in adult medicine and can help diagnose complex pain conditions and coordinate further testing.
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist: Focuses on restoring function and managing pain, often using non-surgical treatments like physical therapy or injections.
  • Pain Management Specialist: Expert in evaluating chronic pain and offering specialized treatments, including injections to reduce nerve-related pain.
  • Orthopedic Surgeon: Concentrates on musculoskeletal issues and can identify if surgical evaluation or advanced interventions might be necessary.

Each of these providers can evaluate persistent back pain and recommend next steps or treatments tailored to your specific concerns.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Below is an overview of common procedures these providers might start with and what you can expect to pay as a self-pay patient in the Long Beach area. These costs reflect typical pricing ranges and availability.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is a thorough visit where the doctor takes your history, examines your back, and discusses symptoms to form an initial diagnosis.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $212.06 (typically ranges from $159.05 to $265.08)
    This estimate is based on 574 providers in the Long Beach area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views (CPT Code: 72100)
    Purpose: A simple imaging test to look for bone alignment issues or fractures that might explain your pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $72.55 (typically ranges from $50.35 to $94.74)
    This estimate is based on 10 providers in the Long Beach area.

  • Procedure: MRI scan of lower spinal canal without contrast (CPT Code: 72148)
    Purpose: An MRI gives detailed images of discs, nerves, and soft tissues to detect herniations or nerve compression.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $578.65 (typically ranges from $182.90 to $974.40)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider in the Long Beach area.

Visit with a Pain Management Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Focused visit to assess and manage chronic pain potentially requiring specialized treatments.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $245.26 (typically ranges from $160.78 to $329.74)
    This estimate is based on 24 providers in the Long Beach area.

  • Procedure: Injection of anesthetic and/or steroid drug into sacral spine nerve root using imaging guidance, single level (CPT Code: 64483)
    Purpose: Targeted injections to reduce inflammation and relieve nerve-related back pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $751.96 (typically ranges from $281.75 to $1,222.17)
    This estimate is based on 16 providers in the Long Beach area.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Physician

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Comprehensive evaluation of adult health issues, including detailed review of your back pain symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.33 (typically ranges from $157.00 to $261.66)
    This estimate is based on 602 providers in the Long Beach area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views (CPT Code: 72100)
    Purpose: Basic imaging to rule out bone problems related to your pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $68.40 (typically ranges from $50.11 to $86.70)
    This estimate is based on 7 providers in the Long Beach area.

Visit with a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Examines your physical function and pain, often recommending physical therapy or non-surgical interventions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $211.94 (typically ranges from $158.95 to $264.92)
    This estimate is based on 38 providers in the Long Beach area.

  • Procedure: Injection of lower or sacral spine facet joint using imaging guidance, single level (CPT Code: 64493)
    Purpose: Injection to relieve pain in the joints of the spine, which can be a source of back discomfort.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $421.52 (typically ranges from $202.03 to $641.01)
    This estimate is based on 15 providers in the Long Beach area.

Visit with an Orthopedic Surgeon

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 20-29 minutes (CPT Code: 99213)
    Purpose: Specialist visit to evaluate musculoskeletal causes of back pain and discuss potential surgical needs.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $152.02 (typically ranges from $113.88 to $190.16)
    This estimate is based on 176 providers in the Long Beach area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views (CPT Code: 72100)
    Purpose: Imaging to assess bones and joints related to back symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $79.83 (typically ranges from $55.13 to $104.54)
    This estimate is based on 61 providers in the Long Beach area.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Understanding healthcare pricing can feel like haggling in a marketplace with many sellers and complex goods. In reality:

  • The maximum cost listed is close to the “charged amount,” which is what doctors initially ask for before any negotiation or insurance involvement.
  • The minimum cost is just above the “Medicare allowed amount,” which is what government programs have negotiated as a fair payment rate. Providers sometimes accept this or less, meaning they break even or lose money at this level.

Your final cost may depend on payment method, discounts, or your negotiation with the provider’s billing office.

Know Your Rights

If you decide to pay out of pocket instead of using insurance, you have important rights:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): By law, your doctor must provide a clear estimate of the expected charges at your request or if you schedule services at least 3 business days ahead. This helps you avoid surprise bills.
  • Many providers offer self-pay discounts if you ask in advance. Don’t hesitate to inquire: “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
  • You can request an itemized bill with CPT codes and billing details, and dispute any charges that don’t look right, are duplicated, or seem unreasonable.
  • Some states protect patients from extreme or “unconscionable” billing, especially for those without insurance.

Knowing these rights empowers you to manage your healthcare expenses more confidently.

The most important thing is to get your persistent back pain evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional as soon as possible. Here’s how to start:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice doctor, Internal Medicine physician, or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist near you in Long Beach to discuss your symptoms.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down how long your back pain has been ongoing, what makes it better or worse, and any questions or concerns you want to cover.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking, ask about the self-pay fees or good faith estimates so you can prepare financially. Prices discussed here can serve as helpful guides.
  4. Stay Positive: Remember, seeking professional help is a strong, proactive choice toward understanding and managing your health. You’re doing the right thing.

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 post is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your condition.