Coughing Up Blood Suddenly in Elderly? Next Steps in Arlington, TX

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Coughing Up Blood Suddenly in Elderly? Your Next Steps in Arlington, TX

If you or an elderly loved one suddenly coughed up blood today, it’s completely natural to feel scared and unsure about what to do next. Even if you don’t feel sick otherwise, coughing up blood (known medically as hemoptysis) can be an important symptom that needs prompt evaluation. You’re in the right place to get clear information about what kind of healthcare providers to see, what tests or procedures they might perform, and what typical costs look like in Arlington, TX.

This guide will help you understand your options and take calm, confident steps toward ensuring you get the care you need as soon as possible.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Arlington, TX

Because coughing up blood can be linked to several underlying health issues, there are a few types of doctors who are well-suited to evaluate your symptoms and provide treatment:

  • Internal Medicine Doctors: These are general adult medicine specialists who diagnose and treat a wide variety of health conditions. They are an excellent first contact who can coordinate your care and decide if specialist referral is needed.

  • Pulmonary Disease Specialists: These doctors focus specifically on lung and respiratory health. If your coughing blood is related to lung or airway issues, they have advanced tools and expertise to diagnose and treat those problems.

  • Emergency Medicine Physicians: If your symptom is sudden, worrying, or severe, an emergency medicine doctor can provide urgent evaluation and stabilization. They work in emergency departments and can quickly perform tests to rule out serious causes.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s an overview of common procedures and their typical self-pay costs in Arlington, TX for each provider type who might see you:

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A detailed in-person visit where the doctor reviews your symptoms, medical history, and examines you. This is important for initial assessment and planning next steps.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.87 (typically ranges from $143.90 to $239.84)
    This estimate is based on 364 providers in the Arlington area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: An imaging test that gives a quick look at your lungs and chest area to identify causes of bleeding.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $49.60 (ranges from $34.39 to $64.80)
    Available from 8 providers locally.

  • Procedure: Detection test by immunoassay technique for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus and influenza (CPT Code: 87428)
    Purpose: Labs to check for respiratory infections like flu or COVID that could explain your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $89.67 (range: $65.83 to $113.50)
    Offered by 15 providers around Arlington.

  • Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Drawing blood for lab tests to check for infections, clotting issues, or anemia.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.93 (ranges $9.70 to $16.16)
    Available from 113 providers here.

  • Procedure: Comprehensive blood chemistry test (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: A broad panel of blood tests to assess your overall health and organ function.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $21.99 (ranges $12.38 to $31.60)
    Offered by 44 local providers.

Visit with a Pulmonary Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A specialized lung-focused visit to evaluate and diagnose respiratory causes of coughing blood.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.19 (typically $142.04 to $244.33)
    Based on 72 providers in Arlington.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Same as above - imaging to check lungs and airways.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $53.39 (range $40.04 to $66.74)
    Available from 8 providers.

  • Procedure: Exam of lung airways using an endoscope (CPT Code: 31623)
    Purpose: A tube is inserted into the airways to directly look for sources of bleeding or other lung problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $275.66 (ranging from $0.34 to $550.98)
    Performed by 2 providers locally.

  • Procedure: Biopsy of lung airway using an endoscope (CPT Code: 31625)
    Purpose: Removal of a small tissue sample from the airways to check for infection, cancer, or inflammation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $243.63 (range $51.25 to $436.00)
    Available from 2 local specialists.

  • Procedure: Aspiration of fluid from chest cavity using imaging guidance (CPT Code: 32555)
    Purpose: Removing fluid from around the lungs to analyze and relieve pressure if needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $289.36 (ranging $123.48 to $455.23)
    Offered by 2 providers in Arlington.

Visit in Emergency Medicine (Emergency Department)

  • Procedure: Emergency department visit with moderate medical decision making (CPT Code: 99284)
    Purpose: A prompt evaluation for urgent symptoms including initial diagnosis and management.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $429.12 (ranges from $141.70 to $716.54)
    Based on 480 providers locally.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Imaging to quickly check lung and chest conditions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $44.52 (range $31.80 to $57.24)
    Available from 9 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood count with differential (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Lab test to check blood cells, which can help identify infections, anemia, or bleeding disorders.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.18 (range $9.13 to $15.22)
    Offered by 8 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram, 12 leads (CPT Code: 93010)
    Purpose: A heart rhythm test to rule out cardiac causes of coughing blood or related symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $32.54 (range $9.54 to $55.54)
    Available from 319 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: See above.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.34 (ranges $9.25 to $15.42)
    From 8 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

American healthcare pricing can sometimes feel like a marketplace where prices vary widely depending on who you ask and how much you negotiate. Think of it like haggling at a market—there’s a sticker price, but what you actually pay might be less based on various factors.

  • The maximum cost listed here is usually just below the “charged amount”—this is what doctors initially ask for the procedure when billing.
  • The minimum cost approximates the “Medicare allowed amount,” reflecting what Medicare has negotiated or is willing to pay. At this price point, the provider often breaks even or even loses money.

Your actual out-of-pocket cost could fall anywhere between these ranges depending on insurance status, discounts for self-pay, or negotiations with the provider.

Know Your Rights

When paying out-of-pocket, you have important protections:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): By law, doctors must provide a written GFE—a detailed estimate of expected charges—if you ask for one or schedule services at least 3 business days before your appointment. This helps avoid surprise bills.

  • Many providers offer self-pay discounts, especially if you ask upfront. Don’t hesitate to ask: “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”

  • You have the right to request an itemized bill and can dispute charges that seem incorrect, duplicated, or unreasonable. You’re also entitled to full billing details, including CPT codes.

  • Several states have laws protecting patients from unfair billing practices, especially the uninsured or underinsured.

The most important thing right now is to get evaluated professionally as soon as possible.

  • Schedule an appointment with an Internal Medicine doctor or Pulmonary Disease specialist in Arlington, TX. If symptoms worsen suddenly, go to the Emergency Department immediately.
  • Prepare for your visit by noting all your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, and any questions or concerns.
  • Discuss costs openly with your provider’s office when booking an appointment. Remember, the cost estimates above are typical ranges, but your provider can give you a more personalized quote.
  • Rest assured, seeking professional advice is the right and proactive choice for your health and peace of mind.

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 provides general information and cost estimates specific to Arlington, TX. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you experience coughing up blood or other concerning symptoms, please contact a healthcare professional promptly.