Frequent Night Urination in Elderly Men: Next Steps in Chicago, IL

frequent urinationelderly menprostate healthChicagohealthcare costsurologyfamily practice

Frequent Night Urination in Elderly Men? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Chicago, IL

Waking up multiple times at night to urinate can be frustrating and worrisome, especially if this has been worsening over time. If you find yourself concerned about your prostate or underlying health issues, you’re not alone. It’s natural to seek clarity on what might be causing these symptoms and how to address them properly.

This post will guide you through understanding potential causes, who to consult for your symptoms, and what to expect regarding initial visits and costs right here in Chicago. You’re in the right place to find clear, helpful next steps to take control of your health.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Chicago, IL

Based on your symptom of frequent night urination, several types of healthcare providers could be good starting points:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who diagnoses and treats a wide range of conditions. They can evaluate your symptoms initially, perform basic screening tests, and help decide if a specialist is needed.
  • Urologist: A doctor specializing in the urinary tract and male reproductive system. If your symptoms suggest prostate issues or require specialized testing, a urologist can provide expert care.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Similar to family practice doctors but often focused on adult patients. They can offer comprehensive evaluation, test for common causes of urinary symptoms, and manage complex medical conditions.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Prostate Cancer Screening; Prostate Specific Antigen Test (PSA) (CPT Code: G0103)
    Purpose: A blood test that helps detect early signs of prostate issues, including cancer risk.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $39.85 (typically ranges from $22.70 to $57.00)
    This estimate is based on 4 providers in the Chicago area.

  • Procedure: Prostate Cancer Screening; Digital Rectal Examination (CPT Code: G0102)
    Purpose: A physical exam where the doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to check for abnormalities.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $36.13 (ranges from $26.65 to $45.60)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider in Chicago.

  • Procedure: Automated Urinalysis Test (CPT Code: 81003)
    Purpose: A urine test to check for infections or other issues that could cause frequent urination.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.19 (ranges from $2.63 to $15.74)
    This estimate is based on 79 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete Blood Cell Count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: A blood test to check overall health, including signs of infection or anemia.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $21.03 (ranges from $9.11 to $32.95)
    This estimate is based on 16 providers.

  • Procedure: Established Patient Office Visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A detailed doctor visit to discuss symptoms, review tests, and plan next steps.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $202.91 (ranges from $152.18 to $253.64)
    This estimate is based on 854 providers.

Visit with a Urologist

  • Procedure: Established Patient Office Visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Expert evaluation focused on urinary and prostate health concerns.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.11 (ranges from $145.58 to $242.64)
    This estimate is based on 125 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound Scan of Prostate through Rectum (CPT Code: 76873)
    Purpose: An imaging test that gives a detailed look at your prostate to detect abnormalities.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $150.01 (ranges from $86.41 to $213.60)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: PSA Measurement, Total (CPT Code: 84153)
    Purpose: A blood test measuring prostate-specific antigen levels related to prostate health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $47.61 (ranges from $21.52 to $73.71)
    This estimate is based on 10 providers.

  • Procedure: Biopsy of Prostate Gland (CPT Code: 55700)
    Purpose: A test that removes small prostate tissue samples to check for cancer, if needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $450.91 (ranges from $227.23 to $674.58)
    This estimate is based on 54 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Prostate Cancer Screening; PSA (CPT Code: G0103)
    Purpose: Blood test to detect prostate-related concerns early on.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $36.06 (ranges from $22.70 to $49.42)
    This estimate is based on 18 providers.

  • Procedure: Established Patient Office Visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Comprehensive visit to review symptoms, perform exams, and manage your care.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.68 (ranges from $149.76 to $249.60)
    This estimate is based on 1099 providers.

  • Procedure: Automated Urinalysis Test (CPT Code: 81003)
    Purpose: Urine analysis to identify infections or other causes of frequent urination.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.77 (ranges from $2.64 to $16.90)
    This estimate is based on 63 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

The pricing of medical procedures in the U.S. often resembles a marketplace with bargaining—prices vary widely depending on providers and insurers. The figures shown above provide a helpful range:

  • The maximum cost typically approaches what doctors charge upfront, sometimes called the “charged amount.” This is often what a provider might ask from patients without insurance or with high deductibles.
  • The minimum cost usually reflects the “Medicare allowed amount” or the price insurers have negotiated with providers. At this level, the provider might just be breaking even or potentially losing money on that procedure.

Understanding these ranges helps you anticipate potential charges but keep in mind that your out-of-pocket cost can differ depending on insurance or any self-pay discounts.

Know Your Rights

If you’re paying without insurance, you have important rights protecting you and your wallet:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): By law, providers must give you an estimate of expected charges if you ask for it or schedule services at least three business days in advance. This helps you avoid surprises.
  • Many providers also offer self-pay discounts, especially if you ask before your visit. Don’t hesitate to ask, “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
  • You can request a detailed, itemized bill and challenge any charges that seem incorrect, duplicated, or unreasonable. You are entitled to see CPT codes and billing details.
  • States often protect patients from outrageous billing, especially if you do not have insurance.

Taking action can feel overwhelming, but the right care is within reach:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact either a family practice doctor, internal medicine doctor, or urologist in Chicago to get started with an evaluation.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down how often you wake to urinate, any associated symptoms, and questions you want to ask your doctor.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking, ask about costs and if they offer a Good Faith Estimate or self-pay discounts to plan financially.
  4. Final Reassurance: Remember, frequent night urination is common and often manageable. Seeing a doctor is the best way to find relief and protect 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 constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment decisions.