Signs of Concussion After Fall: What to Do Next in Los Angeles, CA

concussionhead injuryfallneurologyemergency careLos Angeleshealthcare cost

Signs of Concussion After Fall: What to Do Next in Los Angeles, CA

Falling and hitting your head can be a scary experience, especially when you start noticing symptoms like a slight headache and feeling groggy—even if you didn’t lose consciousness. It’s completely natural to be concerned about whether you might have a concussion. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and it’s a good decision to look into your next steps carefully.

This post is here to help guide you through understanding what signs to watch for, who you should consider seeing for your symptoms in Los Angeles, and what you might expect in terms of initial visit costs. You’re in the right place to get clear information and feel empowered to seek the care you need.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles

Based on your symptoms after a head injury, a few types of healthcare providers might be a good starting point for diagnosis and treatment:

  • Neurologists: Specialists in brain and nervous system health. They can assess concussion symptoms and recommend imaging if necessary.
  • Emergency Medicine Physicians: Doctors working in emergency rooms who handle acute injuries and may perform imaging tests like CT scans to rule out serious brain trauma.
  • Internal Medicine Physicians: General doctors who can evaluate your symptoms and manage your care. They can also arrange appropriate testing if needed.

Each of these providers has experience with head injuries and can help determine if your symptoms point to a concussion or other concerns.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here is a breakdown of typical procedures related to concussion concerns in Los Angeles, including estimated self-pay costs and provider availability:

Visit with a Neurologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A face-to-face consultation where the neurologist will review your symptoms and medical history to assess your condition and decide if further testing is needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $238.58 (typically ranges from $152.92 to $324.24)
    This estimate is based on 255 neurologists in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: MRI scan of brain without contrast (CPT Code: 70551)
    Purpose: An imaging test that creates detailed pictures of your brain to check for any injuries or abnormalities after a head trauma.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $203.04 (typically ranges from $89.82 to $316.26)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider offering this scan locally.

Visit with an Emergency Medicine Physician

  • Procedure: Emergency department visit with moderate level of medical decision making (CPT Code: 99284)
    Purpose: A thorough emergency assessment of your head injury when symptoms might be concerning enough to need immediate evaluation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $368.72 (typically ranges from $149.48 to $587.95)
    This estimate is based on 869 emergency departments in Los Angeles.

  • Procedure: CT scan head or brain without contrast (CPT Code: 70450)
    Purpose: A fast imaging test used to look for bleeding or fractures in the skull or brain after trauma.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $630.52 (typically ranges from $93.04 to $1,168.01)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider offering this scan locally.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Physician

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A general medical evaluation to discuss your symptoms and decide if additional testing or specialist referral is needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $225.65 (typically ranges from $153.18 to $298.12)
    This estimate is based on 1,176 internal medicine providers in Los Angeles.

  • Procedure: CT scan head or brain without contrast (CPT Code: 70450)
    Purpose: Used when the doctor suspects a serious injury and wants to quickly visualize the brain structure.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $267.01 (typically ranges from $134.03 to $400.00)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider offering this scan locally.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Healthcare costs in America can sometimes feel like haggling at a market — prices vary, and what you pay can depend on who you ask and how you negotiate. The numbers shown above represent estimates based on typical charges in your area, but actual bills can differ.

Here’s what those ranges mean:

  • The maximum cost you see is close to what providers usually ask for when they bill you directly. Think of it as the “retail price.”
  • The minimum cost is just above what Medicare, the government health insurance program, has negotiated to pay providers. This often represents a “wholesale price” where doctors may barely cover their expenses.

Understanding these ranges can help you prepare financially and ask informed questions when scheduling care.

Know Your Rights

When seeking medical care, especially if you’re paying out of pocket, you have protections to help you avoid surprises:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): By law, if you don’t use insurance to pay for your visit, your provider must give you an estimate of expected charges if you ask at least 3 business days before your appointment. This helps you plan your costs ahead.
  • Many providers offer discounts for upfront cash payments—don’t hesitate to ask: “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
  • You have the right to request an itemized bill explaining all charges—ask for CPT codes and billing details if anything is unclear.
  • If you find any incorrect or unreasonable charges, you can dispute them. Some states have laws protecting you from unfair billing, especially if you’re uninsured or paying out-of-pocket.

Taking care of your health after a head injury is important. Here’s what you can do next:

  • Schedule an Appointment: Contact a neurologist, internal medicine doctor, or emergency medicine provider in Los Angeles to get a professional assessment.
  • Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, when they started, any changes you’ve noticed, and questions you want to ask.
  • Discuss Costs Upfront: When making your appointment, ask about self-pay prices and whether a Good Faith Estimate can be provided.
  • Remember: Seeking professional medical advice is the best way to ensure your symptoms are properly evaluated and treated. You’re doing the right thing by taking this step.

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 provides general information and cost estimates based on available data as of June 2025. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.