Unexplained Weight Loss and Lump? Next Steps for Care in Miami

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Unexplained Weight Loss and Lump? Next Steps for Care in Miami

Noticing unexplained weight loss, feeling unusually tired, and discovering a hard lump that doesn’t go away can understandably cause concern. If these symptoms have been lingering for weeks, you’re right to seek reliable information and medical advice promptly. Many people feel unsure about what kind of doctor to see first or what their visit might involve, especially when worried about potential serious health issues.

This post is here to guide you through understanding what your symptoms might mean in general terms, which healthcare providers in Miami could be the best first contacts, and what typical procedures and costs you might expect. You’re in the right place to get clear next steps toward getting the care and answers you deserve.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Miami

Given your symptoms — unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, and a hard lump — several types of healthcare providers in Miami may help discover the underlying cause:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist trained to diagnose and treat many health conditions. They are often the first stop for symptom evaluation and can perform basic tests or refer you to specialists.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Focuses on adult medicine and can provide a comprehensive evaluation of complex or persistent symptoms, ordering blood tests and other diagnostics.
  • Medical Oncologist: A specialist in cancers who may be involved if the lump or symptoms could relate to malignancy. They can perform biopsies and guide cancer-related diagnosis and treatment.
  • Hematology-Oncologist: Combines expertise in blood-related cancers and disorders, helpful if symptoms suggest issues involving bone marrow or blood cells.

Starting with a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor is usually a practical first step. They can assess your symptoms, order initial tests, and guide whether you need to see an oncologist or hematology specialist.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s an overview of common procedures you might encounter with each provider type in Miami, along with estimated self-pay costs based on local data. These can help you prepare and budget for care.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This visit allows the doctor to review your symptoms, do a physical exam, and discuss your health history — a critical first step.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $205.22 (typically ranges from $153.91 to $256.52)
    This estimate is based on 306 providers in the Miami area.

  • Procedure: Collection of blood sample (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Simple blood draw to obtain samples for laboratory tests such as measuring blood counts and organ function.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.61 (typically ranges from $9.46 to $15.76)
    This estimate is based on 125 providers in Miami.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count test (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Measures different blood cells to detect infections, anemia, or blood disorders often linked to weight loss and lumps.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.88 (typically ranges from $9.13 to $24.64)
    This estimate is based on 5 providers in Miami.

  • Procedure: Biopsy of related skin growth (CPT Code: 11102)
    Purpose: Removal of a small piece of the lump for laboratory analysis to identify if it’s benign or something that requires further treatment.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $150.24 (typically ranges from $112.68 to $187.80)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider in Miami.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Detailed evaluation and management of your symptoms, with potential referral planning.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $208.26 (typically ranges from $156.19 to $260.32)
    This estimate is based on 464 providers in Miami.

  • Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Necessary for running lab tests to check for infection, anemia, or other causes of your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.82 (typically ranges from $9.61 to $16.02)
    This estimate is based on 217 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood count test (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Provides crucial information about your overall health status related to blood cells.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $11.43 (typically ranges from $8.57 to $14.30)
    This estimate is based on 6 providers.

  • Procedure: Thyroid stimulating hormone blood test (CPT Code: 84443)
    Purpose: Checks thyroid function, which can affect weight and energy levels.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $31.48 (typically ranges from $19.75 to $43.20)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

Visit with a Medical Oncologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Specialized consultation to evaluate possible cancer-related causes for your lump and symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $179.28 (typically ranges from $134.46 to $224.10)
    This estimate is based on 14 providers.

  • Procedure: Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration (CPT Code: 38222)
    Purpose: Sampling bone marrow to diagnose blood or bone cancers if indicated.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $131.36 (typically ranges from $98.52 to $164.20)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count test (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Identifies abnormalities in blood cells linked to cancers or other disorders.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.51 (typically ranges from $9.10 to $17.93)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Used to obtain blood for laboratory testing.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.44 (typically ranges from $10.08 to $16.80)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

Visit with a Hematology-Oncologist

  • Procedure: New patient office or other outpatient visit, 60-74 minutes (CPT Code: 99205)
    Purpose: Comprehensive initial evaluation of complex symptoms possibly related to blood cancers or disorders.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $313.82 (typically ranges from $235.37 to $392.28)
    This estimate is based on 53 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood count test (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Critical lab test to evaluate all blood components.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.05 (typically ranges from $9.04 to $15.06)
    This estimate is based on 15 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Needed for collecting blood for lab analysis.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.37 (typically ranges from $9.28 to $15.46)
    This estimate is based on 11 providers.

  • Procedure: Biopsy or removal of deep lymph nodes under the arm (CPT Code: 38525)
    Purpose: To further investigate lymph nodes if cancer is suspected.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $677.68 (typically ranges from $406.75 to $948.60)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration (CPT Code: 38222)
    Purpose: Diagnose blood cancers or bone marrow disorders.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $125.93 (typically ranges from $93.13 to $158.73)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

You have taken an important step by seeking information. The next moves you make can help get you answers and, if needed, timely treatment:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor in Miami first. They can evaluate your symptoms and guide you to specialists if necessary.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms in detail — when they started, if they’re worsening, any other notable changes. Also note questions or concerns you want to discuss.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking, ask your provider about costs and insurance coverage. The costs listed here are estimates for self-pay and may vary.
  4. Stay Calm and Proactive: Though your symptoms can be worrying, seeking professional care is the best way to find out what’s going on and get peace of mind or prompt treatment.

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 replace professional medical advice. If you have concerning symptoms, please consult your healthcare provider promptly.