Why Does My Cough Not Stop? Find Care in Fort Worth, TX

persistent coughFort Worth healthcarecough causesmedical costsfamily practicepulmonary careallergy care

Why Does My Cough Not Stop? Find Care in Fort Worth, TX

If you’ve been dealing with a cough that just won’t go away for several weeks—even though you don’t smoke—it’s understandable to feel worried and frustrated. A persistent cough can be caused by many things, from allergies to infections or other underlying conditions. You’re taking the right step by looking for answers.

This post aims to guide you through understanding potential reasons for your cough, who you might want to see in Fort Worth, TX, and an idea of the costs you might face as a self-paying patient. You’re in the right place to find clear, local information so you can move forward with confidence.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Fort Worth, TX

When a cough lingers, a few types of healthcare providers can be a great starting point to find relief and diagnosis:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can diagnose and treat a wide range of health concerns, including respiratory problems. They’re often your first stop for persistent cough.
  • Pulmonary Disease Specialist: A doctor who focuses specifically on lung and respiratory system health. They are experts in diagnosing and treating lung-related causes of cough.
  • Allergy/Immunology Specialist: If allergies or immune system issues are suspected contributors to your cough, this specialist can help identify and manage triggers.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Specializes in adult medical care and may be well suited for thorough evaluation of prolonged symptoms like cough.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This visit lets your doctor evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and overall health to determine potential causes of your cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.38 (typically ranges from $144.29 to $240.48)
    This estimate is based on 350 providers in Fort Worth.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: An X-ray can reveal lung infections, inflammation, or other causes for a chronic cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $52.55 (ranges from $35.87 to $69.22)
    Based on 22 providers.

  • Procedure: Automated urinalysis test (CPT Code: 81003)
    Purpose: Though less common for cough, this test checks for infections or other underlying issues that sometimes relate to respiratory symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $6.18 (ranges from $2.63 to $9.74)
    Based on 82 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Helps gather blood for lab tests that might reveal infections or other health concerns contributing to cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.94 (ranges from $9.71 to $16.18)
    Based on 131 providers.

  • Procedure: Influenza detection test (CPT Code: 87804)
    Purpose: To check if the flu virus might be causing or contributing to your cough, especially relevant during flu season.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $37.70 (ranges from $19.44 to $55.96)
    Based on 32 providers.

Visit with a Pulmonary Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A specialized lung doctor will thoroughly assess your respiratory system and investigate causes of persistent cough.
    Estimated Cost: $198.22 (ranges from $148.67 to $247.78)
    Based on 29 providers.

  • Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Same as above, imaging to check lungs for concerning issues.
    Estimated Cost: $53.58 (ranges from $40.19 to $66.98)
    Based on 7 providers.

  • Procedure: Test measuring airflow and lung volume (CPT Code: 94010)
    Purpose: Evaluates how well you can breathe out air, useful to detect asthma or other lung problems causing cough.
    Estimated Cost: $12.80 (ranges from $9.60 to $16.00)
    Based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Test measuring how well lungs exchange gases (CPT Code: 94729)
    Purpose: Measures oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange to detect lung diseases that may cause chronic coughing.
    Estimated Cost: $84.58 (ranges from $47.24 to $121.91)
    Based on 26 providers.

  • Procedure: Exam of lung airways using an endoscope (CPT Code: 31623)
    Purpose: A more advanced exam where a camera inspects the airways directly, used in complex or unresolved cases.
    Estimated Cost: $236.19 (ranges from $0.37 to $472.00)
    Based on 1 provider.

Visit with an Allergy/Immunology Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Assess allergies or immune issues that might cause or worsen your cough.
    Estimated Cost: $199.78 (ranges from $149.83 to $249.72)
    Based on 12 providers.

  • Procedure: Test measuring expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
    Purpose: Same as pulmonary function test to check for breathing issues caused by allergies.
    Estimated Cost: $49.47 (ranges from $31.63 to $67.30)
    Based on 10 providers.

  • Procedure: Test measuring rate of airflow (CPT Code: 94375)
    Purpose: Another breathing test to evaluate airflow problems possibly from allergic reactions.
    Estimated Cost: $60.58 (ranges from $45.43 to $75.72)
    Based on 2 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Comprehensive evaluation of persistent cough and related health issues as an adult medical specialist.
    Estimated Cost: $194.37 (ranges from $145.78 to $242.96)
    Based on 224 providers.

  • Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Imaging to look for lung problems causing the cough.
    Estimated Cost: $49.35 (ranges from $35.56 to $63.15)
    Based on 5 providers.

  • Procedure: Bacterial culture test (CPT Code: 87070)
    Purpose: Checks for infections in samples other than blood or urine that might relate to persistent cough.
    Estimated Cost: $44.89 (ranges from $9.78 to $80.00)
    Based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: For lab tests checking for infections or other causes.
    Estimated Cost: $12.99 (ranges from $9.74 to $16.24)
    Based on 83 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: A heart test to rule out cardiac causes that sometimes present as cough.
    Estimated Cost: $33.30 (ranges from $16.93 to $49.66)
    Based on 69 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Healthcare pricing can sometimes feel like haggling in a busy market — prices vary widely and depend on many factors. The numbers you see above are estimated self-pay costs, which means they’re typical charges if you pay out-of-pocket without insurance.

  • The maximum cost you see is usually a bit less than the “charged amount” — this is what doctors initially ask for the procedure.
  • The minimum cost is often above the “Medicare allowed amount,” which is the rate Medicare negotiates as payment. At this price, doctors usually just break even or may even lose money.

Knowing these ranges helps you understand there can be some negotiation and variation when you seek care.

Know Your Rights

It’s important to know that under U.S. law, if you aren’t using insurance, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) from your healthcare provider before you get care. This estimate shows what you can expect to pay.

  • You can ask for a GFE when you schedule services at least 3 business days in advance.
  • Many providers offer self-pay discounts — never hesitate to ask, “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
  • You can request an itemized and detailed bill to check for any charges that seem incorrect or duplicated.
  • You also have the right to request CPT codes and billing modifiers to better understand your charges.
  • Many states protect patients from “unconscionable” billing, especially for those without insurance.

Facing a persistent cough can be unsettling, but taking action will help you get the care you need:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to a Family Practice doctor, Pulmonary specialist, Allergy/Immunology specialist, or Internal Medicine doctor in Fort Worth who can evaluate your symptoms.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms (including how long your cough has lasted), any other health changes, and questions you want answered.
  3. Discuss Costs Upfront: When booking your appointment, confirm the expected costs and ask if self-pay discounts are available.
  4. Remember: Getting professional advice is the right step to understanding and treating your cough effectively.

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. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.