Why Do I Feel Bloated and Tired? Next Steps in Arlington, TX

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Why Do I Feel Bloated and Tired? Next Steps in Arlington, TX

If you’ve been feeling bloated and generally run down, it’s completely understandable to feel concerned and unsure about what might be causing these symptoms. Whether it’s related to your diet, sleep, or possibly a deeper health issue, your worry is valid—and seeking clarity is a smart step. This guide is designed to help you understand who you might want to see for these symptoms here in Arlington, TX, what kinds of visits and tests you can expect, and a realistic idea of the costs involved if you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured. You’re in the right place to find clear, straightforward information to guide your next steps.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Arlington, TX

When feeling bloated and tired, there are a few types of healthcare providers who could be the right starting point:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions. They are excellent first contacts because they can help identify common issues or refer you to specialists if needed.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Similar to a family practice physician but tends to focus on adult patients with more complex or chronic conditions.
  • Registered Dietitian or Nutrition Professional: A specialist who can assess your eating habits and nutritional status to see if your diet may be contributing to your symptoms.
  • Sleep Medicine Specialist: If trouble sleeping is part of your fatigue, a sleep medicine doctor can assess and diagnose sleep-related disorders.

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 allows the doctor to discuss your symptoms in detail, perform a physical exam, and decide if further testing is needed. It’s your chance to start figuring out what might be causing your bloating and fatigue.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.68 (typically ranges from $143.76 to $239.60)
    This estimate is based on 502 providers in the Arlington area.

  • Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: A broad blood test to check your overall metabolic and organ health, helping detect issues like infections, liver problems, or anemia.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $22.37 (typically ranges from $12.08 to $32.65)
    This estimate is based on 38 providers in the Arlington area.

  • Procedure: Automated urinalysis test (CPT Code: 81003)
    Purpose: Checks your urine for infections, kidney problems, or other issues that might cause bloating or fatigue.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $6.77 (typically ranges from $2.63 to $10.91)
    This estimate is based on 90 providers in the Arlington area.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CBC), automated (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Measures red and white blood cells and platelets to detect anemia, infections, or other blood-related causes of fatigue.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $14.78 (typically ranges from $9.11 to $20.46)
    This estimate is based on 41 providers in the Arlington area.

  • Procedure: Blood test, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (CPT Code: 84443)
    Purpose: Checks thyroid function, as imbalances can cause tiredness and digestive issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $30.15 (typically ranges from $19.73 to $40.57)
    This estimate is based on 33 providers in the Arlington area.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A thorough evaluation by an internal medicine specialist who can manage complex conditions that might explain your symptoms.
    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.

  • The blood and urine tests listed above under Family Practice are also commonly performed by internal medicine doctors, with very similar costs.

  • Procedure: Hemoglobin A1c level blood test (CPT Code: 83036)
    Purpose: Checks your average blood sugar over 3 months to screen for diabetes, which can cause fatigue and digestive symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $23.57 (typically ranges from $11.39 to $35.75)
    This estimate is based on 63 providers in the Arlington area.

Visit with a Registered Dietitian or Nutrition Professional

  • Procedure: Therapy procedure for nutrition management, each 15 minutes (CPT Code: 97802)
    Purpose: Receive expert guidance on your diet to help address bloating related to food choices, intolerances, or other nutrition concerns.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $48.27 (typically ranges from $36.20 to $60.34)
    This estimate is based on 10 providers in the Arlington area.

Visit with a Sleep Medicine Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Evaluate for sleep disorders that might contribute to your overall fatigue.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.03 (typically ranges from $114.85 to $275.20)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider in the Arlington area.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Think of healthcare pricing a bit like shopping at a market where prices can vary based on negotiation and who is paying. The maximum cost you see here is a bit below what doctors might ask for (the “charged amount”), while the minimum cost is slightly above what Medicare pays for the procedure (the “Medicare allowed amount”). Providers often break even or lose money at the lowest prices and aim to balance costs between insured and self-pay patients. These ranges give you a realistic expectation, but actual charges may differ depending on where you go and if you negotiate or qualify for discounts.

Know Your Rights

You have protections when it comes to healthcare costs. Doctors are legally required to provide a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) if you request it at least 3 business days before scheduled services and are not using insurance. The GFE will outline expected charges so there are no surprises.

Many providers also offer self-pay discounts if you ask before your visit—don’t hesitate to inquire about cash prices. You also have the right to ask for an itemized bill, including CPT codes, so you can review charges for accuracy. If you find errors, duplicate charges, or prices that seem unreasonable, you can dispute the bill. Many states protect patients from unfair billing practices, especially if uninsured.

Taking charge of your health starts with a professional evaluation. Here’s how to move forward:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a family practice doctor or internal medicine physician first—they can evaluate your symptoms and order necessary tests or referrals.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long you’ve felt this way, any diet or sleep concerns, and questions you want answered.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking, ask about expected costs and any available self-pay options. Remember, the costs listed here are estimates.
  4. Stay Positive: Seeking professional advice is a crucial step toward feeling better and getting the care you deserve.

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, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your medical condition or symptoms.