Sudden Headache and Blurred Vision in Chicago? What to Do Next
Feeling a Sudden Headache and Blurred Vision? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Chicago
Out of nowhere, you’ve developed a severe headache and some trouble seeing out of your left eye. This can be a scary and confusing experience, especially if you don’t get headaches often. It’s completely understandable that you’re worried and searching for answers.
This post is here to help guide you through what might come next: who you should see first, what tests or exams might be involved, and what you can expect to pay as an out-of-pocket patient in Chicago, IL. You’re in the right place to find clear next steps without feeling overwhelmed.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Chicago
Based on your sudden headache and blurred vision, here are a few types of doctors who could be a good starting point:
- Neurology: Neurologists specialize in the brain, nerves, and nervous system. They are experts in headaches and vision problems that might come from neurological causes.
- Internal Medicine: Internists are specialists who manage general medical conditions often involving adult chronic conditions and can coordinate care and testing.
- Emergency Medicine: If your symptoms are severe or worsening quickly, emergency doctors handle acute and urgent health issues that require immediate attention.
- Family Practice: Family doctors are generalists who can diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues, often serving as your first stop to evaluate symptoms and guide you.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s an overview of common procedures linked to these providers in Chicago, what they mean, and their self-pay costs. This will give you a sense of what may happen and how much it could cost if paying out of pocket.
Visit with a Neurologist
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A detailed evaluation of your symptoms by a brain and nerve specialist to help diagnose the cause of your headache and vision changes.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $185.42 (typically ranges from $139.07 to $231.78)
This estimate is based on 239 neurologists in the Chicago area. -
Procedure: MRI scan of brain without contrast (CPT Code: 70551)
Purpose: An MRI provides detailed images of your brain to detect possible causes such as bleeding, swelling, or strokes that might relate to your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $926.62 (typically ranges from $253.25 to $1600)
This estimate is based on 3 providers offering this in Chicago. -
Procedure: Exam of visual field with extended testing (CPT Code: 92083)
Purpose: Tests your full field of vision to check for blind spots or vision loss linked to neurological problems.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $111.98 (typically ranges from $57.43 to $166.54)
This estimate is based on 6 providers.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A comprehensive visit to review your health and symptoms and possibly coordinate further specialized testing.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.68 (range $149.76 to $249.60)
This estimate covers 1,099 providers. -
Procedure: CT scan head or brain without contrast (CPT Code: 70450)
Purpose: A CT scan gives quick imaging to detect recent bleeding, stroke, or other urgent brain concerns.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $154.93 (range $61.39 to $248.47)
Available from 3 internal medicine providers. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) with interpretation (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: Checks heart rhythm to rule out cardiac causes of your headache or vision symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $42.90 (range $18.30 to $67.50)
This test is available from 339 providers.
Visit with an Emergency Medicine Physician
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Procedure: Emergency department visit with high level of medical decision making (CPT Code: 99285)
Purpose: Comprehensive assessment of urgent symptoms requiring rapid decisions and often immediate testing or treatment.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $508.49 (range $220.02 to $796.97)
Based on 1,068 ED providers. -
Procedure: CT scan head or brain without contrast (CPT Code: 70450)
Purpose: Urgent brain imaging to quickly diagnose life-threatening causes.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $631.35 (range $94.69 to $1,168.01)
Available from 1 emergency medicine provider. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93010)
Purpose: Heart rhythm exam as part of emergency evaluation.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $29.34 (range $9.92 to $48.75)
From 384 providers.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A general check-up and symptom evaluation by your primary care doctor.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $202.91 (range $152.18 to $253.64)
Based on 854 providers. -
Procedure: CT scan head or brain without contrast (CPT Code: 70450)
Purpose: Imaging to exclude urgent causes in an outpatient setting.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $273.22 (range $87.85 to $458.59)
Available from 1 provider. -
Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) (CPT Code: 93000)
Purpose: Heart rhythm assessment during the exam if necessary.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $39.65 (range $18.16 to $61.15)
From 160 providers.
How to Interpret the Cost Estimates
Understanding medical costs can feel like navigating a confusing marketplace. Think of it like negotiating prices at a busy marketplace where vendors set different prices and you try to find the best deal.
- The maximum cost listed is usually just below what providers initially “charge” or ask for. This is often higher than what most end up paying because there’s room for negotiation or insurance adjustments.
- The minimum cost is often slightly above what Medicare, the government health insurance for seniors, agrees to pay providers for that procedure. At this price, providers might be breaking even or even losing money.
This range means your actual cost may vary widely depending on the provider, timing, and if you ask in advance for discounts or cash rates.
Know Your Rights
You have important rights when it comes to understanding and managing your medical bills:
- Good Faith Estimate (GFE): By law, if you are paying out of pocket and not using insurance, your healthcare provider must provide a written estimate of expected charges if you ask for this or if you schedule services at least 3 business days before your visit.
- Many providers offer self-pay discounts—don’t hesitate to ask questions like, “What is the cash price if I pay upfront?” This can save you money.
- You have the right to request an itemized bill and can dispute charges that seem incorrect, duplicated, or unreasonable.
- Providers must give you CPT codes and billing details if you ask. Many states protect patients from unfair or excessive billing practices, especially if you lack insurance.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Taking action now can help ensure your symptoms are evaluated safely and quickly:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact a neurologist, internal medicine physician, family doctor, or visit an emergency department if symptoms worsen or become severe immediately.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all symptoms, when they started, factors that worsen or improve them, and any questions you want to ask your doctor.
- Discuss Costs: When booking, confirm self-pay pricing and ask about possible discounts. Use the cost estimates here as a helpful reference.
- Stay Calm and Informed: Remember, seeking professional advice is the right, empowered decision for 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 replace professional medical advice. If you experience sudden or severe symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.