Sudden Knee Pop and Swelling? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Miami, FL
Sudden Knee Pop and Swelling? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Miami, FL
If you felt a sudden pop in your right knee today while working out, followed by swelling and difficulty putting weight on it, it’s completely natural to feel concerned and uncertain about what to do next. Knee injuries can be unsettling, but gathering the right information will help you take confident and timely action. This post is here to guide you through understanding what types of healthcare professionals you might need to see, what common procedures to expect, and the estimated costs for care services available to you right here in Miami, FL. You’re in the right place to learn how to move forward safely and smartly.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Miami, FL
After a sudden knee pop and swelling, several kinds of doctors could be a good starting point to assess your injury and plan treatment. Based on your symptoms, consider these providers:
- Orthopedic Surgeon: Specialists in bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles. They focus on diagnosing and treating knee injuries like ligament tears or cartilage damage.
- Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who diagnoses and treats a wide range of health problems. They can evaluate your knee injury initially and refer you to specialists if needed.
- Internal Medicine Doctor: Focuses on adult health and can provide an initial assessment of knee problems, especially if you have other medical conditions to consider.
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist (Physiatrist): Experts in non-surgical treatment and rehabilitation for musculoskeletal injuries, including knee swelling and pain.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s a breakdown of typical procedures you might encounter for your knee condition, along with estimated self-pay costs based on providers available in Miami, FL.
Visit with an Orthopedic Surgeon
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: This longer office visit allows a detailed examination of your knee, discussion of symptoms, and planning for any diagnostic tests.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $258.84 (typically ranges from $157.25 to $360.44)
This estimate is based on 114 orthopedic surgeons in Miami. -
Procedure: X-ray of knee, 4 or more views (CPT Code: 73564)
Purpose: X-rays help identify bone fractures or misalignments that could be causing your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $105.19 (ranges from $55.57 to $154.80)
Available from 38 orthopedic providers. -
Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
Purpose: Removing excess fluid from the knee can relieve pain and swelling; injecting medication may reduce inflammation.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $146.70 (ranges from $83.56 to $209.85)
Offered by 67 orthopedic surgeons.
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 thorough exam to understand your knee injury and decide if you need imaging or specialist care.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $205.22 (ranges from $153.91 to $256.52)
Based on 306 providers in Miami. -
Procedure: X-ray of knee, 3 views (CPT Code: 73562)
Purpose: Basic imaging to check for fractures or joint damage.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $68.53 (ranges from $50.59 to $86.46)
Available with 3 family practice doctors in the area. -
Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of joint (CPT Code: 76881)
Purpose: Ultrasound helps assess soft tissue injuries, such as ligament or tendon tears.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $122.04 (ranges from $65.64 to $178.43)
Provided by 3 family practice providers.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
- Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Evaluate overall health and initial knee symptoms, especially if you have other medical issues.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $208.26 (ranges from $156.19 to $260.32)
Based on 464 providers in Miami.
Visit with a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Focused on rehabilitation, this visit helps plan treatments to reduce pain and restore mobility.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $238.46 (ranges from $146.42 to $330.49)
Based on 38 providers. -
Procedure: X-ray of knee, 1-2 views (CPT Code: 73560)
Purpose: Screening for bone or joint problems. Lower number of views than other X-ray procedures.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $83.44 (ranges from $42.31 to $124.56)
Available from 2 providers. -
Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
Purpose: Removing swelling fluid or injecting medicine to ease inflammation and pain.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $144.49 (ranges from $81.11 to $207.88)
Delivered by 10 physiatrists. -
Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of joint (CPT Code: 76881)
Purpose: Non-invasive imaging for soft tissue examination.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $88.14 (ranges from $66.11 to $110.18)
From 1 provider.
How to Interpret the Cost Estimates
The American healthcare pricing system can feel a bit like shopping in a market where prices have some room for negotiation and vary widely. Here’s a simple way to understand the cost ranges provided:
- The maximum cost estimate is close to the “charged amount” — basically what providers ask for before any discounts or insurance negotiations. Think of this as the sticker price.
- The minimum cost estimate is near the “Medicare allowed amount” — what Medicare (a government insurance program) has negotiated to pay, often the lowest sustainable price for providers. At this price level, some providers might just break even or even lose money.
This explains why you’ll see a range rather than a fixed price — the actual amount you pay might depend on the provider’s pricing policies, discounts, and negotiations.
Know Your Rights
Understanding your rights can empower you when dealing with healthcare costs:
- Good Faith Estimate (GFE): If you’re paying out-of-pocket without using health insurance, your doctor must give you a written estimate of expected charges if you ask for one or schedule services at least 3 business days ahead. This helps you prepare financially.
- Many providers offer self-pay discounts, especially if you ask before your visit. Don’t hesitate to ask, “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
- You have the right to request a detailed, itemized bill. If you spot any charges that seem incorrect, duplicated, or unreasonable, you can dispute them.
- You can also request CPT codes and billing modifiers to understand exactly what services you are being charged for.
- Many states protect patients from unfair billing practices, especially if you’re uninsured or facing unexpected bills.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Taking control of your knee injury starts with connecting to the right professional and preparing yourself well. Here’s what to do next:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact one of the provider types listed above—an orthopedic surgeon or a family practice doctor are great starting points.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms, how and when they started, and any questions you want to ask the doctor.
- Discuss Costs: When booking, call the provider’s office to confirm costs and ask for a Good Faith Estimate if you plan to pay out-of-pocket.
- Stay Positive: Seeking care promptly is the best way to protect your knee health and get back to your daily activities.
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 information is provided for general educational purposes and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Costs are estimates and can vary based on provider, location, and individual circumstances. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.