Heart Racing But Not Anxious? Your Next Steps in Los Angeles, CA

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Heart Racing But Not Anxious? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Los Angeles, CA

If you’ve been feeling jittery or notice your heart racing even when you’re not stressed or anxious, it can understandably feel worrying. Many people wonder if it’s something serious like a heart problem or if lifestyle factors like caffeine are to blame. Your concern is valid, and you’re taking an important first step by seeking guidance. This post will help you understand what kind of medical specialists you might need to see in Los Angeles, what initial tests and visits could look like — including estimated costs — and how to take the next steps proactively to protect your health. You’re in the right place to get clear, practical information.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles

When it comes to feeling your heart race without obvious anxiety, several types of healthcare providers could be your best starting points. Here’s a quick overview of who they are and what they do:

  • Cardiology: Specialists in heart health. They diagnose and treat heart rhythm problems and other cardiovascular concerns.
  • Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology: Subspecialists focusing specifically on heart rhythm disorders using advanced diagnostic tools.
  • Internal Medicine: General doctors who handle a broad range of adult health issues, including heart problems, and can guide you on when to see a specialist.
  • Family Practice: Generalist doctors skilled in diagnosing and treating a variety of health concerns, ideal for initial evaluations.
  • Psychiatry: Specialists in mental health who evaluate if symptoms like a racing heart have psychological causes, such as anxiety or other conditions.

Depending on what your provider discovers, you may be referred to one or more of these experts.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of common visits and tests you might expect with each provider type in Los Angeles, along with estimated self-pay costs to help you prepare.

Visit with a Cardiology Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A thorough heart-focused evaluation where the doctor discusses your symptoms, reviews your history, and may order tests.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $222 (typically ranges from $158 to $286)
    This estimate is based on 341 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) using at least 12 leads (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: A quick and painless test to record your heart’s electrical activity, helpful to detect rhythm issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $42 (range: $19 to $65)
    Based on 287 providers.

  • Procedure: Heart rhythm review via continuous external ECG monitor for 8-15 days (CPT Code: 93248)
    Purpose: Wearing a small monitor to track your heart rhythm over days to catch episodic racing hearts.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $60 (range: $33 to $87)
    Based on 83 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound of heart with blood flow and valve function (CPT Code: 93306)
    Purpose: A detailed imaging test assessing heart structure and function to rule out heart disease causes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $246 (range: $137 to $354)
    Based on 351 providers.

  • Procedure: Exercise or drug-induced stress test with ECG (CPT Code: 93015)
    Purpose: A test to assess how your heart works under stress, revealing hidden problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $169 (range: $89 to $249)
    Based on 146 providers.

Visit with a Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiologist

  • Procedure: Established outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A focused consultation on heart rhythm disorders.
    Estimated Cost: $217 (range: $153 to $282)
    Based on 49 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine ECG (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Electrical heart activity assessment.
    Estimated Cost: $41 (range: $19 to $64)
    Based on 39 providers.

  • Procedure: Heart ultrasound (CPT Code: 93306)
    Purpose: Detailed heart imaging.
    Estimated Cost: $280 (range: $157 to $402)
    Based on 25 providers.

  • Procedure: Stress test with supervision (CPT Code: 93018)
    Purpose: Heart function under stress evaluation.
    Estimated Cost: $42 (range: $18 to $67)
    Based on 9 providers.

  • Procedure: Heart rhythm review with continuous external ECG over 48 hours to 7 days (CPT Code: 93244)
    Purpose: Extended monitoring of heart rhythm anomalies.
    Estimated Cost: $52 (range: $30 to $74)
    Based on 29 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Provider

  • Procedure: Established outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: General health evaluation including heart symptom review.
    Estimated Cost: $226 (range: $153 to $298)
    Based on 1176 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine ECG (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Baseline electrical heart activity test.
    Estimated Cost: $40 (range: $19 to $62)
    Based on 529 providers.

  • Procedure: Annual depression screening (CPT Code: G0444)
    Purpose: Brief check to identify if mood or anxiety concerns may contribute to symptoms.
    Estimated Cost: $32 (range: $24 to $41)
    Based on 173 providers.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Comprehensive initial exam and symptom discussion.
    Estimated Cost: $234 (range: $157 to $310)
    Based on 799 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine ECG (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Heart rhythm check.
    Estimated Cost: $42 (range: $19 to $64)
    Based on 295 providers.

  • Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: Quick screening for anxiety or stress-related issues.
    Estimated Cost: $14 (range: $6 to $21)
    Based on 12 providers.

  • Procedure: Annual depression screening (CPT Code: G0444)
    Purpose: Detect mood conditions that may affect heart symptoms.
    Estimated Cost: $32 (range: $24 to $40)
    Based on 119 providers.

Visit with a Psychiatrist

  • Procedure: Established outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Mental health evaluation, including anxiety and stress assessment.
    Estimated Cost: $274 (range: $155 to $393)
    Based on 200 providers.

  • Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services (CPT Code: 90792)
    Purpose: Detailed evaluation and diagnosis of psychiatric conditions that might cause physical symptoms.
    Estimated Cost: $301 (range: $226 to $377)
    Based on 55 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Healthcare pricing in the U.S. can feel like haggling in a marketplace—there are many prices depending on who you ask and how you pay. The ranges you see represent typical prices from multiple providers in Los Angeles. Here’s what the cost range means:

  • The maximum cost shown is usually just below what doctors initially “charge” for a service. This charge is often negotiable and not what insurers or patients actually pay.
  • The minimum cost roughly aligns with the Medicare allowed amount—a rate that government programs have negotiated with providers. At this price, doctors often break even or may even lose money.

Understanding that these are estimates and that your actual price can vary significantly, depending on payment method and your provider, helps prepare you better for your visit.

Know Your Rights

When scheduling or planning medical care, it’s important to be informed about your protections:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): By law, if you are paying out-of-pocket (not using insurance), your healthcare provider must provide a written estimate of expected charges if you request it or schedule the service at least 3 business days in advance.
  • Many providers offer self-pay discounts if you ask beforehand. Don’t hesitate to ask: “What is the cash price if I pay upfront?”
  • You have the right to request an itemized bill detailing exactly what you are charged for, including CPT codes and any billing modifiers.
  • If you spot any charges that seem incorrect, duplicated, or unreasonable, you can dispute them. Many states protect patients from exploitative billing practices, especially those without insurance.

Knowing these rights empowers you to advocate for fair treatment and avoid surprises.

Taking action is the best way to ease your worry and address your symptoms effectively:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice doctor, Internal Medicine provider, or a Cardiology specialist in Los Angeles to start the evaluation.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, including when they started and how often they occur. Also, note any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
  3. Discuss Costs: When you call to schedule, ask about estimated costs and if a Good Faith Estimate is available. This will help you plan financially.
  4. Stay Reassured: Remember, feeling a racing heart is common and often has treatable causes. Getting professional advice is a positive step toward your health and peace of mind.

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 provides estimated costs and general guidance based on Los Angeles area data as of 2025. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.