Feeling Weird? Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps in Houston, TX

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Feeling Weird? Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps in Houston, TX

It’s unsettling when you feel off—like your mind won’t focus, sleep feels disrupted, and a vague dizziness creeps in. You might not be sure what’s going on or if something is seriously wrong. These subtle symptoms can make anyone uneasy, and it’s completely normal to want clarity and reassurance. If you’ve been searching for answers about why you feel “weird,” you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.

This post is here to help you take the next step: understanding which healthcare providers in Houston, TX, might be the best fit for your symptoms, what types of visits you can expect, and the typical costs involved if you are paying out of pocket. Knowing this can help you feel more prepared and confident in seeking the care you need.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Houston, TX

Based on your symptoms—difficulty concentrating, a low-grade sense of unease, sleep disturbances, and mild dizziness—there are a few types of healthcare professionals who might be good places to start:

  • Psychiatry: Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and can help evaluate symptoms related to mood, anxiety, and concentration issues. They also can provide diagnoses and treatments involving therapy or medications.
  • Family Practice: Family practice doctors are generalists skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical and behavioral health concerns. They can be an excellent first stop to explore your symptoms broadly.
  • Neurology: Neurologists focus on the nervous system and brain function, which could be helpful if your dizziness or concentration problems might relate to neurological factors.
  • Internal Medicine: Internal medicine doctors are experts in adult healthcare and can assess both physical and emotional symptoms, providing comprehensive evaluations or referrals if needed.

Each provider type offers a unique perspective on your health, so choosing one depends on your comfort level and specific concerns.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of common procedures with typical costs you might encounter in Houston, TX for each provider type. These are self-pay cost estimates based on local data.

Visit with a Psychiatry Provider

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A follow-up or general outpatient visit where your psychiatrist will discuss symptoms, assess your mental health, and adjust treatment as needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $181.33 (typically ranges from $136.00 to $226.66)
    Provider Availability: Based on 101 psychiatry providers in Houston.

  • Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services (CPT Code: 90792)
    Purpose: A thorough initial evaluation including diagnosis of mental health disorders and creation of a treatment plan.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $365.73 (typically ranges from $223.24 to $508.23)
    Provider Availability: 43 psychiatry providers offer this service in Houston.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Routine office visit to evaluate symptoms, provide diagnoses, and start treatment or referrals.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.94 (typically ranges from $146.95 to $244.92)
    Provider Availability: 511 family practice providers in Houston.

  • Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: A focused evaluation to understand emotional or behavioral concerns contributing to your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.19 (typically ranges from $5.69 to $12.69)
    Provider Availability: 15 providers in Houston.

  • Procedure: Annual depression screening, 5 to 15 minutes (CPT Code: G0444)
    Purpose: A short screening to check for signs of depression which might be linked to your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.53 (typically ranges from $21.40 to $35.66)
    Provider Availability: 91 providers.

Visit with a Neurologist

  • Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A neurological exam assessing brain and nervous system function related to your symptoms like dizziness or cognitive changes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.92 (typically ranges from $145.44 to $242.40)
    Provider Availability: 149 neurology providers in Houston.

  • Procedure: Assessment and care planning for impaired thought processing, typically 60 minutes (CPT Code: 99483)
    Purpose: Detailed evaluation focused on memory, cognition, and related issues to help plan your care.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $439.92 (typically ranges from $329.94 to $549.90)
    Provider Availability: 5 providers.

  • Procedure: Measurement of brain wave activity (EEG), awake and drowsy (CPT Code: 95816)
    Purpose: A test measuring brain electrical activity, often used to explore causes of dizziness or confusion.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $226.83 (typically ranges from $154.28 to $299.38)
    Provider Availability: 39 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: General medical visit to evaluate your overall health and symptoms, offering treatment or referrals.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.75 (typically ranges from $146.06 to $243.44)
    Provider Availability: 492 internal medicine providers.

  • Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: Focused evaluation on emotional or behavioral issues contributing to your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $9.55 (typically ranges from $5.56 to $13.54)
    Provider Availability: 18 providers.

  • Procedure: Administration and interpretation of patient-focused health risk assessment (CPT Code: 96160)
    Purpose: A structured assessment to identify health risks impacting your well-being.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $19.72 (typically ranges from $3.26 to $36.18)
    Provider Availability: 5 providers.

  • Procedure: Annual depression screening, 5 to 15 minutes (CPT Code: G0444)
    Purpose: Quick screening to detect depressive symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $29.57 (typically ranges from $22.18 to $36.96)
    Provider Availability: 82 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Think of healthcare pricing like shopping in a busy marketplace where prices can vary depending on negotiation and context. The “maximum cost” you see reflects what providers typically ask for their services—it’s similar to the sticker price in a store. The “minimum cost” is closer to what Medicare, a major health insurer, negotiates to pay, often a price where the provider breaks even or may even lose money.

That means your actual cost might fall somewhere between these numbers depending on who you see, when you book, and what discounts or self-pay options might be available.

Know Your Rights

By law, if you are paying out of pocket and not using insurance, your healthcare provider must give you a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of expected charges if you request one or schedule services at least 3 business days ahead. This estimate helps you understand potential costs upfront.

Many providers also offer self-pay discounts—ask before your visit: “What is the cash price if I pay upfront?” You have the right to request a detailed bill, verify CPT codes, and dispute any charges that seem incorrect or unreasonable. Some states have strong protections against unfair billing, especially for the uninsured.

Taking action is the best way to find clarity and relief. Here’s what you can do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a psychiatrist, family practice doctor, neurologist, or internal medicine provider in Houston to discuss your symptoms.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long they’ve lasted, and any questions or concerns you may have.
  3. Discuss Costs: When you call to book, ask about fees and request a Good Faith Estimate if you plan to self-pay.
  4. Stay Positive: Remember, seeking professional advice is an important and empowering step for 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 information is provided for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care decisions.