Persistent Back Pain Causes: Your Next Steps in Dallas, TX

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Persistent Back Pain Causes: Your Next Steps in Dallas, TX

If you’ve been experiencing lower back pain that comes and goes for several months, especially after standing for long periods, you are not alone—and your concerns are valid. It’s common to wonder what might be causing that lingering discomfort and what steps to take next. While your pain isn’t severe enough to stop you from doing things, it can still affect your daily comfort, and understanding the possible causes and options for care is important.

This post is here to help guide you through what might be causing your persistent back pain, who you can see to get a diagnosis, and what initial visits and procedures might cost in the Dallas, TX area. You’re in the right place to find clear, helpful information as you consider your next steps.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Dallas, TX

Based on your symptoms, here are a few types of healthcare providers who can be a good starting point:

  • Family Practice Doctors: These are generalists who diagnose and treat a wide range of health concerns, including persistent back pain. They can evaluate your symptoms and refer you to specialists if needed.

  • Internal Medicine Doctors: Specialists in adult health, they are skilled at diagnosing complex or ongoing conditions and can order necessary imaging or treatments related to back pain.

  • Pain Management Specialists: These doctors focus specifically on diagnosing and treating pain. If your back pain persists or worsens, they can offer specialized treatments and help manage discomfort.

  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatry): These doctors help improve your function and mobility through non-surgical treatments like therapy and injections, aiming to reduce pain and restore movement.

  • Orthopedic Surgeons: Specialists in bones and joints, including the spine. They evaluate structural causes of back pain and offer both surgical and non-surgical treatments.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here is a breakdown of common procedures and the estimated self-pay costs you might expect from different providers in Dallas, TX. These costs reflect typical pricing when paying out-of-pocket and may vary.

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 evaluate your back pain symptoms, discuss your medical history, and recommend next steps for diagnosis or treatment.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.57 (typically ranges from $145.18 to $241.96)
    This estimate is based on 494 providers in the Dallas area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views (CPT Code: 72100)
    Purpose: A basic imaging test to check for bone issues or abnormalities that might be causing your back pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $56.94 (typically ranges from $42.71 to $71.18)
    This estimate is based on 3 providers in the Dallas area.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Similar to family practice, this visit lets the doctor assess your symptoms, consider internal causes, and suggest further tests if necessary.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.08 (typically ranges from $145.56 to $242.60)
    This estimate is based on 508 providers in Dallas.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views (CPT Code: 72100)
    Purpose: To visually inspect bones and joints in your lower spine.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $58.79 (typically ranges from $39.60 to $77.98)
    Based on 12 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of pelvis, 1-2 views (CPT Code: 72170)
    Purpose: Sometimes needed to assess related areas affecting back pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $50.91 (typically ranges from $23.88 to $77.94)
    Based on 8 providers.

Visit with a Pain Management Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A focused visit to address pain levels, management options, and specialized treatments.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $205.47 (typically ranges from $143.27 to $267.68)
    Based on 24 providers.

Visit with a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Assessment for rehabilitation therapies or procedures to improve function and relieve pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.49 (typically ranges from $135.65 to $257.33)
    Based on 52 providers.

  • Procedure: Injection of anesthetic and/or steroid drug into sacral spine nerve root (CPT Code: 64483)
    Purpose: A treatment to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in specific nerve areas.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $456.48 (typically ranges from $197.06 to $715.90)
    Based on 20 providers.

Visit with an Orthopedic Surgeon

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Evaluation for possible structural issues like herniated discs or arthritis that might require specialized treatment or surgery.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $198.48 (typically ranges from $148.86 to $248.10)
    Based on 175 providers.

  • Procedure: MRI scan of upper spinal canal without contrast (CPT Code: 72141)
    Purpose: Detailed imaging to assess the spinal cord and surrounding tissues for precise diagnosis.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $342.21 (typically ranges from $144.42 to $540.00)
    Based on 1 provider.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Healthcare pricing in the U.S. can sometimes feel like haggling in a marketplace, where prices differ widely depending on the provider and your negotiation or payment method.

  • The maximum cost listed is usually just below what providers initially “charge” — their asking price before any discounts or negotiations.
  • The minimum cost is typically just a bit above what Medicare has agreed to pay for that procedure, a rate that may mean the provider is only breaking even or sometimes losing money at that price.

Keep in mind these are estimates to help you prepare, but actual costs may vary depending on your specific situation and provider policies.

Know Your Rights

Under the No Surprises Act, all healthcare providers are required to provide a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) if you ask for one or schedule services at least 3 business days in advance and you’re paying without insurance. A GFE is a clear, written estimate of the expected charges so you can plan financially.

Though not legally required, many doctors offer discounts if you pay cash upfront—don’t hesitate to ask: “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”

You also have the right to:

  • Request an itemized bill showing exactly what you are being charged for.
  • Ask for CPT codes and billing modifiers to understand billed services.
  • Dispute any charges that seem incorrect, duplicative, or unreasonable.

Several states have protections against unfair billing practices, especially for uninsured patients. Knowing your rights empowers you to take control of your healthcare expenses.

Taking action can ease your worry and help you find relief. Here’s what you can do:

  • Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice, Internal Medicine, or Pain Management provider in Dallas to discuss your symptoms.
  • Prepare for Your Visit: Write down when your pain started, how it feels, what makes it better or worse, and any questions you want to ask.
  • Discuss Costs: When booking, ask about expected charges and any available cash discounts. The prices provided here are estimates to guide you.
  • Stay Positive: Remember, persistent back pain is common, and many effective treatment options exist. Seeking professional advice is a strong first step towards feeling better.

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.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.