Sudden Knee Pop Swelling? Next Steps for Care in Anaheim, CA
Sudden Knee Pop Swelling? Next Steps for Care in Anaheim, CA
Experiencing a sudden pop in your knee followed by swelling and difficulty putting weight on it can be frightening. It’s completely understandable to feel worried and want to know if this could be serious. If this happened while working out today, you’re right to seek clear information on what to do next.
In this post, we’ll help you understand what kinds of healthcare providers are best equipped to evaluate your knee injury in Anaheim, CA. We’ll also outline common procedures that might be performed initially and give you an idea of typical self-pay costs in your area. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to take the next steps toward care.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Anaheim, CA
Based on your symptoms—sudden pop, swelling, and trouble bearing weight—several types of doctors could be a good starting point:
- Orthopedic Surgery: Specialists trained in diagnosing and treating bone, joint, and ligament injuries, including those involving the knee. They can provide expert evaluation and, if needed, surgical treatment.
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatrists): Doctors who focus on restoring movement and function without surgery. They can diagnose injury severity and oversee rehabilitation.
- Family Practice: Generalist doctors who can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. They can provide initial evaluation and referrals if specialized care is needed.
- Internal Medicine: Physicians who usually manage adult health conditions broadly and can help evaluate your knee injury and guide referral to specialists if necessary.
Each of these providers can perform the initial assessment to determine how serious your injury might be. Choosing where to start may depend on your comfort, insurance, or access considerations.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here is an overview of common procedures these providers might use and what they typically cost for self-pay patients in Anaheim, CA:
Visit with an Orthopedic Surgery Specialist
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Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A thorough evaluation of your knee injury, discussing symptoms, examining the knee, and planning next steps.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $212.95 (typically ranges from $158.89 to $267.02)
This estimate is based on 171 providers in the Anaheim area. -
Procedure: X-ray of knee, 4 or more views (CPT Code: 73564)
Purpose: Imaging to check for fractures, dislocations, or other bone issues contributing to your knee pain and swelling.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $94.67 (ranges from $62.05 to $127.28)
Based on 56 local providers. -
Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
Purpose: Removing excess fluid or swelling from your knee joint to reduce pain and help diagnosis.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $131.75 (range $81.95 to $181.56)
Provided by 112 providers locally.
Visit with a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Detailed assessment focusing on non-surgical treatment and rehabilitation options.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $211.89 (ranges from $158.92 to $264.86)
Based on 47 providers in Anaheim. -
Procedure: X-ray of knee, 3 views (CPT Code: 73562)
Purpose: Focused knee imaging for diagnosis with fewer images than the orthopedic specialist.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $75.33 (range $56.50 to $94.16)
From 3 local providers. -
Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
Purpose: Fluid removal to assess and relieve joint swelling.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $140.90 (range $82.25 to $199.54)
Available from 15 providers nearby.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
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Procedure: Established outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: First point of contact to evaluate your knee and decide if further tests or referrals are needed.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $210.93 (range $158.20 to $263.66)
Based on 720 local providers. -
Procedure: X-ray of knee, 4 or more views (CPT Code: 73564)
Purpose: Detailed imaging similar to orthopedic specialists but less commonly offered in family practice offices.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $104.52 (range $58.03 to $151.02)
From 8 providers locally. -
Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of joint (CPT Code: 76881)
Purpose: Imaging of soft tissues like ligaments and tendons if needed to assess swelling or injury.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $104.58 (range $70.49 to $138.66)
Offered by 3 providers nearby.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: General evaluation to review symptoms and guide further workup or referrals.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $210.72 (range $158.04 to $263.40)
Based on 630 local providers. -
Procedure: X-ray of knee, 3 views (CPT Code: 73562)
Purpose: Basic knee imaging to check for fractures or other visible damage.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $70.67 (range $53.00 to $88.34)
From 3 local providers. -
Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of joint (CPT Code: 76881)
Purpose: Soft tissue imaging to evaluate swelling or ligament injuries.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $121.50 (range $69.66 to $173.34)
Available from 3 providers in Anaheim.
How to Interpret the Cost Estimates
Healthcare pricing in the U.S. can feel like a marketplace where prices vary depending on negotiations and agreements between doctors, insurers, and patients.
- The maximum cost shown is typically just below the amount doctors “list” or charge before any discounts—think of it as the “asking price” you might haggle down.
- The minimum cost is generally a bit above what Medicare, the government insurance for seniors, negotiates to pay doctors — often close to the lowest sustainable price for providers.
These ranges help you understand what you might expect to pay if you are paying out of pocket without insurance.
Know Your Rights
When arranging care, you have important protections:
- Doctors must provide a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) if you’re paying without insurance and ask for one or schedule services at least 3 business days ahead. This is a legal right designed to give you clarity on expected charges before you commit.
- Many providers offer self-pay discounts, especially if you ask upfront, so don’t hesitate to inquire: “What is the cash price if I pay in full now?”
- You have the right to request a detailed, itemized bill and challenge any charges that seem incorrect, duplicated, or unfair. You can ask for exact CPT codes and billing details.
- Some states protect patients from extreme or “unconscionable” billing practices, particularly for those without insurance.
Knowing your rights helps you avoid surprises and ensures you can make informed choices about your care.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Taking action now is the best way to protect your knee health and peace of mind. Here’s what to do:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact an orthopedic surgeon, physical medicine doctor, family practice physician, or internal medicine provider in Anaheim to get your knee evaluated as soon as possible.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms, when they started, what you were doing when the injury happened, and any questions or concerns you have.
- Discuss Costs: When making your appointment, ask about estimated self-pay costs and if the provider can give you a Good Faith Estimate.
- Stay Reassured: Remember, prompt professional evaluation helps prevent worsening injury and sets you on the right path to recovery.
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 post provides general information based on average local costs and should not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional to address your specific situation.