Sudden Headache and Blurred Vision Cause: What to Do Next in Los Angeles, CA

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Sudden Headache and Blurred Vision Cause: What to Do Next in Los Angeles, CA

Experiencing a severe headache out of nowhere along with some trouble seeing out of your left eye can be very alarming, especially if headaches are not something you commonly get. It’s completely natural to feel concerned and want to understand what might be happening. You’re definitely taking the right step by seeking information.

This post is here to guide you through what types of healthcare providers might be best to see for your symptoms, what to expect in your first visits, and what the approximate costs could be in Los Angeles, CA. Our goal is to give you clear, practical information so you can confidently take the next steps toward professional care.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles

Given your sudden headache and blurred vision, a few kinds of doctors are typically good starting points:

  • Emergency Medicine Providers: These doctors handle urgent and severe symptoms that may need immediate evaluation and treatment, especially when symptoms come on suddenly and are serious.
  • Neurologists: Specialists in nervous system conditions, neurologists diagnose and treat headaches, vision changes related to the brain, and other neurological symptoms.
  • Ophthalmologists: Eye specialists who examine vision problems and the health of your eyes and optic nerves, including issues that may cause blurred vision.
  • Internal Medicine Physicians: General doctors who evaluate a broad range of symptoms and can coordinate further tests or referrals as needed.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of common procedures with approximate costs you might expect with these providers in Los Angeles. All costs are self-pay estimates and can vary.

Visit with an Emergency Medicine Provider

  • Procedure: Emergency department visit with high level of medical decision making (CPT Code: 99285)
    Purpose: This visit evaluates your sudden symptoms urgently to rule out life-threatening causes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $554.30 (typically ranges from $217.20 to $891.40)
    This estimate is based on 816 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: CT scan of head or brain without contrast (CPT Code: 70450)
    Purpose: Detailed imaging to check for any brain injury, bleeding, or abnormalities causing your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $630.52 (typically ranges from $93.04 to $1168.01)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider in the Los Angeles area.

Visit with a Neurologist

  • Procedure: Outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A focused neurological exam to investigate headaches and vision problems related to the brain and nerves.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $238.58 (typically ranges from $152.92 to $324.24)
    This estimate is based on 255 providers in the Los Angeles area.

Visit with an Ophthalmologist

  • Procedure: Outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Comprehensive eye exam to assess visual function and check for eye-related causes of blurred vision.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $228.44 (typically ranges from $162.26 to $294.62)
    This estimate is based on 268 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Complete exam of visual system (CPT Code: 92014)
    Purpose: Thorough eye health and vision check to detect underlying eye diseases or damage.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $220.66 (typically ranges from $165.49 to $275.82)
    This estimate is based on 379 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Imaging of retina (CPT Code: 92134)
    Purpose: Specialized imaging to examine retinal health, which can affect vision clarity.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $87.98 (typically ranges from $51.18 to $124.78)
    This estimate is based on 368 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Exam of retinal blood vessels post dye injection (CPT Code: 92235)
    Purpose: Detailed imaging to assess retina blood flow, detecting circulatory causes of vision loss.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $239.18 (typically ranges from $179.39 to $298.98)
    This estimate is based on 74 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Measurement of retinal and optic nerve function (CPT Code: 92273)
    Purpose: Testing how well your retina and optic nerve are working to find causes of vision changes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $232.67 (typically ranges from $174.50 to $290.84)
    This estimate is based on 19 providers in the Los Angeles area.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Physician

  • Procedure: Outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: General evaluation of your symptoms and coordinating possible testing or specialist referrals.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $225.65 (typically ranges from $153.18 to $298.12)
    This estimate is based on 1176 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: CT scan of head or brain without contrast (CPT Code: 70450)
    Purpose: Imaging to rule out serious brain conditions causing headache or vision changes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $267.01 (typically ranges from $134.03 to $400.00)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider in the Los Angeles area.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Think of American healthcare pricing like going to a market without fixed prices: prices vary depending on who you talk to and how the “deal” is made.

  • The maximum cost you see is close to what providers initially “charge” — like the sticker price on a product. It’s often higher than what many people pay.
  • The minimum cost is near the amount that Medicare, the federal insurance program, has negotiated as a fair payment. At this level, providers usually break even or sometimes lose money on the procedure.

Knowing this helps set realistic expectations for what you might ultimately pay and that prices often depend on your insurance and negotiations.

Know Your Rights

You have important rights around healthcare costs:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): By law, if you’re paying out of pocket (not using insurance), your doctor must provide you a clear estimate of costs if you ask or schedule services at least 3 business days before the appointment.
  • Many providers offer self-pay discounts if you ask upfront or pay in cash, even though this isn’t always required.
  • You can always request a detailed, itemized bill and ask questions about specific charges, including CPT codes and billing details. Don’t hesitate to dispute charges that seem duplicated or unreasonable.
  • Some states protect patients from surprise or unreasonably high bills, so you have the right to ask questions and advocate for yourself.

Your symptoms warrant timely medical evaluation. Here’s a simple plan to move forward:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to an emergency department immediately if symptoms worsen or you develop additional problems like weakness or confusion. Otherwise, contact a neurologist, ophthalmologist, or your internal medicine doctor for urgent evaluation.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms in detail—when they started, their severity, and any other changes you noticed. Also list any questions or concerns you have.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask the office about expected costs or self-pay prices so you can plan ahead. Remember, the figures provided here are estimates.
  4. Stay Calm and Proactive: Seeking professional care is the best step you can take for your health. You’re doing the right thing by taking action promptly.

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 article provides general information based on estimates and does not replace professional medical advice. Always seek immediate care for urgent or worsening symptoms.