Tired All the Time and Losing Weight? Next Steps in Chicago, IL

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Feeling Tired All the Time and Losing Weight? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Chicago, IL

If you’ve been feeling tired all the time for weeks and keep losing weight without trying—especially if you’ve noticed stomach pain or your skin looking a bit yellow—it’s completely natural to feel worried. These symptoms signal something is going on in your body, and it’s important to get to the bottom of it. You’re not alone in your concern, and you’re doing the right thing by seeking more information. This post will walk you through potential causes and, most importantly, guide you on who to see next and what the initial costs might be for evaluations in Chicago, IL. You’re in the right place to take informed and reassuring steps toward your health.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Chicago, IL

With symptoms like constant tiredness, unexplained weight loss, stomach pain, and yellowing skin, a few types of doctors could be good places to start. Each can help diagnose the possible causes and recommend treatments or further testing if needed:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can diagnose and manage a wide variety of symptoms. They are often the best first contact as they can order blood tests and help determine if you need to see a specialist.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Specialists in adult medicine who handle complex or chronic conditions. They can provide thorough exams and coordinate needed tests.
  • Gastroenterologist: A doctor specialized in digestive system issues, useful if your stomach pain and yellowing skin suggest liver or gastrointestinal problems.
  • Hematology-Oncology Specialist: In cases where symptoms suggest a possible blood disorder or cancer, this specialist assesses and manages those conditions.

Starting with a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor is common because they can help identify the issue or guide you to the right specialist.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s an overview of typical procedures you might encounter and their estimated costs in Chicago, IL. These costs are self-pay estimates that can help you prepare financially if you are uninsured or want to understand your potential out-of-pocket expenses.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit (30-39 minutes) (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is a standard doctor’s visit where the doctor reviews your symptoms, medical history, and performs an exam to begin diagnosing the cause of your tiredness and weight loss.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $202.91 (typically ranges from $152.18 to $253.64)
    This estimate is based on 854 providers in the Chicago area.

  • Procedure: Comprehensive blood test group (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: These blood tests check key chemicals in your blood, giving clues about your organ function and nutritional status.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $24.48 (typically ranges from $12.38 to $36.57)
    This estimate is based on 21 providers in Chicago.

  • Procedure: Liver enzyme level test (CPT Code: 84450)
    Purpose: Checks liver enzymes, which can be elevated if your liver is affected, possibly explaining yellowing skin.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.99 (typically ranges from $6.10 to $11.88)
    This estimate is based on 3 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Measures red and white blood cells plus platelets to detect anemia, infection, or other blood abnormalities that could cause fatigue or weight loss.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.91 (typically ranges from $9.11 to $24.71)
    This estimate is based on 16 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit (30-39 minutes) (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Similar to family practice visits but often with deeper focus on complex or ongoing illnesses.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.68 (typically ranges from $149.76 to $249.60)
    This estimate is based on 1099 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood test, comprehensive group of blood chemicals (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: Provides broad insight into your body’s chemistry and organ function to track down possible causes of symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $23.87 (typically ranges from $12.37 to $35.36)
    This estimate is based on 40 providers.

  • Procedure: Bilirubin level, total (CPT Code: 82247)
    Purpose: Measures bilirubin in your blood; a high level can cause yellowing skin (jaundice) and point to liver or bile duct problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.95 (typically ranges from $5.89 to $12.00)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Thyroid stimulating hormone test (CPT Code: 84443)
    Purpose: Assesses thyroid function, which can affect weight and energy levels.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $35.06 (typically ranges from $19.73 to $50.39)
    This estimate is based on 31 providers.

Visit with a Gastroenterologist

  • Procedure: New patient office visit, 45-59 minutes (CPT Code: 99204)
    Purpose: A detailed exam focused on stomach and digestive system issues, ideal if your stomach pain or skin yellowing relate to gastrointestinal problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $257.71 (typically ranges from $193.28 to $322.14)
    This estimate is based on 167 providers.

  • Procedure: Diagnostic exam of stomach and upper bowel using an endoscope (CPT Code: 43235)
    Purpose: A procedure to look inside your stomach and intestines if more detailed testing is needed to find causes like ulcers or other issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $305.49 (typically ranges from $131.66 to $479.32)
    This estimate is based on 96 providers.

Visit with a Hematology-Oncology Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit (30-39 minutes) (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: For evaluation if there’s concern about blood disorders or cancer.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $179.06 (typically ranges from $134.29 to $223.82)
    This estimate is based on 182 providers.

  • Procedure: CT scan of abdomen and pelvis with contrast (CPT Code: 74177)
    Purpose: Imaging that helps detect tumors, organ abnormalities, or other causes of your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $434.42 (typically ranges from $309.71 to $559.14)
    This estimate is based on 5 providers.

The most important thing you can do now is to schedule an appointment with a qualified healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms in person and order the necessary tests. Here is what to do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice or Internal Medicine doctor in Chicago to start. They can refer you to specialists if needed.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms (how long, how often), any new pains, skin changes, and questions you want to ask.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask about expected costs. The estimates above can help you plan but confirm with the provider office for accuracy.
  4. Stay Positive: Remember, many conditions that cause fatigue and weight loss are treatable, especially with early diagnosis. You are taking a strong step toward better health by seeking professional advice.

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 is for informational purposes only and does not replace 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.