Cancer Screening Recommendations for Women in Fort Worth, TX

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Cancer Screening Recommendations for Women in Fort Worth, TX

Thinking about cancer screening is a normal and proactive step, especially when a loved one like your cousin has recently been diagnosed with colon cancer. Even if you feel healthy, it’s wise to understand what tests might be appropriate for you at your age. This blog post is here to help you navigate those questions by explaining who you might see, what tests are commonly recommended for women’s cancer screening, and an overview of expected costs in Fort Worth, TX. You’re in the right place to start making informed choices about your health.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Fort Worth, TX

When considering cancer screening, a few types of healthcare providers are good starting points depending on the screening:

  • Preventive Medicine Doctor: Specializes in health promotion and disease prevention. They focus on screenings and regular check-ups to catch health issues early.
  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who manages a broad range of health concerns for all ages. They can conduct initial cancer screenings and guide you where to go next.
  • Gastroenterologist: A specialist in digestive system health, ideal for colorectal cancer screening and procedures like colonoscopies.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Focuses on adult health and can provide screenings and diagnostic tests for various cancers.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Visit with a Preventive Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
  • Purpose: This is a comprehensive office visit where the doctor reviews your health history, discusses risk factors, and decides on necessary cancer screenings for you.
  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Fort Worth: $207.74 (typically ranges from $150.95 to $264.54)
  • Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 3 providers in the Fort Worth area.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Colorectal cancer screening; fecal occult blood test, immunoassay, 1-3 simultaneous (CPT Code: G0328)

  • Purpose: This simple stool test detects hidden blood, which can be an early sign of colon cancer.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Fort Worth: $26.72 (ranges from $19.44 to $34.00)

  • Provider Availability: 2 providers available in Fort Worth.

  • Procedure: Cervical or vaginal cancer screening; pelvic and clinical breast examination (CPT Code: G0101)

  • Purpose: A physical exam to check for signs of cervical and breast cancers, important tests for women’s health.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Fort Worth: $61.31 (ranges from $45.98 to $76.64)

  • Provider Availability: 1 provider in the area.

  • Procedure: Stool analysis for blood to screen for colon tumors (CPT Code: 82270)

  • Purpose: Another stool test option that helps detect blood linked to colon tumors.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Fort Worth: $10.57 (ranges from $5.15 to $16.00)

  • Provider Availability: 1 provider available.

Visit with a Gastroenterologist

  • Procedure: Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy for average risk (CPT Code: G0121)

  • Purpose: A colonoscopy is an in-depth exam of the colon using a camera, considered the gold standard for detecting colon cancer early.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Fort Worth: $413.35 (ranges from $210.83 to $615.87)

  • Provider Availability: 26 providers available.

  • Procedure: Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy for high risk (CPT Code: G0105)

  • Purpose: This is the same detailed colonoscopy but tailored for those with higher risk factors.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Fort Worth: $414.48 (ranges from $210.01 to $618.94)

  • Provider Availability: 42 providers available.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Colorectal cancer screening; flexible sigmoidoscopy (CPT Code: G0104)

  • Purpose: A shorter scope exam of the lower part of the colon to look for early signs of cancer.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Fort Worth: $0.02 (ranges from $0.01 to $0.02)

  • Provider Availability: 1 provider available.

  • Procedure: Colorectal cancer screening; colonoscopy for average risk (CPT Code: G0121)

  • Purpose: Similar colonoscopy exam for average risk patients.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Fort Worth: $0.02 (ranges from $0.01 to $0.02)

  • Provider Availability: 1 provider available.

  • Procedure: Colorectal cancer screening; fecal occult blood test, immunoassay, 1-3 simultaneous (CPT Code: G0328)

  • Purpose: Stool test detecting blood potentially indicating colorectal cancer.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Fort Worth: $25.92 (ranges from $19.44 to $32.40)

  • Provider Availability: 2 providers available.

  • Procedure: Stool analysis for blood, by peroxidase activity (CPT Code: 82272)

  • Purpose: Another lab test to identify blood in stool which may signal cancer.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Fort Worth: $10.43 (ranges from $4.86 to $16.00)

  • Provider Availability: 1 provider available.

  • Procedure: Stool analysis for blood, by fecal hemoglobin determination by immunoassay (CPT Code: 82274)

  • Purpose: A specific type of stool test measuring hemoglobin to detect blood.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Fort Worth: $28.56 (ranges from $18.72 to $38.40)

  • Provider Availability: 3 providers available.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Understanding healthcare costs can feel like haggling at a busy market — the price varies depending on who you ask and how you pay. The numbers above provide a helpful range for what you might expect to pay if you’re self-paying (not using insurance).

  • The maximum cost is usually just under the doctor’s “charged amount,” which is the sticker price for the procedure.
  • The minimum cost is generally just above the “Medicare allowed amount,” which is what Medicare negotiates to pay providers. At this price level, providers may be breaking even or even losing money.

This wide range illustrates why costs can differ widely and why it’s always best to ask your provider for a detailed estimate.

Know Your Rights

You have important rights when it comes to healthcare costs in the U.S.:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): By law, doctors must provide you with a written estimate of expected charges if you’re paying out-of-pocket. You can request this estimate before your visit or when scheduling, ideally at least 3 business days in advance.
  • Many providers offer self-pay discounts, especially if you ask before your appointment. Don’t hesitate to ask, “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
  • You have the right to request a detailed, itemized bill and challenge any charges that seem incorrect or unfair.
  • Ask for CPT codes and billing details to better understand your bill. Many states protect patients from unreasonable billing practices.

Taking control of your health starts with the right information and actions:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Preventive Medicine, Family Practice, Gastroenterology, or Internal Medicine provider in Fort Worth, TX to discuss cancer screening options.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your family health history (including your cousin’s colon cancer), any symptoms you might have, and questions you want to ask.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking, confirm the cost estimates and ask about Good Faith Estimates or available discounts.
  4. Feel Empowered: Remember that choosing to get screened is a positive step towards maintaining your wellbeing.

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 only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Costs listed are estimates based on data from Fort Worth, TX and may vary. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care and pricing.