Sudden Knee Pop and Swelling? What to Do Next in Los Angeles, CA

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Sudden Knee Pop and Swelling? What to Do Next in Los Angeles, CA

Experiencing a sudden pop in your knee during a workout followed by swelling and difficulty bearing weight can understandably be alarming. It’s natural to worry about the severity of the injury and to wonder what steps you should take next. You’re not alone, and it’s good that you’re seeking information to help you make informed decisions about your health.

This post is designed to guide you through the initial steps: understanding which healthcare providers might be best suited to evaluate your knee, what kinds of exams or procedures to expect, and the typical costs associated with these in Los Angeles, CA. With this knowledge, you will feel more confident about taking action and getting the care you need.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles, CA

Based on your symptoms—sudden knee pop, swelling, and difficulty putting weight on it—several types of doctors could be a good starting point for diagnosis and treatment:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can evaluate a wide variety of health issues, including musculoskeletal injuries. They can provide an initial assessment and refer you to a specialist if needed.
  • Orthopedic Surgeon: A specialist in bones, joints, and muscles. They are particularly skilled in diagnosing injuries like ligament tears or fractures and can offer surgical or non-surgical treatment options.
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist: Focuses on restoring movement and function after injuries. They can provide both diagnosis and rehabilitation plans.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Though more focused on chronic and internal conditions, they can perform initial evaluations and order imaging if necessary, and then recommend further specialist care.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here is a breakdown of the typical procedures each provider type might perform and their estimated self-pay costs in Los Angeles:

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 knee injury with a thorough physical exam and discuss your symptoms and medical history.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $233.69 (typically ranges from $157.19 to $310.19)
    This estimate is based on 799 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of knee, 3 views (CPT Code: 73562)
    Purpose: X-rays help visualize bones to check for fractures or dislocations.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $64.41 (typically ranges from $45.83 to $82.99)
    This estimate is based on 9 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of joint (CPT Code: 76881)
    Purpose: Ultrasound is used to assess soft tissues like ligaments and fluid buildup.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $129.06 (typically ranges from $68.44 to $189.69)
    This estimate is based on 5 providers.

Visit with an Orthopedic Surgeon

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Specialist evaluation to diagnose more complex knee injuries and discuss treatment options, including surgery if needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $241.46 (typically ranges from $157.21 to $325.71)
    This estimate is based on 325 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of knee, 3 views (CPT Code: 73562)
    Purpose: Check for bone injuries or alignment issues specific to orthopedic concerns.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $82.80 (typically ranges from $53.38 to $112.23)
    This estimate is based on 92 providers.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
    Purpose: Removing excess fluid or administering medications directly into the joint to reduce swelling and pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $150.86 (typically ranges from $83.27 to $218.46)
    This estimate is based on 197 providers.

Visit with a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Assess function and plan rehabilitation strategies tailored to your recovery.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $251.70 (typically ranges from $160.39 to $343.00)
    This estimate is based on 60 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of knee, 4 or more views (CPT Code: 73564)
    Purpose: More detailed imaging to evaluate bone and joint structure comprehensively.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $98.55 (typically ranges from $65.10 to $132.00)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
    Purpose: Treatment for fluid buildup or inflammation in the knee joint.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $372.37 (typically ranges from $80.12 to $664.61)
    This estimate is based on 23 providers.

  • Procedure: Limited ultrasound scan of joint or other extremity (CPT Code: 76882)
    Purpose: Focused ultrasound to look for soft tissue injuries or fluid collections.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $79.97 (typically ranges from $54.50 to $105.43)
    This estimate is based on 3 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Initial evaluation of your overall health including the knee, and to order imaging or referrals as needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $225.65 (typically ranges from $153.18 to $298.12)
    This estimate is based on 1176 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of knee, 3 views (CPT Code: 73562)
    Purpose: Standard imaging to check for bone-related causes of swelling and pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $70.86 (typically ranges from $45.90 to $95.82)
    This estimate is based on 5 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of joint (CPT Code: 76881)
    Purpose: Visualize soft tissues for tears, inflammation, or fluid accumulation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $116.00 (typically ranges from $70.13 to $161.87)
    This estimate is based on 6 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Healthcare pricing in the U.S. can sometimes feel like haggling in a busy marketplace where prices vary widely depending on where you shop and whom you talk to. The costs reported here represent typical self-pay prices in Los Angeles but can fluctuate from provider to provider.

  • The maximum cost you see is usually just below what a provider initially charges (their “list price”), which most insurers negotiate down from. This is the highest amount you might expect to pay if paying out of pocket.
  • The minimum cost tends to hover just above what Medicare, a government program, agrees to pay providers. Providers often break even or lose money at this Medicare rate, so prices near this minimum represent some of the best self-pay deals available.

Knowing this range helps you understand that costs can vary, and it’s okay to shop around and ask questions.

Know Your Rights

When seeking care without insurance, you have important protections:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): Doctors and healthcare providers are legally required to give you a detailed estimate of expected charges if you ask or schedule services at least 3 business days in advance. This estimate helps you avoid surprise bills.
  • Self-Pay Discounts: Although not required by law, many providers offer discounts if you pay cash upfront. Don’t hesitate to ask: “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
  • Request an Itemized Bill: You have the right to receive a clear, itemized bill showing all procedures and costs. If you believe any charges are incorrect or unreasonable, you can dispute them.
  • Ask for CPT Codes and Billing Modifiers: These codes explain exactly what procedures you are being charged for, helping you better understand and verify your bill.
  • Some states protect patients against unfair billing practices, especially if you don’t have insurance. Knowing your rights empowers you to advocate for fair treatment.

Taking action now can make a difference in your recovery and peace of mind:

  • Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice doctor, Orthopedic Surgeon, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist, or Internal Medicine doctor in the Los Angeles area to get evaluated.
  • Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, when they started, what makes them better or worse, and any questions you have about your knee.
  • Discuss Costs: When booking, ask the provider’s office for an estimate of the charges and what self-pay discounts may be available.
  • Stay Positive: Seeking professional care is the right choice for your health. Early evaluation can lead to better outcomes and faster 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 information is intended to help you understand general options and cost estimates for knee injury evaluation in Los Angeles, CA. It does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.