Chronic Joint Pain Causes and Care Options in Long Beach, CA

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Feeling Chronic Joint Pain? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Long Beach, CA

If you’ve developed persistent joint pain in your hands and knees that’s making daily activities difficult, you’re not alone—and it’s completely understandable to feel concerned. Chronic joint pain, even when not severe, can interfere with your quality of life and may signal an underlying condition requiring medical attention. The good news is that you’ve taken the right step by seeking information. This post will help you understand possible causes, guide you on which healthcare providers to consider, and give you a transparent view of what initial visits and tests might cost in Long Beach, CA. You’re in the right place to find clear, practical next steps.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Long Beach, CA

Based on your symptoms of chronic joint pain, a few types of healthcare providers could be good first stops:

  • Rheumatology: Rheumatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating joint, muscle, and autoimmune diseases, making them experts in chronic joint pain caused by inflammation or autoimmune issues.
  • Family Practice: A Family Practice doctor is a generalist who can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including joint pain. They provide comprehensive care and can refer you to specialists if needed.
  • Internal Medicine: Internists specialize in adult medicine with deep knowledge of complex illnesses and chronic diseases, including joint-related problems. They can help identify underlying systemic conditions affecting your joints.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of typical procedures and visits for each provider type, including estimated self-pay costs in Long Beach, CA. These cost estimates are based on multiple providers in the area to give you a realistic range.

Visit with a Rheumatology Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This visit allows the doctor to review your medical history, assess your joint pain, and plan further tests or treatments.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $216.29 (typically ranges from $162.22 to $270.36)
    This estimate is based on 41 providers in the Long Beach area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of knee, 3 views (CPT Code: 73562)
    Purpose: Imaging to check for joint damage, arthritis, or other bone issues in your knees.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $75.98 (typically ranges from $56.99 to $94.98)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers in Long Beach.

  • Procedure: X-ray of hand, minimum of 3 views (CPT Code: 73130)
    Purpose: Imaging to examine your hand joints for signs of arthritis or injury.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $63.98 (typically ranges from $47.99 to $79.98)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers in Long Beach.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
    Purpose: Removing or injecting fluid in your joint to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, or collect fluid for testing.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $119.84 (typically ranges from $89.88 to $149.80)
    This estimate is based on 22 providers.

  • Procedure: Injection into tendon or ligament (CPT Code: 20550)
    Purpose: Injection to treat inflammation or pain in a specific tendon or ligament near your joint.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $91.70 (typically ranges from $68.77 to $114.62)
    This estimate is based on 5 providers.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: General evaluation of your joint pain and overall health, with options for basic testing and referrals.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $212.06 (typically ranges from $159.05 to $265.08)
    This estimate is based on 574 providers locally.

  • Procedure: X-ray of knee, 3 views (CPT Code: 73562)
    Purpose: Basic imaging to look for bone or joint changes in your knee.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $75.73 (typically ranges from $46.16 to $105.30)
    This estimate is based on 10 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of hand, 2 views (CPT Code: 73120)
    Purpose: Simpler hand X-ray to help diagnose joint problems in your hands.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $46.67 (typically ranges from $33.35 to $60.00)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of joint (CPT Code: 76881)
    Purpose: Ultrasound imaging to assess soft tissues around your joints like tendons, ligaments, and fluid buildup.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $115.29 (typically ranges from $70.58 to $160.00)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A thorough evaluation of adult health to identify possible causes of joint pain, considering broader health factors.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.33 (typically ranges from $157.00 to $261.66)
    This estimate is based on 602 providers.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
    Purpose: Fluid removal or injection as a treatment or diagnostic tool for joint issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $129.36 (typically ranges from $88.19 to $170.54)
    Based on 23 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of joint (CPT Code: 76881)
    Purpose: Non-invasive imaging of joint soft tissues to help diagnose pain causes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $122.86 (range: $68.65 to $177.06)
    Based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of knee, 1-2 views (CPT Code: 73560)
    Purpose: Basic imaging to check knee joint structure.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $66.24 (range: $43.14 to $89.34)
    Based on 3 providers.

  • Procedure: Therapy procedure using exercise to develop strength, endurance, range of motion, and flexibility, each 15 minutes (CPT Code: 97110)
    Purpose: Physical therapy to help improve joint function and reduce pain through exercise.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $40.05 (range: $30.04 to $50.06)
    Based on 4 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Healthcare pricing in the U.S. can feel like a market where prices aren’t always fixed—more like haggling before you buy. The costs listed here show a range because different providers and facilities set their prices differently.

  • The maximum cost is usually just below what doctors initially “charge” for the procedure. This is somewhat like the sticker price you see before any negotiations or insurance adjustments.
  • The minimum cost generally sits just above what Medicare (the government insurance for seniors) is willing to pay—a rate often lower than what providers prefer, meaning they may be barely breaking even at this price point.

Understanding these ranges helps you know what to expect and prepare questions when you discuss costs with your provider.

Know your rights

It’s important to remember that you have rights related to healthcare costs and billing:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): By law, if you are not using health insurance and pay out-of-pocket, providers must give you a written estimate of expected charges if you ask—ideally at least 3 business days before services.
  • Many providers also offer self-pay discounts, especially if you ask upfront or pay at the time of service. You can always 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 wrong or duplicated.
  • You can ask for CPT codes and billing details to better understand your bill.
  • Many states protect patients from unfair “unconscionable” billing, especially if uninsured. Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself or seek help if you feel charges are unreasonable.

The most important step is to connect with a qualified healthcare provider who can assess your chronic joint pain and create a care plan tailored for you. Here’s how you can move forward:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Rheumatologist, Family Practice doctor, or Internal Medicine specialist in Long Beach. Starting with a Family Practice doctor can be a good general option if you’re unsure.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down all your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, any activities that make pain better or worse, and questions you want to ask.
  3. Discuss Costs: When you book your appointment, ask for the office’s self-pay prices or a Good Faith Estimate so you can plan financially. Remember, costs can vary.
  4. Stay Empowered: Seeking help is a positive step toward managing your health and improving your quality of life.

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 blog post provides estimates based on available data for Long Beach, CA, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for your medical concerns.