Persistent Back Pain Causes? Next Steps for Care in Houston, TX

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Persistent Back Pain Causes? Next Steps for Care in Houston, TX

Living with persistent back pain that comes and goes can be worrying, especially when it lingers for months and bothers you after activities like standing. It’s understandable to want to know what might be causing your discomfort and how to get proper help without the pain taking over your life. If this sounds like your situation, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through potential causes, the types of healthcare providers who can help in Houston, TX, what to expect during your initial visits, and how much the care might cost if you’re paying out-of-pocket.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Houston, TX

When it comes to persistent lower back pain, there are several types of doctors who are well-equipped to help diagnose and treat your condition. Based on your symptoms, consider starting with one of the following providers:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can assess your symptoms, offer initial treatment, and refer you to specialists if needed. Great for overall evaluation and continuous care.
  • Internal Medicine Physician: Focuses on adult health and chronic conditions, able to order tests and help manage persistent pain.
  • Orthopedic Surgeon: Specializes in bones, joints, and muscles. Can diagnose structural issues and provide both non-surgical and surgical treatment options if necessary.
  • Pain Management Specialist: Focuses on diagnosing and treating chronic pain conditions, often using medication management and targeted procedures.
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist: Experts in restoring function and managing pain through physical therapies, injections, and rehabilitation techniques.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of typical procedures and self-pay cost estimates for each provider type in Houston, TX. These prices are based on current local rates and intended to help you plan financially.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A detailed visit to discuss your back pain symptoms, medical history, and possible causes. The doctor may perform a physical exam and decide if further tests are necessary.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.94 (typically ranges from $146.95 to $244.92)
    This estimate is based on 511 providers in the Houston area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views (CPT Code: 72100)
    Purpose: An X-ray can help detect bone problems or changes in your lower spine that may cause pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $74.83 (typically ranges from $49.12 to $100.54)
    This estimate is based on 6 providers in the Houston area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, minimum of 4 views (CPT Code: 72110)
    Purpose: A more detailed X-ray that can show different angles of your spine for a thorough evaluation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $81.50 (typically ranges from $61.01 to $102.00)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers in the Houston area.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Physician

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: The doctor will assess your symptoms and overall health, and may recommend imaging or specialist referrals.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.75 (typically ranges from $146.06 to $243.44)
    This estimate is based on 492 providers in the Houston area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views (CPT Code: 72100)
    Purpose: Used to investigate bone or joint causes of back pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $75.54 (typically ranges from $47.62 to $103.46)
    This estimate is based on 3 providers in the Houston area.

Visit with an Orthopedic Surgeon

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 20-29 minutes (CPT Code: 99213)
    Purpose: Focused on diagnosing bone, joint, or muscle issues that might be contributing to your pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $149.24 (typically ranges from $107.21 to $191.28)
    This estimate is based on 165 providers in Houston.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views (CPT Code: 72100)
    Purpose: Identifies structural problems in the lumbar and sacral spine.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $74.92 (typically ranges from $45.70 to $104.15)
    This estimate is based on 28 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views bending views (CPT Code: 72120)
    Purpose: Special X-rays taken while bending to check spine flexibility or instability.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $38.68 (typically ranges from $24.80 to $52.56)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

Visit with a Pain Management Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Focused evaluation of your pain, potential treatments including medications or interventions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $242.23 (typically ranges from $146.69 to $337.78)
    This estimate is based on 39 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, minimum of 4 views (CPT Code: 72110)
    Purpose: Imaging to evaluate bones and joints related to pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $87.53 (typically ranges from $62.74 to $112.32)
    This estimate is based on 3 providers.

Visit with a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Evaluation focused on improving your function and reducing pain through rehabilitation techniques.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $201.11 (typically ranges from $141.59 to $260.64)
    This estimate is based on 47 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views (CPT Code: 72100)
    Purpose: Checks for problems in your spine that could be limiting movement or causing pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $63.14 (typically ranges from $30.91 to $95.37)
    This estimate is based on 3 providers.

  • Procedure: Injection of anesthetic and/or steroid drug into sacral spine nerve root using imaging guidance, single level (CPT Code: 64483)
    Purpose: A targeted injection to reduce inflammation and relieve nerve pain in your lower back.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $551.41 (typically ranges from $284.20 to $818.62)
    This estimate is based on 13 providers.

  • Procedure: Injection of lower or sacral spine facet joint using imaging guidance, single level (CPT Code: 64493)
    Purpose: Injection to help alleviate joint-related pain with precise targeting.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $591.23 (typically ranges from $268.16 to $914.30)
    This estimate is based on 9 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete ultrasound scan of joint (CPT Code: 76881)
    Purpose: Uses ultrasound to help diagnose joint problems related to back pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $92.41 (typically ranges from $66.82 to $118.00)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

The American healthcare pricing system can feel a bit like negotiating at a busy market, where prices can vary widely depending on who you talk to and what deals you manage to make. In healthcare terms:

  • The maximum cost you see in estimates is usually just under the full “charged amount”—this is the price a provider initially sets before any negotiations or insurance adjustments.
  • The minimum cost is generally a bit above the “Medicare allowed amount,” which is what Medicare agrees to pay for a procedure. At this price, providers often break even or receive less than their usual rate.

Knowing these ranges can help you set expectations but always ask your provider for a good faith estimate tailored to your situation.

Know Your Rights

If you’re paying out-of-pocket (not using insurance), you have the right under U.S. law to request a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) from your provider. The GFE outlines expected charges if you ask at least three business days before your appointment or scheduled procedures.

Many providers also offer self-pay discounts—don’t hesitate to ask, “What is the cash price if I pay upfront?” You are entitled to request detailed, itemized bills, and you can dispute any charges that seem incorrect or unreasonable. It’s good to ask for CPT codes (these are procedure identifiers) to better understand what you’re being charged for. Local laws often protect patients from unfair billing practices, especially for those without insurance.

Taking action now can help you find answers and relief. Here’s what to do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice doctor, Internal Medicine physician, or specialist like an Orthopedic Surgeon or Pain Management professional in Houston, TX.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down details about your back pain—when it started, what makes it better or worse, and any other symptoms. Prepare questions you want to ask your doctor.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask the office about costs and their policy on providing Good Faith Estimates. This helps avoid surprises.
  4. Final Reassurance: Remember, seeking professional advice is the best step toward understanding and managing your pain. You’re taking control of your health.

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 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.