Signs of Concussion After Fall? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Anaheim, CA

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Signs of Concussion After Fall? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Anaheim, CA

Falling and hitting your head can be scary, especially if you’re now experiencing a headache and feeling groggy. It’s natural to worry you might have a concussion even if you didn’t lose consciousness. You’re not alone, and it’s good that you’re paying attention to your symptoms. This post is here to help you understand what to look out for, who you might want to see in Anaheim, CA, and what you can expect regarding initial visit procedures and costs. You’re in the right place to get clear, practical information to take the next step toward your health and peace of mind.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Anaheim, CA

Based on your symptoms—headache and grogginess after a head impact—a few types of healthcare providers could be helpful starting points:

  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can evaluate your overall health, diagnose a concussion or other injuries, and coordinate further care if needed. They’re a great first stop for many concerns.
  • Neurologist: A specialist in brain and nervous system conditions. They can provide more detailed evaluation and tests if your symptoms persist or worsen.
  • Emergency Medicine Physician: In an urgent scenario, an emergency doctor can quickly assess your condition and order necessary imaging or tests to rule out serious injury.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: Internal medicine doctors are experienced in treating adults and can evaluate your symptoms, monitor changes, and refer you to a specialist if necessary.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)

  • Purpose: This visit involves a thorough check-up of your symptoms and physical status. The doctor will ask about your fall, headaches, and other changes to determine if you might have a concussion or another issue that needs attention.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Anaheim: $210.93 (typically ranges from $158.20 to $263.66)

  • Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 720 providers in the Anaheim area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)

  • Purpose: If needed, this test checks for injury to your chest area in case of trauma during the fall. Not typically first line for concussion symptoms but may be ordered based on your exam.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $67.10 (typically ranges from $38.99 to $95.21)

  • Provider Availability: 71 providers offer this test locally.

Visit with a Neurologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)

  • Purpose: Specialized evaluation focused on brain function and neurological symptoms. Especially useful if your symptoms persist beyond the initial visit or new issues develop.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $206.88 (ranges from $155.16 to $258.60)

  • Provider Availability: 112 neurological providers in Anaheim.

  • Procedure: Measurement of brain wave activity (EEG), awake and drowsy (CPT Code: 95816)

  • Purpose: This test records electrical activity in your brain and can help identify problems like seizures or abnormal brain waves after injury.

  • Estimated Cost: $297.22 (ranges from $222.91 to $371.52)

  • Provider Availability: 51 providers perform this procedure locally.

  • Procedure: Measurement of brain wave activity (EEG), awake and asleep (CPT Code: 95819)

  • Purpose: Similar to the previous EEG but includes monitoring during sleep, providing a fuller picture of brain activity.

  • Estimated Cost: $249.46 (ranges from $187.09 to $311.82)

  • Provider Availability: 21 providers in the area.

Visit with an Emergency Medicine Physician

  • Procedure: Emergency department visit with moderate level of medical decision making (CPT Code: 99284)

  • Purpose: Urgent assessment and treatment of your head injury, including immediate tests or scans if necessary to rule out serious trauma.

  • Estimated Cost: $398.34 (ranges widely from $149.21 to $647.47)

  • Provider Availability: 385 emergency providers in Anaheim.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound scan of head and neck soft tissue (CPT Code: 76536)

  • Purpose: Helps rule out soft tissue injury around the head and neck area if there is concern for bleeding or swelling.

  • Estimated Cost: $185.20 (ranges from $138.90 to $231.50)

  • Provider Availability: Only 2 providers offer this locally.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
  • Purpose: Comprehensive evaluation similar to family practice, focusing on adult health issues and monitoring your recovery from concussion symptoms.
  • Estimated Cost: $210.72 (ranges from $158.04 to $263.40)
  • Provider Availability: 630 providers in Anaheim.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Navigating healthcare costs in the U.S. can feel like haggling at a busy marketplace, where prices vary widely depending on who you talk to and how you pay. The costs listed here show a range:

  • The maximum cost is generally just below the highest amount doctors charge upfront for a procedure or visit.
  • The minimum cost is usually just above what Medicare — the government insurance for seniors — has negotiated to pay. At this lower end, providers often break even or sometimes lose money.

Knowing this range helps you understand that the actual price you might pay can differ. It’s smart to ask about upfront cash prices or discounts when you schedule your appointment.

Know Your Rights

You have protection under the law when it comes to understanding what medical care will cost:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): If you’re paying out-of-pocket (not using insurance), your provider must give you a written estimate of the expected charges if you ask for it or schedule services at least 3 business days in advance.
  • Many providers offer discounts for self-pay patients if you ask before your visit, so don’t hesitate to inquire: “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
  • You can request an itemized bill detailing every charge and challenge any amounts that seem wrong, duplicated, or unreasonably high. Ask for CPT and billing codes to fully understand what you’re being charged for.
  • Several states protect patients from unfair billing practices, especially if you don’t have insurance.

Taking care of your health after a fall is important. Here’s what to do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a family practice doctor, neurologist, or internal medicine physician in Anaheim to get evaluated as soon as you can. For worsening symptoms or severe concerns, don’t hesitate to visit an emergency department.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms (headache intensity, any nausea, dizziness, memory issues), how long they’ve lasted, and any questions you have for the doctor.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking, ask the provider’s office about costs and whether they offer self-pay prices or discounts. Remember, the figures above are estimates based on local providers.
  4. Stay Positive: Seeking professional care is the best way to ensure your safety and support a full 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 blog post provides general information about healthcare options and estimated costs based on data available in Anaheim, CA. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.