Birth Control Side Effects Headache? Your Next Steps in Fort Worth, TX

Starting a new birth control pill can sometimes come with unexpected side effects like headaches and nausea, especially in the first few weeks. If you’ve been feeling headaches and some morning nausea since beginning your pill, it’s completely understandable to wonder whether this is just your body adjusting or a sign the birth control isn’t right for you. These symptoms can feel concerning, and it’s important to find answers you can trust.

This post is here to help you understand what to do next, who you might see for these symptoms, and what you can expect to pay for an initial visit with a healthcare provider in Fort Worth, TX. If you’re looking for clear, straightforward information to take control of your health, you’re in the right place.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Fort Worth, TX

Based on your headaches and nausea related to starting birth control, a few types of doctors could be a good starting point:

• Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including medication side effects, and can help you manage your birth control and symptoms.
• Internal Medicine Doctor: Similar to family practice but often focused on adults and more complex medical conditions; they can assess your symptoms and help adjust your treatment.
• Neurologist: A specialist who deals with headaches and neurological symptoms. If your headaches are frequent, severe, or unusual, a neurologist can provide more expert care.

Each of these provider types can help determine if your symptoms are normal or if you need a change in your medication or further testing.

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 lets your doctor review your symptoms, medication, and overall health to identify whether your headaches and nausea might be side effects of your birth control and discuss options.
• Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Fort Worth, TX: $192.38 (typically ranges from $144.29 to $240.48)
• Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 350 family practice providers in the Fort Worth area.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

• Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
• Purpose: Similar to a family practice visit, this appointment assesses ongoing symptoms and considers adjustments or referrals if needed, focusing on adult health.
• Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Fort Worth, TX: $194.37 (typically ranges from $145.78 to $242.96)
• Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 224 internal medicine providers in the Fort Worth area.

Visit with a Neurology Doctor (New Patient)

• Procedure: New patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-44 minutes (CPT Code: 99203)
• Purpose: This visit is for a detailed evaluation of your headaches, especially if new or worsening, to identify any neurological causes requiring specialized care.
• Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Fort Worth, TX: $197.53 (typically ranges from $129.95 to $265.10)
• Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 8 neurology providers in the Fort Worth area.

How to Interpret the Cost estimates

Understanding healthcare costs in the US can be tricky, much like shopping in a marketplace where prices vary depending on negotiations and agreements. The cost range reflects this variability:

• The maximum cost is close to what the provider originally charges (the “charged amount”). This is like the sticker price you see in a market before bargaining.
• The minimum cost is a bit above what Medicare (the government health program) will pay for the same service (the “Medicare allowed amount”). Providers often accept this lower amount as breaking even or sometimes at a slight loss.

This means your actual cost may depend on how you pay and whether you negotiate or use insurance.

Know your rights

You have important rights when it comes to understanding and managing your healthcare costs:

• Providers are legally required to give you a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) if you aren’t using insurance and you ask for it or schedule services at least 3 business days ahead. This is a written statement showing what you can expect to pay.
• Many doctors offer self-pay discounts if you ask before your visit, so don’t hesitate to inquire: “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
• You may request a detailed, itemized bill after care, and you have the right to dispute any incorrect, duplicate, or unreasonable charges. You also can ask for the CPT codes and billing details.
• Several states protect patients from unfair billing, especially if you are uninsured or facing high medical bills.

Your Recommended Next Steps

Taking charge of your symptoms and health starts with consulting the right provider. Here’s what you can do next:

1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a family practice, internal medicine, or neurology doctor in Fort Worth, TX, to discuss your headaches and nausea after starting birth control.
2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, when they started, how often they occur, and any questions or concerns you have.
3. Discuss Costs: When booking your appointment, ask about the expected costs and if they provide a Good Faith Estimate or self-pay discounts.
4. Stay Empowered: Remember, getting professional advice is essential and the right step toward feeling better and managing your health confidently.

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 substitute professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and personalized care.