Night Sweats, Weight Loss, and Tiredness? Next Steps in Los Angeles, CA

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Feeling Night Sweats, Weight Loss, and Tired? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Los Angeles, CA

Waking up drenched in sweat, losing weight unexpectedly, feeling tired all the time, and dealing with a recurring fever can understandably make you worried. These symptoms are concerning, especially when they happen together over the course of a few weeks and seem to have no clear cause. You’re not alone, and your concerns are valid. Searching for answers is the first step toward better health, and you’re in the right place to learn about what might be causing these symptoms, who to see, and what the initial costs could be if you’re seeking care in Los Angeles, CA.

This post will help guide you through the types of healthcare providers best suited to evaluate your symptoms, explain the initial procedures you might undergo, and provide an overview of estimated costs based on local data. Our goal is to give you clear, reassuring information so you can take the next step confidently.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles, CA

Based on your symptoms of night sweats, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and fever, several types of doctors could be a good place to start:

  • Internal Medicine Doctor: These doctors specialize in diagnosing and managing a wide range of adult health problems, including chronic conditions and complex symptoms. They are well-equipped to investigate causes like infections, hormonal imbalances, or other systemic issues.

  • Infectious Disease Specialist: If an infection is suspected as the root cause of your symptoms, infectious disease experts focus specifically on diagnosing and treating infections that are harder to detect or manage.

  • Hematology-Oncology Doctor: These specialists focus on blood disorders and cancers. Since symptoms like night sweats and weight loss can sometimes be linked to blood-related conditions or cancers, they may be involved after initial testing.

  • Family Practice Doctor: A family doctor is a generalist who can help diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions and is an excellent first stop to evaluate your symptoms and guide you to the right specialist if needed.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s an overview of typical initial procedures and their self-pay costs in the Los Angeles area, to give you a sense of what seeking care might involve financially.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established Outpatient Visit (30-39 minutes) (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is a face-to-face visit where the doctor gathers detailed information about your symptoms and performs a physical exam. This is your chance to explain your night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue clearly.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $204.24 (ranges from $153.18 to $255.30)
    This estimate is based on 1,176 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Complete Blood Cell Count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: A blood test to check your red and white blood cells and platelets. It helps detect infections, anemia, or other blood-related issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.89 (ranges from $9.12 to $22.66)
    This estimate is based on 92 providers.

  • Procedure: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Blood Test (CPT Code: 84443)
    Purpose: Measures thyroid function. This test can help identify if an underactive or overactive thyroid might be causing your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $28.96 (ranges from $19.74 to $38.17)
    This estimate is based on 77 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood Sample Collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: The needle insertion to collect blood samples for testing. A simple but essential step.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.85 (ranges from $9.64 to $16.06)
    This estimate is based on 511 providers.

  • Procedure: COVID-19 Antibody Test (CPT Code: 86769)
    Purpose: Measures antibodies to COVID-19. Helpful if infections are a concern.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $66.02 (ranges from $49.51 to $82.52)
    This estimate is based on 6 providers.

Visit with an Infectious Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: Established Outpatient Visit (30-39 minutes) (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: An in-depth evaluation focused on possible infections causing your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $201.92 (ranges from $150.07 to $253.76)
    This estimate is based on 46 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete Blood Cell Count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.87 (ranges from $9.13 to $18.60)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Comprehensive Blood Chemical Test (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: Evaluates multiple chemicals in your blood to assess organ function and detect inflammation or infection.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $27.34 (ranges from $12.42 to $42.26)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: C-Reactive Protein Test, High Sensitivity (CPT Code: 86141)
    Purpose: Detects inflammation or infection in the body, which may explain your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.30 (ranges from $15.23 to $25.38)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Hepatitis C Antibody Test (CPT Code: 86803)
    Purpose: Checks for hepatitis C infection, which can cause systemic symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $22.37 (ranges from $16.78 to $27.96)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider.

Visit with a Hematology-Oncology Doctor

  • Procedure: Established Outpatient Visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $210.26 (ranges from $152.58 to $267.93)
    Based on 218 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete Blood Cell Count (CPT Code: 85025)
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $16.84 (ranges from $9.11 to $24.57)
    Based on 92 providers.

  • Procedure: Comprehensive Blood Chemical Test (CPT Code: 80053)
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $21.43 (ranges from $12.40 to $30.46)
    Based on 46 providers.

  • Procedure: Red Blood Cell Sedimentation Rate Test (CPT Code: 85651)
    Purpose: Detects inflammation in the body.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $6.67 (ranges from $5.00 to $8.34)
    Based on 6 providers.

  • Procedure: C-Reactive Protein Test for Infection/Inflammation (CPT Code: 86140)
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $8.45 (ranges from $6.10 to $10.80)
    Based on 3 providers.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established Outpatient Visit (CPT Code: 99214)
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.58 (ranges from $157.19 to $261.98)
    Based on 799 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete Blood Cell Count (CPT Code: 85027)
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.35 (ranges from $7.61 to $17.10)
    Based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Comprehensive Blood Chemical Test (CPT Code: 80053)
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $55.91 (ranges from $12.41 to $99.42)
    Based on 23 providers.

  • Procedure: Urine Analysis (CPT Code: 81005)
    Purpose: Examines urine for signs of infection or other conditions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $10.28 (ranges from $2.56 to $18.00)
    Based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Injection of Drug or Substance (CPT Code: 96372)
    Purpose: For treatment or diagnostic purposes if needed during your visit.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $25.18 (ranges from $18.68 to $31.67)
    Based on 133 providers.

If you are experiencing night sweats, weight loss, tiredness, and recurring fever, taking prompt action is important to determine the cause and get relief. Here’s what you can do:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact an Internal Medicine or Family Practice doctor first, as they can evaluate your symptoms and refer you to specialists if necessary.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, when they started, how often they occur, and any other relevant details like your eating habits or recent exposures. Also include your fever history.
  3. Discuss Costs Upfront: When booking, ask the provider’s office about self-pay costs to avoid surprises. Remember that the costs shared here are estimates and can vary.
  4. Follow Through with Testing: Blood tests and physical exams are key to uncovering what’s causing your symptoms—don’t skip recommended labs.
  5. Seek Specialist Care if Needed: If your primary doctor suspects infection or blood-related causes, they may refer you to Infectious Disease or Hematology-Oncology specialists.

Taking these steps proactively can help you find answers and get the care you need.

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 is not a substitute for 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.