Chronic Joint Pain Causes? Your Miami Guide to Next Steps

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Feeling Chronic Joint Pain? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Miami, FL

Persistent joint pain in your hands and knees can be frustrating and even limiting to your daily activities. If you’ve noticed this discomfort sticking around without getting better, you’re not alone — and it’s completely understandable to feel concerned. Chronic joint pain can have many causes, and knowing how to begin addressing it can be overwhelming.

This post is here to help you understand who you might see for these symptoms, what typical first visits and tests could look like, and what you might expect to pay for care in the Miami, FL area. You’re in the right place to take informed next steps toward feeling better.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Miami, FL

If you’re experiencing ongoing joint pain, especially in your hands and knees, a few types of healthcare providers could be the right starting place:

  • Rheumatology Doctor: Specialists who focus on joints, muscles, and autoimmune conditions. They can diagnose arthritis and other chronic joint diseases.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: General medical doctors who specialize in adult health and can evaluate complex symptoms, order necessary tests, and refer you to specialists if needed.
  • Family Practice Doctor: General practitioners who take care of a wide range of health issues for all ages. They’re a great first stop to assess your pain, run initial tests, and guide you to specialized care if required.

Each of these providers can evaluate your symptoms and help develop a treatment plan to improve your quality of life.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a look at common procedures and visits you might encounter with each provider type in Miami, along with estimated costs if you pay out of pocket. These estimates come from local providers and can help you prepare financially.

Visit with a Rheumatology Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A detailed assessment of your joint pain to understand its cause, check your range of motion, and discuss symptoms history.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $204.48 (typically ranges from $153.36 to $255.60)
    This estimate is based on 54 providers in the Miami area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of both knees while standing (CPT Code: 73565)
    Purpose: Imaging to look for signs of arthritis or joint damage in your knees.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $67.47 (ranges from $50.60 to $84.34)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider in the Miami area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of hand, minimum of 3 views (CPT Code: 73130)
    Purpose: Imaging to detect joint damage or inflammation in your hands.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $72.99 (ranges from $54.74 to $91.24)
    This estimate is based on 6 providers.

  • Procedure: Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint (CPT Code: 20610)
    Purpose: Removing or injecting fluid to diagnose infection or reduce joint swelling and pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $121.62 (ranges from $91.21 to $152.02)
    This estimate is based on 29 providers.

  • Procedure: Hyaluronan or derivative intra-articular injection (CPT Code: J7321)
    Purpose: Injection to lubricate the joint and reduce pain in degenerative arthritis.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $117.04 (ranges from $87.78 to $146.30)
    This estimate is from 1 provider.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Initial evaluation to assess your joint pain and overall health, and decide on necessary tests or referrals.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $208.26 (ranges from $156.19 to $260.32)
    This estimate is based on 464 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count, automated (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Blood test to check for signs of infection or inflammation in your body.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.82 (ranges from $8.57 to $19.06)
    This estimate is based on 6 providers.

  • Procedure: Blood glucose test by hand-held instrument (CPT Code: 82962)
    Purpose: Simple test to check blood sugar levels, which can affect joint health if uncontrolled.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $7.80 (ranges from $3.85 to $11.74)
    This estimate is based on 10 providers.

  • Procedure: Injection of drug or substance under the skin or into muscle (CPT Code: 96372)
    Purpose: Administering medication, such as pain relief or anti-inflammatory drugs.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.77 (ranges from $17.58 to $35.97)
    This estimate is based on 35 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 health to start diagnosis and treatment.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $205.22 (ranges from $153.91 to $256.52)
    This estimate is based on 306 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of knee, 3 views (CPT Code: 73562)
    Purpose: Imaging to check for structural joint problems in the knee.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $68.53 (ranges from $50.59 to $86.46)
    This estimate is based on 3 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of hand, minimum of 3 views (CPT Code: 73130)
    Purpose: Imaging to examine joints in your hand for damage or swelling.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $62.26 (ranges from $46.69 to $77.82)
    This estimate is from 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Evaluation for physical therapy, typically 30 minutes (CPT Code: 97162)
    Purpose: Assessment to see if physical therapy could help improve your joint function and reduce pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $149.57 (ranges from $112.18 to $186.96)
    This estimate is from 1 provider.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Think of American healthcare pricing like shopping in a marketplace where prices can vary widely depending on the seller. The numbers provided reflect the range you might encounter if you were “haggling” for the best price.

  • The maximum cost is close to what providers typically charge upfront—the so-called “charged amount.” It’s what you might be billed if no discounts or negotiations occur.
  • The minimum cost is near what Medicare has negotiated as a fair payment rate to providers. Sometimes, providers accept this lower price or even lose money at that level to serve patients.

Knowing these ranges can help you ask the right questions and compare prices when seeking care.

Know Your Rights

You have the right to a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) for medical costs before receiving services if you’re paying out of pocket. Doctors must provide this estimate if you ask for it or schedule a service at least three business days in advance. This estimate helps you avoid unexpected bills.

Although not required by law, many providers offer discounts for self-paying patients — so be sure to ask, “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”

You can also request an itemized bill showing each charge and its corresponding CPT codes. If you notice errors, duplications, or questionable charges, you have the right to dispute them. Many states protect patients from unfair billing practices, especially for those without insurance.

Taking action is the best way to address your chronic joint pain and get back to your daily life. Here’s how to move forward:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Rheumatology, Internal Medicine, or Family Practice provider in Miami to start your evaluation.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, any treatments you tried, and questions you want answered.
  3. Discuss Costs Upfront: When you call to book, ask about self-pay options and confirm estimated charges based on your planned services.
  4. Seek Support: Remember, asking for help and professional advice is a positive, empowering step toward managing 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 information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.