Feeling Weird? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Chicago, IL

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Feeling Weird? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Chicago, IL

If you have been feeling generally out of sorts—like you can’t concentrate, your sleep is off, and you experience slight dizziness—you’re not alone in wondering what might be causing these subtle but unsettling symptoms. It’s completely understandable to feel uneasy and want answers when your body and mind don’t feel quite right. Although these symptoms aren’t severe, they do warrant a professional check to help you find clarity and peace of mind.

This post is here to guide you through the next steps: who you might consider seeing, what the initial visits typically involve, and estimated costs you can expect in the Chicago, IL area. You are in the right place to start understanding your options so you can take control of your health with confidence.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Chicago, IL

Based on your described symptoms—difficulty concentrating, unease, minor dizziness, and mild sleep problems—a few types of healthcare providers could be a good starting point to evaluate what’s going on:

  • Psychiatry: Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and can assess emotional or behavioral symptoms, mood disorders, and sleep disturbances. They evaluate underlying psychological causes that might be affecting your feelings and concentration.
  • Neurology: Neurologists focus on the nervous system and brain health. If your dizziness or thought processing is of concern, they can perform specialized tests to rule out neurological causes.
  • Family Practice: Family Practice doctors are generalists who diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, making them an excellent first stop. They can evaluate both mental and physical health and refer you to specialists if needed.
  • Internal Medicine: Internists also provide comprehensive care for adults, diagnosing and managing various conditions that might manifest with these subtle symptoms.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here’s a breakdown of common procedures you might encounter with these providers in Chicago, along with estimated self-pay costs. Keep in mind these prices reflect averages and ranges based on local providers.

Visit with a Psychiatry Provider

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This visit allows the psychiatrist to evaluate your current symptoms in detail, discuss your mental and emotional health, and adjust or recommend treatment if needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $189 (typically ranges from $142 to $236)
    This estimate is based on 171 providers in the Chicago area.

  • Procedure: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services (CPT Code: 90792)
    Purpose: A comprehensive initial evaluation to diagnose any psychiatric or emotional conditions contributing to your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $289 (typically ranges from $217 to $361)
    This estimate is based on 116 providers.

  • Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: A brief screening tool focused on identifying emotional or behavioral concerns quickly.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12 (typically ranges from $6 to $18)
    This estimate is based on 3 providers.

Visit with a Neurology Provider

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A neurologist evaluates your neurological health, including your balance and cognitive function, to identify potential causes of dizziness or concentration issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $185 (typically ranges from $139 to $232)
    This estimate is based on 239 providers.

  • Procedure: Measurement of brain wave activity (EEG), awake and drowsy (CPT Code: 95816)
    Purpose: If needed, this test measures brain activity to detect any abnormalities that could explain your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $157 (typically ranges from $91 to $224)
    This estimate is based on 52 providers.

  • Procedure: Evaluation and testing for balance with recording (CPT Code: 92540)
    Purpose: A specialized test that evaluates your balance function to understand causes of dizziness.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $314 (typically ranges from $136 to $492)
    This estimate is based on 3 providers.

  • Procedure: Assessment of and care planning for impaired thought processing, typically 60 minutes (CPT Code: 99483)
    Purpose: In-depth evaluation of cognitive or thought processing issues for diagnosis and care coordination.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $679 (typically ranges from $345 to $1,014)
    This estimate is based on 2 providers.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A visit to discuss your symptoms in a generalist setting, with physical exam and initial testing if needed. Family doctors can also refer you to specialists.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $203 (typically ranges from $152 to $254)
    This estimate is based on 854 providers.

  • Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: A brief screening during your visit to check for emotional or behavioral issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $18 (typically ranges from $6 to $30)
    This estimate is based on 24 providers.

  • Procedure: Annual depression screening, 5 to 15 minutes (CPT Code: G0444)
    Purpose: A quick screening test to identify signs of depression that may relate to your feelings of unease.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $30 (typically ranges from $23 to $38)
    This estimate is based on 93 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Provider

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A comprehensive visit to assess and manage your symptoms with a focus on adult health conditions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $200 (typically ranges from $150 to $250)
    This estimate is based on 1,099 providers.

  • Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: Quick screening for emotional or behavioral concerns during your visit.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15 (typically ranges from $6 to $23)
    This estimate is based on 14 providers.

  • Procedure: Assessment of and care planning for impaired thought processing, typically 60 minutes (CPT Code: 99483)
    Purpose: Detailed cognitive evaluation and planning for patients with thought-processing concerns.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $423 (typically ranges from $318 to $529)
    This estimate is based on 7 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Think of healthcare pricing like shopping in a busy market where prices can vary depending on negotiations and the seller’s policies. The cost range you see reflects this variability:

  • The maximum cost in the range is the amount doctors typically “charge” or ask for the procedure. It’s like the sticker price, which can sometimes be negotiated or discounted.
  • The minimum cost is close to what Medicare, a government insurer, allows providers to accept as payment. At this price, providers often break even or may even lose money but still provide the service.

These estimates are designed to give you a realistic idea of what to expect, but individual provider pricing may vary based on factors like office location, complexity of your case, and available discounts.

Know Your Rights

You have important protections when it comes to understanding healthcare costs:

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): By law, if you’re paying out-of-pocket without insurance, your provider must give you a detailed estimate of expected charges if you ask for it at least 3 business days before your appointment.
  • Many providers offer self-pay discounts or lower cash prices — never hesitate to ask, “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
  • You can also request an itemized bill listing every charge, CPT code, and billing modifiers. If you find errors, duplicate charges, or fees you don’t understand, you have the right to dispute them.
  • Several states have laws protecting patients from unreasonable billing, so always know that you have rights and resources to protect your finances.

Taking charge of your health starts with reaching out:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to a psychiatrist, neurologist, family practice doctor, or internal medicine provider to discuss your symptoms.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long they have lasted, any triggers you notice, and questions you want answered.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking, ask for an estimate or Good Faith Estimate so you can plan financially. Remember, the figures here are estimates to help guide you.
  4. Take Comfort: Getting professional advice is the best step forward. Your symptoms matter, and help is available.

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 costs in Chicago, IL. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care.