Coughing Up Blood Suddenly at an Older Age? Next Steps in Los Angeles

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Coughing Up Blood Suddenly at an Older Age? Next Steps in Los Angeles

If you’re an older adult and suddenly coughed up blood for the first time today, it’s completely understandable that you feel scared and unsure what to do next. Even if you don’t feel sick otherwise, this is a symptom that should not be ignored. You’ve come to the right place to find clear guidance on what steps to take, who you might need to see, and the typical costs you can expect for initial care right here in Los Angeles. Our goal is to help you feel informed and empowered to get the medical attention you need as soon as possible.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles

Based on your symptom of coughing up blood unexpectedly, there are a few types of doctors that could be a good place to start:

  • Internal Medicine: These doctors are general specialists who diagnose and treat a wide variety of medical conditions, including infections, lung problems, and other internal body concerns. They are often the first step for new or sudden symptoms.

  • Pulmonary Disease Specialists: These doctors focus specifically on lung and airway health. They are experts in treating issues like lung infections, bleeding in the lungs, and other airway problems that might cause coughing up blood.

  • Emergency Medicine Providers: If your symptom feels sudden and concerning, emergency medicine doctors are trained to quickly assess and treat urgent medical problems. They handle anything that requires immediate attention.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Here is an overview of common procedures and associated self-pay costs you might encounter when seeing these providers in Los Angeles.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A scheduled visit to discuss your symptoms and health history. This is where your doctor will begin evaluating the cause of your coughing up blood.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $225.65 (typically ranges from $153.18 to $298.12)
    This estimate is based on 1,176 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: A quick imaging test to look at your lungs and chest structure to help identify any sources of bleeding or abnormalities.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $59.63 (ranges from $41.72 to $77.53)
    Based on 111 providers locally.

  • Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: A blood test is often done to check for infection, anemia, or other underlying problems that could explain your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.85 (ranges from $9.64 to $16.06)
    Available from 511 providers around Los Angeles.

  • Procedure: COVID-19 test by immunoassay (CPT Code: 87426)
    Purpose: Sometimes viral infections can cause lung irritation or bleeding; this test checks for COVID-19 infection.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $73.74 (ranges $41.51 to $105.97)
    Provided by 21 local providers.

Visit with a Pulmonary Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A longer, detailed consultation focused on your lungs and breathing to diagnose any lung diseases causing the bleeding.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $249.05 (ranges $150.04 to $348.07)
    Based on 151 providers in Los Angeles.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Same as above, to visualize your lung condition.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $62.28 (ranges $41.64 to $82.93)
    From 14 pulmonary providers.

  • Procedure: Lung airways exam using an endoscope (CPT Code: 31623)
    Purpose: A minimally invasive procedure where a tiny camera is inserted into your airways to directly look for sources of bleeding or lung damage.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $374.08 (ranges $2.66 to $745.50)
    Available through 5 providers — may not be needed initially.

  • Procedure: Fluid aspiration from chest cavity guided by imaging (CPT Code: 32555)
    Purpose: If fluid builds up in the chest, this procedure removes it to both diagnose and relieve symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $401.17 (ranges $156.61 to $645.73)
    Performed by 16 local specialists.

  • Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: Same reason as above — check blood to learn more about your condition.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $15.43 (ranges $9.54 to $21.32)
    Provided by 17 pulmonary providers.

Visit with Emergency Medicine

  • Procedure: Emergency department visit, moderate level (CPT Code: 99284)
    Purpose: This is a visit to an emergency room for evaluation and care when symptoms are urgent or potentially serious.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $368.72 (ranges $149.48 to $587.95)
    Available from 869 providers in the area.

  • Procedure: X-ray chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: To quickly check lung and chest status.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $60.37 (ranges $45.28 to $75.46)
    From 54 emergency providers.

  • Procedure: Electrocardiogram (ECG) with interpretation (CPT Code: 93010)
    Purpose: This test checks heart function, which can sometimes relate to symptoms like coughing blood if heart problems exist.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $32.17 (ranges $10.21 to $54.14)
    Offered by 556 ER providers.

  • Procedure: Blood sample collection (CPT Code: 36415)
    Purpose: To run lab tests to understand your health status immediately.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $13.01 (ranges $9.76 to $16.26)
    Provided by 44 emergency providers.

  • Procedure: Comprehensive blood chemical tests (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: In-depth blood tests that screen for many underlying conditions quickly.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.03 (ranges $12.41 to $27.66)
    Available at 28 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Healthcare costs in the U.S. can feel confusing, a bit like haggling at a busy market where prices vary widely depending on who you ask and when. The numbers shown here are estimates within a range:

  • The maximum cost listed is usually just under the full “charged amount” — essentially what providers ask for before any discounts or negotiations.

  • The minimum cost is often just above the “Medicare allowed amount” — what Medicare, the government’s health program for seniors, has agreed to pay. At that price point, providers may be breaking even or even losing money.

This explains why prices differ depending on whether you pay cash, use insurance, or ask for discounts. Always ask your provider about pricing upfront if this is a concern.

Know Your Rights

It is your legal right to receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) from your healthcare provider. This means:

  • If you are not using insurance, doctors must give you a written estimate of expected charges if you ask before your visit or schedule services at least three business days in advance.

  • Even if it’s not mandated, many providers offer discounts for self-pay patients, especially if you ask early. Don’t hesitate to ask: “What is the cash price if I pay upfront?”

  • You can also request an itemized bill detailing every charge, and dispute any fees that seem incorrect or unfair. You have the right to ask for CPT codes (procedure codes) and billing details. Many states protect patients against extreme and unfair billing.

If you’ve suddenly coughed up blood and you are older, the following steps can help you get the care you need:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact an internal medicine doctor or a pulmonary specialist in Los Angeles for an evaluation. If your symptom feels severe or you have difficulty breathing, go to an emergency room immediately.

  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, when you first noticed the blood, and any other health changes you’ve observed. Prepare any questions you want to ask the doctor.

  3. Discuss Costs: When booking, call the provider’s office and ask about expected costs and payment options. The estimates above can guide what to expect but confirming directly is best.

  4. Reassurance: Remember, seeking professional help is the strongest and safest choice you can make. Early evaluation can lead to proper diagnosis and better health outcomes.

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 estimated costs and general guidance based on available data for Los Angeles, CA. It is not medical advice. Always consult with a licensed healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment decisions.