Why Does My Cough Not Stop? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Houston, TX

persistent coughcough causeshealthcare stepsHoustonTXrespiratory healthmedical costs

Why Does My Cough Not Stop? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Houston, TX

Experiencing a cough that just won’t go away for several weeks can be frustrating and concerning, especially when you don’t smoke and are unsure what might be causing it. If your persistent cough is impacting your daily life, it’s understandable that you’d want to get answers and relief. You’re not alone, and you’re in the right place to learn about practical next steps. In this post, we’ll guide you through who you might want to see for your symptoms, the typical medical procedures involved, and what self-pay costs you can expect in Houston, TX. This information aims to empower you to make informed and confident healthcare decisions.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Houston, TX

When it comes to a persistent cough, a few types of healthcare providers can be particularly helpful. Based on your symptoms, here are some options to consider in Houston:

  • Pulmonary Disease Specialists: These doctors focus on lung and respiratory conditions. They can perform detailed lung function tests and help diagnose conditions that might be causing your cough.
  • Infectious Disease Specialists: If your cough might be due to an infection, these doctors have expertise in diagnosing and treating infectious causes.
  • Internal Medicine Physicians: These are general doctors who specialize in adult medicine, often managing chronic conditions and coordinating care.
  • Allergy/Immunology Specialists: They assess allergic or immune system factors that might trigger coughing, such as asthma or environmental allergies.
  • Family Practice Doctors: Family doctors provide general care for all ages. They can evaluate your symptoms, perform initial tests, and refer you to specialists if needed.

Each provider type offers a slightly different expertise, so choosing where to start can depend on your preferences and symptom severity.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Below is an overview of common procedures these providers might offer to diagnose and manage a persistent cough, along with estimated self-pay costs based on data from Houston, TX. These estimates reflect what you might pay out-of-pocket if you are self-paying without insurance.

Visit with a Pulmonary Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A thorough visit where the specialist evaluates your symptoms, medical history, and possibly orders tests. This is your detailed consultation to understand your cough better.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $189.95 (typically ranges from $142.46 to $237.44)
    This estimate is based on 81 providers in the Houston area.

  • Procedure: Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
    Purpose: This breathing test measures airflow and lung volume to detect conditions affecting your airways. Think of it as a lung performance check-up.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $44.46 (ranges from $19.78 to $69.14)
    Based on 53 providers.

  • Procedure: Test to examine how well the lungs exchange gases (CPT Code: 94729)
    Purpose: This test checks how efficiently oxygen and carbon dioxide move between your lungs and blood. It reveals lung function related to gas exchange.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $68.76 (ranges from $44.04 to $93.48)
    Based on 71 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of chest, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: A chest X-ray looks for structural issues or infections that might explain your cough. It’s a basic imaging check of your lungs and chest cavity.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $51.64 (ranges from $32.02 to $71.26)
    Based on 11 providers.

Visit with an Infectious Disease Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This consultation helps determine if an infection is causing your cough. They look for infections that are harder to diagnose or treat.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $181.20 (ranges from $135.90 to $226.50)
    Based on 47 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Physician

  • Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A general medical evaluation to identify causes of your cough, monitor health, and order tests. Your first comprehensive assessment.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.75 (ranges from $146.06 to $243.44)
    Based on 492 providers.

  • Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Imaging to investigate lung health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $53.17 (ranges from $36.32 to $70.02)
    Based on 20 providers.

  • Procedure: Inhalation treatment for airway obstruction or sputum production (CPT Code: 94640)
    Purpose: Treatment to help open airways and clear mucus if needed. This could provide relief if airway irritation contributes to your cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $23.66 (ranges from $11.09 to $36.23)
    Based on 3 providers.

  • Procedure: Test for exercise-induced lung stress (CPT Code: 94618)
    Purpose: To check if exercise triggers coughing or lung problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $70.29 (ranges from $35.10 to $105.47)
    Based on 5 providers.

  • Procedure: Established patient visit, 20-29 minutes (CPT Code: 99213)
    Purpose: A somewhat shorter office visit for follow-ups or less complex evaluations.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $138.21 (ranges from $103.66 to $172.76)
    Based on 394 providers.

Visit with an Allergy/Immunology Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Evaluates allergic or immune-related causes of your cough.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $199.87 (ranges from $149.90 to $249.84)
    Based on 38 providers.

  • Procedure: Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume (CPT Code: 94010)
    Purpose: Similar lung function test to detect airway restrictions from allergies/asthma.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $40.10 (ranges from $30.07 to $50.12)
    Based on 12 providers.

  • Procedure: Inhalation treatment for airway obstruction or sputum production (CPT Code: 94640)
    Purpose: Treatment to relieve airway obstruction related to allergic reactions.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $23.52 (ranges from $11.04 to $36.00)
    Based on 1 provider.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A general checkup to identify causes and start basic treatment. A great first stop if you’re unsure where to begin.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.94 (ranges from $146.95 to $244.92)
    Based on 511 providers.

  • Procedure: Chest X-ray, 2 views (CPT Code: 71046)
    Purpose: Imaging for lung and chest evaluation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $59.06 (ranges from $39.41 to $78.70)
    Based on 32 providers.

  • Procedure: Detection test by immunoassay with direct visual observation for influenza virus (CPT Code: 87804)
    Purpose: Quickly detecting flu viruses can explain cough causes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $25.78 (ranges from $19.33 to $32.22)
    Based on 32 providers.

  • Procedure: Detection test for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza (CPT Code: 87428)
    Purpose: Testing for COVID-19 and flu infection.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $96.70 (ranges from $65.82 to $127.58)
    Based on 29 providers.

  • Procedure: Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) with interpretation (CPT Code: 93000)
    Purpose: Sometimes heart-related issues can contribute to cough, and this simple test checks your heart.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $29.43 (ranges from $17.44 to $41.42)
    Based on 108 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Understanding healthcare costs can be confusing, like shopping in a market where prices vary depending on negotiation and vendor. The prices listed represent averages and ranges from self-pay providers in Houston.

  • The maximum cost is usually just below the full “charged amount” – what doctors or facilities initially ask for.
  • The minimum cost is slightly above the “Medicare allowed amount” – what Medicare has negotiated as reasonable to pay providers. This lower price often means providers are barely covering costs or may even lose money at that rate.

Knowing this helps you anticipate that prices can vary depending on your provider and payment method.

Know Your Rights

When you seek healthcare, you have important protections under the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) law:

  • If you pay out-of-pocket and do not use insurance, your provider must give you a clear estimate of charges if you request it or schedule services at least 3 business days in advance.
  • Many providers offer self-pay discounts, especially if you ask upfront. It’s okay to say, “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
  • You can and should ask for a detailed, itemized bill after your visit to review all charges.
  • You can dispute any charges that seem incorrect, duplicated, or unreasonable.
  • You’re entitled to receive CPT codes and billing details to understand exactly what was done.
  • Several states also protect patients from “unconscionable” billing practices, especially if you’re uninsured.

Being informed helps you advocate for fair treatment and avoid surprise bills.

The best thing you can do now is to consult a healthcare professional who can evaluate your persistent cough in person. Here’s what to do next:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a provider from the list above depending on your comfort and symptom severity. Family Practice doctors are often a good first stop.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long they’ve lasted, any factors that make your cough better or worse, and any questions you want to ask.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking, ask the provider about the expected costs and whether they provide a Good Faith Estimate. This helps you avoid surprises.
  4. Remember: Seeking professional advice is a positive step toward feeling better. Your persistent cough deserves attention and care.

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 provides general information and estimates based on available data and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.