What does a dermatologist do?
A dermatologist is a doctor who treats conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. They also check moles and spots for skin cancer.
Last updated November 11, 2026
When people see one
- A mole or spot that changes shape or color
- Acne or eczema that over-the-counter products do not clear
- A rash that lasts more than a few weeks
- Hair loss or a nail problem
How it differs
Allergist: Both treat some rashes and hives. A dermatologist treats the skin condition itself; an allergist looks for allergic triggers.
On 2027 Colorado plans
Do you need a referral? On some plans. 37 of the 148 2027 plans need a referral from your primary care provider to see a specialist: Kaiser Permanente's 29 plans (you may self-refer to certain specialists) and Denver Health (Elevate)'s 8 plans (self-referral allowed for OB-GYN and outpatient mental health care). The other 111 don't, according to each plan's 2027 summary of benefits. Confirm in the plan's summary of benefits.
What a visit costs (the plan's filed "Specialist Visit" benefit, in network, before any extra savings on silver plans):
- Bronze: $100 to $140 a visit on 10 of 56 plans; on the other 46, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Silver: $50 to $90 a visit on 44 of 58 plans; on the other 14, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Gold: $50 to $90 a visit on 26 of 30 plans; on the other 4, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
In-network care costs less. Out-of-network visits on an HMO or EPO usually aren't covered except in an emergency.
In Colorado
Public records list 357 dermatologists at 193 Colorado locations.
- El Paso County: 25 locations
- Denver County: 24 locations
- Arapahoe County: 23 locations
- Boulder County: 20 locations
- Jefferson County: 16 locations
- Douglas County: 14 locations
Counties with the fewest: Rio Blanco (1), Logan (1), Las Animas (1), Fremont (1), Broomfield (1). 40 counties have none.
Questions to ask the office
- Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor?
- Which 2027 plans and network names do you take?
- How long is the wait for a new patient?
- Is a skin check billed differently from a visit for a specific problem?