What does an endocrinologist do?
An endocrinologist is a doctor who treats conditions of the hormone system. That includes diabetes, thyroid problems, and bone loss (osteoporosis).
Last updated November 11, 2026
Find endocrinologists near you
When people see one
- Diabetes that is hard to manage
- A thyroid problem, such as an overactive or underactive thyroid
- Your primary care doctor finds an abnormal hormone level
- Osteoporosis or a pituitary or adrenal gland condition
How it differs
Internal medicine doctor: An internist cares for adults across many conditions and often handles routine diabetes. An endocrinologist focuses on hormone conditions, especially harder cases.
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 139 endocrinologists at 82 Colorado locations.
- Denver County: 20 locations
- Boulder County: 11 locations
- El Paso County: 10 locations
- Adams County: 6 locations
- Arapahoe County: 5 locations
- Jefferson County: 5 locations
Counties with the fewest: Teller (1), Routt (1), Eagle (2), Douglas (3), Weld (4). 50 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?
- Do you also have diabetes educators or dietitians on site?