# Endocrinologists in Colorado

> An endocrinologist is a doctor who treats conditions of the hormone system. That includes diabetes, thyroid problems, and bone loss (osteoporosis).

Source: Colorado Health Insurance Colorado Care Index (https://coloradohealthinsurance.com/care/endocrinology), data updated 2026-11-11. Published by Grove Benefit Advisors LLC, a licensed Colorado health insurance agency.

## 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

- 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.
- Visit cost by metal level (standard plans):
  - Bronze: $100 to $140 a visit on 10 of 56 plans
  - Silver: $50 to $90 a visit on 44 of 58 plans
  - Gold: $50 to $90 a visit on 26 of 30 plans

## In Colorado

- 139 clinicians at 82 locations in public records (NPPES, CMS).

## 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?

## Sources

- [MedlinePlus: Endocrine Diseases](https://medlineplus.gov/endocrinediseases.html)
- [MedlinePlus: Thyroid Diseases](https://medlineplus.gov/thyroiddiseases.html)
- [Endocrine Society: Patient Engagement](https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement)