What does a family medicine doctor do?
A family medicine doctor is a physician trained to care for people of every age, from newborns to older adults. Many people pick one doctor for the whole household.
Last updated November 11, 2026
Find family medicine doctors near you
When people see one
- Yearly checkups and vaccines
- A new cough, rash, or pain
- Ongoing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
- A referral to a specialist
How it differs
Internal medicine doctor: Family medicine doctors treat all ages, including children. Internal medicine doctors treat adults only.
On 2027 Colorado plans
Do you need a referral? No. You don't need a referral for primary care.
What a visit costs (the plan's filed "Primary Care Visit to Treat an Injury or Illness" benefit, in network, before any extra savings on silver plans):
- Bronze: $25 to $50 a visit on 23 of 56 plans; on the other 33, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Silver: $0 to $40 a visit on 53 of 58 plans; on the other 5, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Gold: $0 to $30 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 3,832 family medicine doctors at 1,532 Colorado locations.
- El Paso County: 206 locations
- Denver County: 181 locations
- Arapahoe County: 140 locations
- Jefferson County: 130 locations
- Boulder County: 112 locations
- Larimer County: 110 locations
Counties with the fewest: Washington (1), Sedgwick (1), Park (1), Lincoln (1), Hinsdale (1). 6 counties have none.
Questions to ask the office
- Are you taking new patients?
- Which 2027 plans do you take? Ask for the plan's network name, not only the insurance company.
- Do you see children and adults in the same office?
- How soon can I get a same-week appointment when I am sick?