# General surgeons in Colorado

> A general surgeon is a doctor trained to operate on many parts of the body, most often the belly. They treat problems like hernias, gallbladder disease, and appendicitis.

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

## When people see one

- A hernia that is growing or painful
- Gallstones or gallbladder pain
- Appendicitis or another belly problem that needs an operation
- A lump or growth that needs to be removed or biopsied

## How it differs

- Orthopedic surgeon: An orthopedic surgeon operates on bones, joints, and muscles. A general surgeon operates mainly on the belly, skin, and soft tissue.

## 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

- 702 clinicians at 309 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?
- Which hospital or surgery center would the operation be at, and is it in my network?
- Will the surgeon, the assistant, and the anesthesia team each bill separately?

## Sources

- [MedlinePlus: Surgery](https://medlineplus.gov/surgery.html)
- [American College of Surgeons: For Patients](https://www.facs.org/for-patients/)