What does a geriatrician do?
A geriatrician is a physician with extra training in the health needs of older adults. They often focus on people with several conditions or many medicines.
Last updated November 11, 2026
When people see one
- Several chronic conditions at once
- Many daily medicines to review
- Falls, memory changes, or trouble with daily tasks
- A visit that covers both health and daily living
How it differs
Internal medicine doctor: An internist cares for adults of any age. A geriatrician has added training in aging and focuses on older patients.
Family medicine doctor: Family medicine doctors see every age. A geriatrician sees older 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 128 geriatricians at 105 Colorado locations.
- Denver County: 17 locations
- Adams County: 15 locations
- Jefferson County: 12 locations
- Larimer County: 12 locations
- Arapahoe County: 11 locations
- Boulder County: 9 locations
Counties with the fewest: Teller (1), Rio Grande (1), Pueblo (1), Otero (1), Broomfield (1). 48 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 accept patients who are not yet 65?
- Can a family member join visits in person or by phone?