What does an internal medicine doctor do?

When people see one

• Yearly adult checkups
• Managing diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure
• Symptoms that need a workup
• A referral to a specialist

How it differs

Family medicine doctor: Internists see adults only. Family medicine doctors also see children and can care for a whole household.

Geriatrician: Many internists see older adults, but a geriatrician has extra training in the care of people who are usually 65 and older.

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.

Compare 2027 plans and prices

In Colorado

Public records list 2,979 internal medicine doctors at 893 Colorado locations.

• Denver County: 143 locations
• Arapahoe County: 111 locations
• El Paso County: 93 locations
• Jefferson County: 89 locations
• Boulder County: 79 locations
• Douglas County: 65 locations

Counties with the fewest: San Juan (1), Prowers (1), Moffat (1), Huerfano (1), Custer (1). 21 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 manage ongoing conditions like diabetes in the office?
• Which hospital do you send patients to?