# Nephrologists (kidney doctors) in Colorado

> A nephrologist is a doctor who treats kidney disease and related problems. They manage chronic kidney disease, dialysis, and kidney conditions caused by diabetes or high blood pressure.

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

## When people see one

- A blood or urine test shows reduced kidney function
- Protein or blood in your urine
- Kidney disease from diabetes or high blood pressure
- Your kidneys may be failing and you need to plan for dialysis or a transplant

## How it differs

- Urologist: A urologist treats the urinary tract and often does surgery, such as for kidney stones. A nephrologist treats how the kidneys work, usually with medicine.

## 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

- 171 clinicians at 80 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?
- If I need dialysis, which centers do you work with?

## Sources

- [MedlinePlus: Kidney Diseases](https://medlineplus.gov/kidneydiseases.html)
- [National Kidney Foundation](https://www.kidney.org/)