What does a neurologist do?
A neurologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats conditions of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. They treat problems such as migraine, seizures (epilepsy), and multiple sclerosis.
Last updated November 11, 2026
When people see one
- Headaches or migraines that are frequent or getting worse
- A seizure, or fainting spells with no clear cause
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness that does not go away
- Memory changes, tremor, or trouble with balance
How it differs
Neurosurgeon: A neurologist treats brain and nerve conditions mostly with tests and medicine. A neurosurgeon performs operations on the brain, spine, and nerves.
Psychiatrist: A neurologist treats conditions of the nervous system. A psychiatrist treats mental health conditions.
On 2027 Colorado plans
Do you need a 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.
What a visit costs (the plan's filed "Specialist Visit" benefit, in network, before any extra savings on silver plans):
- Bronze: $100 to $140 a visit on 10 of 56 plans; on the other 46, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Silver: $50 to $90 a visit on 44 of 58 plans; on the other 14, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Gold: $50 to $90 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 474 neurologists at 224 Colorado locations.
- Denver County: 40 locations
- Arapahoe County: 30 locations
- El Paso County: 29 locations
- Boulder County: 24 locations
- Douglas County: 18 locations
- Jefferson County: 17 locations
Counties with the fewest: Rio Grande (1), Montrose (1), Kit Carson (1), Huerfano (1), Garfield (1). 39 counties have none.
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?
- Are tests like an EEG or MRI done here or elsewhere?