# Neurosurgeons in Colorado

> A neurosurgeon is a doctor who performs surgery on the brain, spine, and nerves. Many of their patients have spine problems, brain tumors, or head injuries.

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

## When people see one

- A neurologist or primary care doctor finds a problem that may need surgery
- A herniated disc or pinched nerve that therapy has not helped
- A brain or spinal tumor
- Serious head or spine injury

## How it differs

- Neurologist: A neurologist diagnoses and treats nervous system conditions without surgery. A neurosurgeon operates when surgery is the best option.
- Orthopedic surgeon: Spine problems can be treated by either. Orthopedic surgeons focus on bones and joints; neurosurgeons also work on the nerves and spinal cord.

## 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

- 166 clinicians at 112 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 would the surgery be at, and is it in my network?
- Do I need to try other treatments first, and will my plan require prior approval?

## Sources

- [MedlinePlus: Brain Diseases](https://medlineplus.gov/braindiseases.html)
- [American Association of Neurological Surgeons: Patients](https://www.aans.org/patients/)