What does an OB-GYN do?
An OB-GYN is a physician trained in pregnancy, childbirth, and the female reproductive system. Federal law lets you see an in-network OB-GYN without a referral.
Last updated November 11, 2026
When people see one
- Pregnancy care and delivery
- Pap tests and pelvic exams
- Birth control and menopause questions
- Painful, heavy, or irregular periods
How it differs
Midwife: Both can deliver babies. An OB-GYN is a surgeon and physician who can handle complications and cesarean births; a midwife focuses on low-risk pregnancy and birth.
Women's health nurse practitioner: A women's health nurse practitioner provides exams, birth control, and routine care but does not perform surgery or deliver by cesarean.
On 2027 Colorado plans
Do you need a referral? No. Federal law protects your direct access to an in-network OB-GYN on plans that have you choose a primary care provider, and the 2027 Colorado plans we checked let you see one without a referral.
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 989 OB-GYNs at 347 Colorado locations.
- Denver County: 56 locations
- Arapahoe County: 38 locations
- El Paso County: 36 locations
- Douglas County: 31 locations
- Boulder County: 29 locations
- Jefferson County: 21 locations
Counties with the fewest: Yuma (1), Rio Blanco (1), Prowers (1), Ouray (1), Otero (1). 26 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.
- Which hospital do you deliver at?
- Are your deliveries covered in network at that hospital?