# Orthopedic surgeons in Colorado

> An orthopedic surgeon is a doctor who treats problems with bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles. They treat injuries and wear-and-tear, with or without surgery.

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

## When people see one

- A broken bone or a torn ligament
- Knee, hip, or shoulder pain that limits daily life
- Arthritis that needs injections or a joint replacement
- Back pain with an injury or other clear cause

## How it differs

- Physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor: A physical medicine doctor treats muscle, joint, and nerve problems without surgery. An orthopedic surgeon can operate.
- Rheumatologist: A rheumatologist treats arthritis caused by the immune system, mainly with medicine. An orthopedic surgeon treats joint damage, including with surgery.

## 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

- 771 clinicians at 301 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?
- Does the office do X-rays or physical therapy on site?
- Is the office part of a hospital? Hospital-owned clinics can add a facility fee.

## Sources

- [MedlinePlus: Bones, Joints and Muscles](https://medlineplus.gov/bonesjointsandmuscles.html)
- [OrthoInfo (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)](https://www.orthoinfo.org/)