What does a pediatrician do?
A pediatrician is a physician who cares for babies, children, and teenagers. You can usually choose a pediatrician as your child's primary care provider.
Last updated November 11, 2026
When people see one
- Well-child checkups and school forms
- Childhood vaccines
- Fever, ear pain, or a cough
- Questions about growth or development
How it differs
Family medicine doctor: A pediatrician sees children only. A family medicine doctor sees children and adults, so parents and kids can share one doctor.
On 2027 Colorado plans
Do you need a referral? No. You don't need a referral for primary care.
What a visit costs (the plan's filed "Primary Care Visit to Treat an Injury or Illness" benefit, in network, before any extra savings on silver plans):
- Bronze: $25 to $50 a visit on 23 of 56 plans; on the other 33, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Silver: $0 to $40 a visit on 53 of 58 plans; on the other 5, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Gold: $0 to $30 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 1,538 pediatricians at 461 Colorado locations.
- Denver County: 76 locations
- El Paso County: 59 locations
- Adams County: 53 locations
- Arapahoe County: 47 locations
- Jefferson County: 37 locations
- Douglas County: 34 locations
Counties with the fewest: Yuma (1), Teller (1), Moffat (1), Logan (1), Las Animas (1). 31 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.
- Do you offer same-day sick visits for children?
- Who answers calls after hours?