What does a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor do?
A physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor, also called a physiatrist, treats conditions that affect movement and daily function. They focus on non-surgical treatment for injuries, pain, and disability.
Last updated November 11, 2026
Find physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors near you
When people see one
- Recovery after a stroke, spinal cord injury, or brain injury
- Back, neck, or joint pain that limits movement
- A sports or work injury
- A condition that needs a rehabilitation plan
How it differs
Physical therapist: A physical therapist leads exercise and hands-on treatment. A physiatrist is a medical doctor who diagnoses, prescribes treatment, and may order therapy.
Orthopedic surgeon: An orthopedic surgeon can operate. A physiatrist treats the same problems without surgery.
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 464 physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors at 371 Colorado locations.
- Denver County: 46 locations
- El Paso County: 45 locations
- Arapahoe County: 42 locations
- Jefferson County: 36 locations
- Boulder County: 35 locations
- Adams County: 31 locations
Counties with the fewest: Rio Grande (1), Montrose (1), Huerfano (1), Gunnison (1), Fremont (1). 30 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?
- Does the office also offer therapy, or do I need to go elsewhere?