# Physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors in Colorado

> 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.

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

## 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

- 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

- 464 clinicians at 371 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?
- How long is the wait for a new patient?
- Does the office also offer therapy, or do I need to go elsewhere?

## Sources

- [MedlinePlus: Rehabilitation](https://medlineplus.gov/rehabilitation.html)
- [American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: About Physiatry](https://www.aapmr.org/about-physiatry)