# Physician assistants in Colorado

> A physician assistant (PA) is a licensed clinician with a graduate degree who diagnoses illness, orders tests, and prescribes medicine. PAs work as part of a care team with physicians.

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

## When people see one

- Yearly checkups and vaccines
- A new illness or injury
- Follow-up visits for ongoing conditions
- A quicker appointment than a physician offers

## How it differs

- Nurse practitioner (primary care): PAs train in a medical model and can work in any specialty. NPs train in a nursing model and often focus on one patient group.
- Family medicine doctor: A family medicine doctor is a physician. A PA is not a physician, but practices medicine as part of a team.

## On 2027 Colorado plans

- Referral: No. You don't need a referral for primary care.
- Visit cost by metal level (standard plans):
  - Bronze: $25 to $50 a visit on 23 of 56 plans
  - Silver: $0 to $90 a visit on 53 of 58 plans
  - Gold: $0 to $70 a visit on 26 of 30 plans

## In Colorado

- 5,188 clinicians at 1,668 locations in public records (NPPES, CMS).
- 10,103 active Colorado licenses (DORA).

## 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.
- Will I see the PA, the physician, or both?
- Does my plan list the PA as a primary care provider?

## Sources

- [American Academy of Physician Associates: What is a PA?](https://www.aapa.org/what-is-a-pa/)
- [MedlinePlus: Types of health care providers](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001933.htm)