# Podiatrists (foot doctors) in Colorado

> A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine who treats the foot, ankle, and lower leg. They care for injuries, nail and skin problems, and foot problems caused by diabetes.

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

## When people see one

- Heel pain or a sprained ankle
- Ingrown toenails, bunions, or fungal infections
- Diabetes and a foot sore or numb feet
- A foot or ankle injury that is not healing

## How it differs

- Orthopedic surgeon: An orthopedic surgeon treats bones and joints throughout the body, and some focus on the foot and ankle. A podiatrist focuses on the foot and ankle only.

## 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

- 234 clinicians at 191 locations in public records (NPPES, CMS).
- 779 active Colorado licenses (DORA).

## 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?
- Is routine foot care, like nail trimming, covered, or only treatment for a problem?

## Sources

- [MedlinePlus: Foot Injuries and Disorders](https://medlineplus.gov/footinjuriesanddisorders.html)