# Primary care clinics in Colorado

> A primary care clinic is an office or group where you can see a primary care provider for checkups and everyday health needs. It may include doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.

Source: Colorado Health Insurance Colorado Care Index (https://coloradohealthinsurance.com/care/primary-care-clinic), 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 health problem that is not an emergency
- Ongoing conditions that need regular follow-up
- A referral to a specialist

## How it differs

- Urgent care center: A primary care clinic follows your health over time. Urgent care treats one-time problems that cannot wait, often without an appointment.
- Community health center: A community health center is one kind of primary care clinic. It has a federal grant and a sliding fee scale.

## 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 $40 a visit on 53 of 58 plans
  - Gold: $0 to $30 a visit on 26 of 30 plans

## In Colorado

- 440 locations in public records.

## 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.
- Can I choose which provider I see?
- How do I reach someone after hours?

## Sources

- [HealthCare.gov glossary: Primary care provider](https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/primary-care-provider/)
- [MedlinePlus: Types of health care providers](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001933.htm)