What does a rheumatologist do?
A rheumatologist is a doctor who treats arthritis and other diseases where the immune system attacks the body. These include rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Last updated November 11, 2026
When people see one
- Joint pain, swelling, or morning stiffness that lasts weeks
- Blood tests that point to an autoimmune disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or gout
- Unexplained fatigue with joint or muscle pain
How it differs
Orthopedic surgeon: An orthopedic surgeon treats joint injury and wear, including with surgery. A rheumatologist treats joint disease caused by inflammation, mainly with medicine.
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 130 rheumatologists at 77 Colorado locations.
- Denver County: 16 locations
- Adams County: 9 locations
- Boulder County: 7 locations
- El Paso County: 7 locations
- Arapahoe County: 5 locations
- Douglas County: 5 locations
Counties with the fewest: Teller (1), Routt (1), Moffat (1), La Plata (1), Montrose (2). 47 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?
- Are infusion treatments given here or at another location?