# Rheumatologists in Colorado

> A rheumatologist is a doctor who treats arthritis and other diseases where the immune system attacks the body. These include rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

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

## 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

- 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

- 130 clinicians at 77 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?
- Are infusion treatments given here or at another location?

## Sources

- [MedlinePlus: Rheumatoid Arthritis](https://medlineplus.gov/rheumatoidarthritis.html)
- [American College of Rheumatology: Patients](https://rheumatology.org/patients)