What does a urologist do?
A urologist is a doctor who treats the urinary tract in all adults and the male reproductive system. They treat kidney stones, prostate problems, and bladder conditions, and they do surgery.
Last updated November 11, 2026
When people see one
- Kidney stones
- Blood in your urine
- An enlarged prostate or an abnormal prostate test
- Leaking urine or frequent urinary infections
How it differs
Nephrologist (kidney doctor): A nephrologist treats how the kidneys work, usually with medicine. A urologist treats the urinary tract and operates when needed.
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 224 urologists at 143 Colorado locations.
- Denver County: 24 locations
- Douglas County: 17 locations
- El Paso County: 14 locations
- Adams County: 11 locations
- Arapahoe County: 11 locations
- Boulder County: 11 locations
Counties with the fewest: Yuma (1), Teller (1), Summit (1), Routt (1), Rio Blanco (1). 34 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?
- Is the office part of a hospital? Hospital-owned clinics can add a facility fee.