What does a women's health nurse practitioner do?

When people see one

• Yearly well-woman exams and Pap tests
• Birth control or pregnancy planning
• Menopause symptoms
• Screening for infections or breast concerns

How it differs

OB-GYN: An OB-GYN is a surgeon and physician who can deliver by cesarean and treat complex conditions. A women's health NP gives routine and preventive care.

Nurse practitioner (primary care): A primary care NP treats general health needs. A women's health NP focuses on reproductive and gynecologic care.

On 2027 Colorado plans

Do you need a referral? No. You don't need a referral for primary care.

What a visit costs (the plan's filed "Other Practitioner Office Visit (Nurse, Physician Assistant)" benefit, in network, before any extra savings on silver plans):

• Bronze: $25 to $50 a visit on 23 of 56 plans; on the other 33, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
• Silver: $0 to $90 a visit on 53 of 58 plans; on the other 5, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
• Gold: $0 to $70 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.

Compare 2027 plans and prices

In Colorado

Public records list 400 women's health nurse practitioners at 267 Colorado locations.

• Denver County: 42 locations
• El Paso County: 42 locations
• Arapahoe County: 33 locations
• Douglas County: 32 locations
• Jefferson County: 23 locations
• Boulder County: 22 locations

Counties with the fewest: Rio Blanco (1), Prowers (1), Pitkin (1), Montrose (1), Chaffee (1). 38 counties have none.

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.
• Do you provide prenatal care, or only gynecologic care?
• Which physician do you refer to if I need surgery?