How do you get a health certificate in Puerto Rico (certificado de salud)?
A health certificate in Puerto Rico (certificado de salud) requires a medical evaluation, a TB skin test from the last 3 months and a syphilis test (VDRL) from the last 6 months. Only a doctor authorized by the Department of Health can issue it, and only at the authorized office. It cannot be done online or by telehealth, and we do not offer it. It is valid for one year.
Can we help by telehealth? This is not something we can do by telehealth.
Who needs a health certificate in Puerto Rico?
The certificado de salud is governed by Law 232 of August 30, 2000 (the Puerto Rico Health Certification Act) and the Health Secretary's Regulation 138. The Department of Health requires it every year for employees in industries that serve the public directly.
The Department's guide lists, among others, people who work where food or drinks are handled or produced (restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, food stands and similar) and in places that provide direct health services. If you are new to Puerto Rico and starting a job, ask your employer whether your position requires one.
Which tests are required?
According to the Department of Health's guide:
- A medical evaluation, on a Department of Health form.
- A TB skin test (PPD, Mantoux method) done within the 3 months before the certificate is issued. The authorized doctor or their designated nursing staff places it, and it is read 48 to 72 hours later. If it is positive, the doctor orders a chest X-ray.
- A syphilis blood test (such as VDRL) done within the previous 6 months. A reactive result gets a confirmatory test.
- Throat and/or stool cultures, at the doctor's discretion, for people who produce, handle or store food.
Can you get it online?
No. The Department of Health's guide says the doctor issues the certificate "única y exclusivamente en el lugar autorizado", only and exclusively at the location the Department authorized. The doctor needs a special authorization, the office is inspected, and the TB skin test is placed and read in person.
Be wary of any website promising a certificado de salud "online" or without an office visit. Fines under the regulation reach $5,000 for a first violation and up to $10,000 for a repeat within a year.
What does it cost?
Prices vary by office and lab. We do not publish third-party prices because they change and we cannot verify them. Call an authorized office before you go and ask what the price covers (evaluation, TB test, reading and VDRL).
Health certificate vs doctor's note vs driver's license form
These are three different documents. The certificado de salud is the yearly work certificate described here. A doctor's note (excusa médica) says you were sick; the doctor can write one after a real online doctor visit if she considers it appropriate, see sick note. The DTOP-DIS-260 is the medical form for a driver's license, and the doctor must examine you in person: see the driver's license medical certificate guide.
For all of them in one place, see medical certificates in Puerto Rico.
Can we do it by telehealth?
No, and we do not sell it. Our doctor does not issue health certificates by video, because the law ties them to an authorized office and in-person tests. See what we don't do by telehealth.
Before you book
- You must be physically in Puerto Rico during the visit (visitors and tourists are welcome).
- We see patients from 6 months old. Patients under 21: a parent or legal guardian must be on camera for the whole visit.
- Real-time video only; we do not do phone-call visits.
- We do not prescribe controlled substances.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get a health certificate in Puerto Rico as a new resident?
- Go to a doctor authorized by the Department of Health to issue certificados de salud. Expect two visits: one for the exam and TB skin test, and one 48 to 72 hours later for the reading, plus a blood test.
- Can I get the certificado de salud online?
- No. It is issued only at the office the Department of Health authorized, after in-person tests.
- Which tests does the health certificate require?
- A medical evaluation, a TB skin test from the last 3 months, a syphilis test (VDRL) from the last 6 months, and throat or stool cultures for food workers if the doctor asks for them.
- How long is the health certificate valid?
- One year from the date it is issued.