Doctor's note for work or school in Puerto Rico, after a real visit

A doctor's note in Puerto Rico from us comes only after the doctor has evaluated you by video for a current illness, and only if she considers it appropriate. We never issue notes without a visit and never backdate them. The note has no separate charge; it is part of the US$79 visit. Puerto Rico public schools usually accept a parent's written excuse within 5 days.

Video visit: US$79 · Pay by card · See the price and what is included

Is this an emergency?

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, confusion, bleeding that will not stop, or if you think your life is in danger.

Help lines:

911 — Emergencies
1-800-981-0023 — Línea PAS (mental-health crisis line)
988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
1-800-222-1222 — Poison Help

Warning signs: when to go to the ER

Book a visit

When a Puerto Rico employer can ask for a doctor's note

Puerto Rico's Vacation and Sick Leave Act (Ley 180-1998, as amended) lets an employer require medical certification when a sick absence runs longer than two working days (Art. 4, subsection o). The same applies when you are off to care for a sick child, spouse or parent.

Your employer's own policies, or a union agreement, may add details, and different rules may apply if your employer is on the mainland. If you're unsure what document you need, ask HR before the visit.

Notes for school or daycare

Puerto Rico public schools ask for a sick absence to be excused with a written note signed by the parent or guardian, handed in within 5 days of the absence, under the Department of Education's attendance regulation. So a doctor's note is often not needed.

A school can still ask for medical certification, for example when health-related absences keep recurring. Private schools, daycares and universities set their own rules.

If your child needs a doctor's note, the visit follows the under-21 rules: a parent with patria potestad (parental authority) or a legal guardian stays on camera for the whole visit. See child doctor visits.

What we issue and what we don't

The note reflects what the doctor evaluated during the visit. So:

Yes: a note dated the day of the visit, stating that you were evaluated by telehealth and, if the doctor considers it appropriate, the rest she recommends.
No notes without a visit, and no notes sold on their own.
No backdating, and no certifying an illness that has already passed and that the doctor couldn't evaluate.
No guarantee: paying for the visit doesn't oblige the doctor to write a note if it isn't appropriate.
Not the Puerto Rico health certificate, the driver's license medical form (DTOP-DIS-260) or a school or sports physical. See what we don't do.

How the evaluation works

Request a visit online 24/7 — we confirm your time by email or text. Then:

On the video call, the doctor asks about your symptoms, when they started and how they affect you.
She examines what can be seen on camera and explains what she thinks is going on and how to look after yourself.
If appropriate, the doctor can prescribe medication. We do not prescribe controlled substances.
If she considers a note appropriate, she gives you one dated the day of the visit. If she thinks you need to be seen in person, she will tell you.

Price

The visit costs US$79, and a note, if the doctor considers it appropriate, has no extra charge. You are paying for a medical visit, not for a document. See pricing and cancellations and refunds.

Sick note vs health certificate vs driver's license form

Puerto Rico has several documents with similar names. These guides explain which one you need and who can issue it:

Medical certificates in Puerto Rico: which is which.
Health certificate: required for some jobs; not issued by telehealth.
Driver's license medical certificate: needs an in-person exam.
School health forms: the PVAC-3, physicals and excuses.

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.

What we don't do by telehealth

Frequently asked questions

Can you give me a doctor's note for work or school?: Yes, after a video visit for a current illness, if the doctor considers it appropriate. The note is dated the day of the visit and has no charge beyond the US$79 visit.
Can I get a note without a visit?: No. Every note follows a real-time evaluation by video. We don't sell notes on their own.
Can the note cover the days before my visit?: The note is dated the day of the visit and reflects what the doctor evaluated. We never backdate notes.
Does my child need a doctor's note for a Puerto Rico public school?: Usually not. The Department of Education accepts a written excuse signed by the parent or guardian within 5 days of the absence. A school may ask for medical certification in some cases.