This information is educational and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for evaluation by a licensed healthcare professional. Individual results vary.
Telehealth in Puerto Rico: The Law and What to Check
Yes, telehealth is legal in Puerto Rico. Law 168-2018, as amended, allows physicians authorized to practice in Puerto Rico to care for patients remotely, and requires the patient to sign an informed consent before receiving the service.
This guide explains what the law says, how to verify a physician's license, and what to ask before a telehealth visit, with links to the official sources. It's general information, not legal advice.
Is telehealth legal in Puerto Rico?
Yes. Law 168-2018, as amended, governs telemedicine and telehealth in Puerto Rico. Under that law, telemedicine is the practice of medicine at a distance, including diagnosis, treatment, and medical education supported by technology. For a specific situation, read the full text of the law.
Does the physician need a Puerto Rico license?
According to Puerto Rico's Department of Health, the health professional must be licensed in the jurisdiction where the patient is located. If you're in Puerto Rico, that means a physician authorized to practice in Puerto Rico. Before you pay, ask for the full name and license number of the physician who will review your case.
At VidaFlow Health, the physician who approves Puerto Rico requests is licensed in Puerto Rico.
How do I verify a physician's license in Puerto Rico?
The Department of Health has a license verification portal where you can look up the professional. Compare the full name and license number with what the platform gave you. The NPI number in the federal registry identifies the provider, but it isn't a license to practice.
What is telehealth informed consent?
It's the document in which you agree to receive care remotely. Under Law 168-2018, you must sign it before the service, it can be electronic, and it must mention the confidentiality risks of the technology. You can also refuse telehealth without losing access to other services. Read it before you accept.
At VidaFlow Health, the telehealth consent is published in the site's policies section.
How does a telehealth visit with an online doctor work in Puerto Rico?
On most platforms you create an account, fill out a form with your health information, and an authorized physician reviews it and decides whether a treatment is appropriate for you. If you're approved, a licensed pharmacy prepares and ships what was prescribed. Ask how you'll be contacted at each step along the way.
To see each step in detail, read how telehealth works.
Does my health plan cover telehealth?
It depends on your plan and on the platform. Some platforms bill health plans and others charge the patient directly. Ask the platform whether it takes your plan and, if not, what you'd pay in total. If you want to use your plan, call your insurer before you pay and get the answer in writing.
At VidaFlow Health, we don't bill health insurance; you pay directly.
What red flags should I watch for?
Be wary if the platform doesn't say which physician will review your case or where they're licensed, promises a prescription without an evaluation, doesn't explain when you're charged, or pressures you to pay on the spot. A serious platform answers these questions in writing, without getting defensive, before you hand over your card.
If something doesn't add up, ask
A serious platform can tell you in writing who the physician is, where they're licensed, and when you're charged. If you get evasive replies or pressure to pay today, that's your answer.
You can ask us these same questions. Write to support@vidaflowhealth.com.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use telehealth while I'm traveling outside Puerto Rico?
According to the Department of Health, the professional must be licensed in the jurisdiction where the patient is located. If you'll be outside Puerto Rico, ask the platform before you submit your request.
Is an NPI number the same as a license?
No. The NPI identifies the provider in a federal registry. A license to practice in Puerto Rico is verified on the Department of Health's portal.
Does VidaFlow Health take health insurance?
No. At VidaFlow Health you pay directly and we don't bill health insurance. There's no membership fee, and the medical evaluation has a $35 fee.
Who approves Puerto Rico requests at VidaFlow Health?
An independent physician licensed in Puerto Rico, based on the information you give in your request.
If you'd like to see how the process works at VidaFlow Health for patients in Puerto Rico, see how it works.