I just moved (back) to Puerto Rico, how do I find a doctor?
For anyone who moved or returned to PR and does not know where to start with healthcare.
Moving back is a pile of paperwork, and healthcare is the scariest pile. Let's take it in order, because this gets solved step by step.
First a primary doctor, then the specialist
In Puerto Rico almost everything runs on referrals. Without a primary, every specialist is a closed door. Get one first, even while healthy.
Your stateside plan probably does not work the same here
Original Medicare travels. Medicare Advantage and employer plans from the mainland almost never cover the same here. Call your plan before the first appointment, not after.
When picking a new plan, ask about the network
Most Medicare plans here are Advantage plans with closed networks. The specialist you want may not be in the network of the plan being sold to you. Verify before signing.
Check what specialists your region has before picking a town
Entire regions lack certain specialists. If you have a condition, check the registry and the medical deserts map before deciding where to live.
📞 Before you call, have this ready
Two minutes of prep save you weeks of back and forth.
- ✓Have your plan card and ID at hand. The first thing they ask. If it is for a relative, also their date of birth and plan number.
- ✓Ask your primary doctor for the referral first. Many specialists will not book you without one. Request it by phone, do not wait for your next visit.
- ✓Ask these two questions first. "Do you accept my plan?" and "Are you taking new patients?" That saves you the whole trip.
- ✓Ask how long the wait is, and to be put on the cancellation list. Someone cancels almost every week. Whoever is on the list gets that slot.
- ✓Write down who you spoke with and the date. If anything gets tangled later, that note untangles it.
Specialists usually involved here
Each with how many exist on the island, by region and with phone numbers, verified against the federal registry.
Still stuck?
Text El Veci at 787-417-7711, or leave Angel a note in the registry and he will write you back himself.
One important thing, neighbor to neighbor
This is not a substitute for medical advice. We verify public data, but phone numbers, health plans, and availability change. Before you go, call and confirm.
Spotted outdated info? Tell us and we fix it: angel@angelanderson.com