Guides
Puerto Rico medical license lookup: how to verify a doctor's license
For a Puerto Rico medical license lookup, search the doctor's name or license number in the Department of Health's official verification tool (opens in a new tab), which shows the records of the Junta de Licenciamiento y Disciplina Médica (the medical board). Check that the name matches and the license shows as current. Then look up the doctor's NPI in the federal NPPES registry. Both are free and public.
Step 1: the Puerto Rico medical license lookup
The Junta de Licenciamiento y Disciplina Médica (Medical Licensing and Discipline Board) issues licenses to practice medicine in Puerto Rico. Its records are on the Department of Health's license lookup (opens in a new tab). The site is in Spanish.
On the lookup:
- Search by the doctor's first and last names, or by license number if you have it.
- If the name is common, use the filters the portal offers, such as profession or municipality.
- Open the result and compare the full name and license number with what the doctor or clinic gave you.
- Read the license status as the portal shows it. If it is unclear, call the board before your appointment.
Step 2: check the NPI in NPPES
The NPI (National Provider Identifier) is a 10-digit federal number that identifies each health care provider in the United States, including Puerto Rico. Look it up in the NPPES NPI Registry (opens in a new tab), run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
The registry shows the provider's name, declared specialty (taxonomy) and reported licenses. An NPI is not a license: it confirms identity and specialty, but the license itself is verified with the board.
What else to check
A current license comes first, but it is not the only thing to look at:
- Specialty: compare what the service advertises with the specialty in the registry. Our doctor, for example, is listed as General Practice, and that is how we describe her.
- Who runs the service: a trustworthy site says which organization operates it, how to contact it and who receives payments.
- Where the license is valid: in telehealth, what matters is a license where you are, not where the doctor is.
- Prices: a clear service shows what each visit costs before you pay, with no hidden membership.
Why you should verify a doctor's license in Puerto Rico for telehealth
On a video visit you can't see an office or a diploma on the wall. The online lookup is the simplest way to confirm you are talking to a real doctor licensed in Puerto Rico.
The doctor must also be licensed where you are during the visit. A Puerto Rico license covers patients who are in Puerto Rico, visitors included. More in Puerto Rico telemedicine law.
Example: verify our doctor
Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, MD, holds Puerto Rico license 24027 and NPI 1922842756. Her NPPES specialty is General Practice, and she has several years of emergency-department experience.
Check it yourself on the board lookup (opens in a new tab) and in her NPI record (opens in a new tab). More on the doctor's profile and about us: the service is run by The Health Initiative, a nonprofit.
What a visit with her looks like
She sees adults and children of all ages by video, in English or Spanish. We evaluate, diagnose and treat; if needed, we give you a lab order for a lab near you. If appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy. We do not prescribe controlled substances.
Prices are clear, with no membership: US$79 for a doctor visit, US$49 for a follow-up visit and US$35 for school and work forms; see pricing. To see a visit step by step, read how it works or start with an online doctor visit.
How we care for you
We evaluate, diagnose and treat; if needed, we give you a lab order for a lab near you.
We see adults and children of all ages. Patients under 21: a parent with patria potestad (parental authority) or a legal guardian is on camera for the whole visit and shows photo ID.
Real-time video visit. We send you a secure video link. It works on your phone, tablet or computer.
If appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy. We do not prescribe controlled substances.
You must be physically in Puerto Rico during the visit (visitors, tourists and cruise passengers are welcome).
In an emergency, call 911.
Frequently asked questions
Is the doctor licensed in Puerto Rico? How do I check?
Is an NPI the same as a license?
Does it cost anything to verify a license?
About this page
Author: The Health Initiative
Medical care provided by Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, MD (PR license 24027)
Disclosure: Founding Executive Director of The Health Initiative
Published: 2026-09-30 · Updated: 2026-10-02
Sources (4)
- License lookup (PR Department of Health, Spanish) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-09-30)
- Junta de Licenciamiento y Disciplina Médica (PR Department of Health, Spanish) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-09-30)
- NPI Registry (NPPES, CMS) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-09-30)
- Telemedicine practice requirements (PR Department of Health, Spanish) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-09-30)