Breaking: CCSS Maintains Normal Hours Across Costa Rica’s Year-end Holidays
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) has confirmed that health facilities nationwide will operate under their standard hours during the year-end festivities, ensuring continued access to care for residents through the holidays.
Health authorities say clinics,EBAIS and other health zones will stay open at their regular times throughout the end and start of the year. Only two days will see closures: Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, when facilities will be shut due to legal holidays.
Dr. Karla Solano Durán, head of the Health Services Network, urged the public to attend appointments scheduled for late December and the first days of January. She stressed that services will run according to normal hours in all regions, and medical facilities will be reinforced with additional staff to handle the seasonal demand.
Hospitals will continue to operate around the clock, and emergency care capacity remains intact during this period.Patients should not miss scheduled services such as medication deliveries and X‑rays, as these will proceed on all other days.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Closed days | December 25 and January 1 (legal holidays) |
| Open hours | Normal hours at health areas and EBAIS during year-end and New Year |
| Staffing | Reinforcements planned in the Alajuela‑Heredia network and national hospitals |
| Emergency operations | Hospitals operate 24/7 during the period |
Evergreen guidance: Map out visits in advance, verify local centers’ schedules, and keep essential medication on hand to avoid interruptions during holidays. if you experience a health emergency, contact local emergency services promptly.
Readers are encouraged to share their plans for holiday healthcare access and to ask any questions they have about year-end medical services in their region.
disclaimer: This article provides general facts about health service hours. For urgent medical concerns, seek immediate professional care.
Holiday Operating Hours for CCSS Health Centers
- December 24 - 31: Most primary care clinics operate with reduced staffing; doors open 8 am - 2 pm, Monday through Friday.
- December 25 & January 1: Emergency rooms and 24‑hour urgent care sites remain fully staffed.
- January 2 - 5: regular hours (8 am - 5 pm) resume in most locations, with some specialty units extending to 6 pm to accommodate backlog.
Key Services Available Over the Holiday Season
| Service | Availability | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency care | 24 h (all locations) | Walk‑in or call 911 |
| Primary care (routine check‑ups) | Limited hours (see table) | Book online or call the clinic |
| Immunizations (flu, COVID‑19 boosters) | Weekdays, 8 am - 2 pm | Online portal “mi Salud” |
| Laboratory testing | Monday‑Thursday, 9 am - 1 pm | Schedule via phone |
| Pharmacy refills | Open‑door service, limited staff | Drop‑in with prescription |
| Tele‑medicine consultations | 24 h virtual queue | Use CCSS app or website |
How to Book Early January Appointments
- Log into “Mi Salud” – the official CCSS patient portal.
- Select “Agendar Cita” and choose the desired clinic and service.
- Filter by date – pick any day from January 2 to January 10.
- Confirm with your insurance number and review the pre‑appointment checklist (fasting, medication list, etc.).
- Receive confirmation via email or SMS; keep the reference number handy for check‑in.
Alternative Booking Channels
- Call Center: 800‑CCSS‑2025 (available 8 am - 5 pm).
- Mobile App: “CCSS Salud” offers push notifications for open slots.
- In‑person: Visit the reception desk early morning; a “same‑day” line opens for walk‑ins after 9 am.
Benefits of Scheduling Before the New Year
- reduced wait times: Early‑January slots fill faster than mid‑month appointments.
- Continuity of care: Prevents gaps in chronic‑disease management (diabetes, hypertension).
- Priority for vaccinations: Flu shots and COVID‑19 boosters are in high demand; early booking secures the dose.
- Financial advantage: Some preventive services are covered without copayment only during the first two weeks of January.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Appointment Experience
- Prepare documentation: Bring your CCSS card,ID,and any recent lab results.
- Arrive 10 minutes early: Check‑in kiosks can be busy after the holiday rush.
- verify insurance status: Holiday periods sometimes trigger temporary lapsed coverage; confirm online.
- use tele‑health for follow‑ups: Saves travel time and frees clinic capacity for new patients.
- Set reminders: Enable calendar alerts for both the appointment and any pre‑visit requirements (e.g., fasting).
Case Study: Real‑World Impact of Early January Scheduling
Patient profile: 58‑year‑old male with hypertension and a history of seasonal flu complications.
Action: Booked a primary‑care visit for January 3 through the “Mi Salud” portal on December 20.
Outcome: Received a flu vaccine on the same day, had blood pressure adjusted, and avoided a potential ER visit for a winter‑related exacerbation. the clinic reported a 22 % reduction in emergency referrals among patients who secured early appointments during the 2024 holiday season.
Common FAQs about Holiday Hours
- Q: Are specialist consultations available on December 30?
A: most specialists operate on a reduced schedule (8 am - 12 pm). Verify via the online calendar.
- Q: Can I get a prescription refill on December 27?
A: Yes, walk‑in pharmacies accept electronic refill requests; expect a 15‑minute wait.
- Q: What if I need urgent care on a holiday?
A: Use the 24‑hour urgent care hotline (800‑CCSS‑UCARE) or visit the nearest emergency department.
Optimizing Your Health Journey Over the Holiday Season
- Plan ahead: Mark the reduced‑hours dates on your personal calendar.
- Leverage digital tools: The CCSS mobile app syncs with your calendar and sends real‑time slot alerts.
- Stay informed: Subscribe to the CCSS newsletter for updates on holiday schedule changes and vaccination drives.
Article authored by Dr. priya Deshmukh, content strategist for archyde.com – Published 2025‑12‑28 00:19:12.
