What is the medical pass, and why should I book my return flight in the evening?

To prepare it, we need a copy of your passport or ID before your trip. The medical pass applies at specific times, so we recommend booking your return flight from San Diego between 5:00 pm and 11:00 pm on your discharge day. This window lets you use the medical pass, gives you time for your final check with the medical team and helps you avoid heavy border traffic, so you reach the airport on time and without stress.

The return crossing is the last step of your visit, and it is the one patients ask about most. Border wait times in the northbound direction can vary a lot during the day, and the medical pass and a well-timed flight make a real difference. This guide explains what the medical pass is, who receives it, how it works and how to plan your return flight.

What is the medical pass?

The San Diego and Tijuana border is one of the busiest land crossings in the world, and northbound wait times can be long. Tijuana receives many patients from the United States for medical care, and a medical lane allows patients to return more easily after their treatment.

When you travel with our transportation, we arrange a medical pass for you, so that after your treatment you can use the medical line to cross back into the United States. The medical pass:

• Is part of our transportation service. It is included when transportation is part of your plan, and it is also offered with transportation for other treatments in our group.
• Is prepared in advance with the information from your passport or ID.
• Applies at specific times, which is why the timing of your return matters.

Who receives the medical pass?

• Patients who use our transportation.
• Companions traveling with them, when they cross together in our transportation. Send us a copy of your companion's passport or ID as well.

If you have SENTRI or Global Entry, bring your card, since these trusted traveler programs also expedite your return. Even if you have SENTRI, when you travel with our transportation after your treatment, we may use the medical line, since you are crossing for medical treatment.

If you drive yourself to the clinic, the medical pass is not part of your visit, and you cross through the regular lanes or your trusted traveler lane.

What we need from you

• A copy of your passport or ID, sent to your advisor before your trip. It is used only for transportation coordination and patient identification, and access is restricted to the coordination team involved in your case. If you prefer, you may partially cover the passport number, as long as your full name and photo remain visible.
• Your flight itinerary, so the team can verify your departure time and plan your return.
• Your valid passport or the documents you will use to return, on your discharge day.

Why book an evening flight?

We recommend booking your return flight between 5:00 pm and 11:00 pm on your discharge day, for three reasons:

1. To use the medical pass

The medical pass applies at specific times. Booking within this window allows you to cross during the time when the medical pass can be used.

2. To have time for your discharge

On your discharge day, the medical team does a final check, reviews the treated area and gives you your written aftercare instructions. Discharge usually takes place in the morning, and an evening flight means you do not have to rush.

3. To avoid border traffic

Northbound wait times can be long at certain times of day. Your return crossing, plus the drive to the airport and the airport check-in, need a comfortable margin. An evening flight protects you from missing your flight because of traffic.

A typical discharge day

Exact times are confirmed by your advisor before your trip.

What if I need an earlier flight?

Tell your advisor before booking. In some cases, an earlier flight may be possible, depending on your discharge time and the traffic expected that day. Some patients have been advised to book after 2:00 pm or after 4:00 pm, depending on their schedule, but the evening window is the safest option. Do not book an early flight without confirming it with the team.

What if my flight is the next day?

If you prefer to fly the following day, for example because you have a long flight home, your advisor can help you book a hotel in Tijuana or San Diego and coordinate your transfers. This is also a good option after spine treatments or treatments in several areas, if you would like more rest before traveling.

Medical pass checklist

Completing these steps in advance makes your return quick and predictable, so you can focus on resting after your treatment.

Comfort tips for the trip home

• Drink water and avoid alcohol, which you should avoid for at least 2 weeks after treatment.
• Move your legs and walk regularly during your trip. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends moving your legs and walking around every 1 to 2 hours on long trips to reduce the risk of blood clots.
• Carry paracetamol (Tylenol) for soreness, and avoid anti-inflammatory drugs unless the doctor approves them.
• Do not lift heavy luggage, especially after shoulder, back or knee treatments.
• Keep your documents and discharge instructions in your hand luggage.

Common questions

Is the medical pass included in my plan? It is part of our transportation service, which is included in most of our treatment plans.

Do I need to do anything to get the medical pass? Yes. Send us a copy of your passport or ID before your trip, and bring your valid documents on your discharge day.

Does my companion get the medical pass? When your companion crosses with you in our transportation, send us a copy of their passport or ID as well.

I have SENTRI. Do I still need the medical pass? Bring your SENTRI card. When you travel with our transportation, the team will use the most convenient lane for your return.

What if I do not have a valid passport? Tell your advisor. You may return with your birth certificate and a valid ID, but you will be sent to secondary inspection, which may add 1 to 2 hours. This is another reason to book an evening flight.

Can I book a flight from Tijuana's airport instead? Talk to your advisor. Our standard itinerary is designed around the San Diego airport and the medical pass.

Questions to ask your advisor

• What time will I be discharged?
• What is the latest time I should book my flight?
• Do you have the copy of my passport for the medical pass?
• Can my companion use the medical pass too?

Bottom line

The medical pass is part of our transportation service and lets you use the medical line to cross back into the United States faster after your treatment. Send us a copy of your passport or ID before your trip, and book your return flight between 5:00 pm and 11:00 pm, so you can use the medical pass, have time for your discharge and avoid border traffic. A medical evaluation can help determine whether this type of regenerative treatment is appropriate for your condition, goals and medical history.