What to tell a doctor to get a sick note

Summary: To get a sick note, be truthful and specific with your doctor about what you’re feeling and how it's affecting you. Share precise information and avoid overstating or fabricating your condition. Being honest ensures you receive the right care and a valid note when genuinely needed.

In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, taking time off for illness is sometimes perceived as a luxury rather than a legitimate necessity.However, health should always come first, and a doctor’s note, commonly known as a medical certificate, is often necessary for workplaces, schools, or other institutions to validate an absence. When requesting a sick note, honesty and transparency are crucial.

Let’s delve into what you should tell a doctor to obtain a medical certificate online and why honesty matters.

Note: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The issuance of a medical certificate is at the discretion of the treating doctor, based on their clinical assessment. Certificates cannot be guaranteed prior to consultation. We recommend sharing your consult summaries with your regular GP to ensure continuity of care and bulk billing is available for eligible patients during Medicare-defined periods; otherwise, private fees apply. If you are seriously ill, call 000 immediately.

What is a sick note?

A sick note, also called a doctor’s note or medical certificate, is an official document from a healthcare provider confirming that you are unwell and unable to work, attend school, or perform regular duties for a certain period. Employers or institutions frequently request verification for your absence related to illness, and many now accept a doctors certificate for work, making it easier to submit an online medical certificate without needing an in-person visit.

Who can provide a sick note?

A sick note can be provided by a licensed healthcare professional, such as:

• General practitioners (GPs): The simplest way to obtain a sick note is by visiting a GP. These healthcare professionals are certified to evaluate medical conditions and issue certificates when needed.
• Specialists: Specialists are doctors who specialise in specific fields, such as dermatology, cardiology, or orthopedics. If your medical issue or condition requires advanced care beyond what a GP offers, a specialist can assess your health and provide a sick note. This usually applies to chronic illnesses, surgical procedures, or specific therapies that interfere with your ability to work or study.
• Mental health professionals: Mental health professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, are authorised to issue sick notes when mental health conditions like stress, anxiety, or depression affect your performance at school or work.They evaluate your mental state and determine whether time off is needed for recovery, therapy, or to avoid future decline. Their documentation is just as valid as that for physical health concerns.
• Telehealth services: Healthcare providers offering virtual consultations with GPs can provide sick notes after checking your symptoms via remote consultations
• Hospital and emergency departments: When facing a serious illness or an accidental injury, it is often essential to go to a hospital or an emergency care centre. These institutions can also give a sick note when required. Many organisations rely on such facilities for employee-related health matters. However, Emergency Departments should be reserved for critical conditions.

  Note: If you are experiencing severe symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, call 000 or go to the hospital immediately. Do not use a telehealth appointment for life-threatening emergencies.

• Workplace guidelines and alternatives: In some workplaces, statutory declarations may be accepted instead of the sick note for short absences. Individuals need to check workplace policies before requesting a doctor’s note
• After-hours doctors: For medical needs that arise outside of standard clinic hours, after-hours doctors can provide consultations and issue necessary medical documents.

Sick notes can be issued by GPs, specialists, mental health professionals, telehealth services, pharmacists, hospitals or emergency care departments. Each evaluates your condition before providing documentation. Workplace policies can differ significantly, and some companies might permit self-certification for short-term absences. Therefore, it’s important to familiarise yourself with your organisation’s specific requirements. Also read: Getting a medical certificate when you're too sick to go out - Tips 

How to request a sick note?

Obtaining a sick note is straightforward and often doesn’t require an in-person visit. Consultations can be conducted via telephone or video call, after which a sick note can be issued if appropriate. If you're feeling ill and need proof for your employer or school, you can reach out to your usual GP or take advantage of a telehealth service like Hola Health to consult with a licensed GP.

Simply book a consultation and describe your symptoms to the doctor. The GP will evaluate your condition and, if clinically appropriate, issue a medical certificate confirming you are unfit for work or school.

Request a medical certificate with telehealth now.   Whether online or in a clinic, obtaining a sick note is a straightforward process. Services like Hola Health streamline and enhance accessibility to this procedure.  Also read: Medical certificate for day off work but can't get doctor's appointment?

How to communicate with the doctor for a sick note?

When communicating with a doctor about a sick note, it is essential to articulate your symptoms clearly and their effects on your ability to work or handle daily tasks. Be candid about the duration of your illness and whether you've attempted rest or over-the-counter treatments. Indicate if your condition affects your concentration, mobility, or the safe performance of your responsibilities.

If your job involves physical tasks, emphasise how your symptoms hinder your performance. The GP will evaluate your circumstances to determine if a sick note is clinically warranted. Remember, medical certificates are legal documents, and doctors cannot backdate them or issue them without a valid medical reason.

Effective communication regarding your symptoms and limitations aids the doctor in providing appropriate assistance, including the provision of a valid sick note when necessary. 

When do you need a sick note?

Typically, you require a sick note, also referred to as a medical certificate, when you are absent from work or school for more than just a few days due to illness. Employers or educational institutions may ask for one as proof of your inability to fulfil your obligations.  Some workplaces necessitate a sick note after just one or two days of absence, while others may accept a self-certification for multi days. You may also be required to provide a sick note if applying for extended leave, sick pay benefits, or accommodations at work due to a health issue.  A sick note is generally necessary when your illness impairs your ability to work for several days or more, serving as formal evidence of your need for time off. 

Can a doctor refuse to issue a sick certificate?  

Yes, a doctor can refuse to issue a sick certificate if they determine there is no valid clinical reason warranting absence from work or school. Doctors must adhere to ethical standards and will only issue documentation if a legitimate health condition impacts your ability to work or attend school. If symptoms are unclear, exaggerated, or not supported by medical evidence, the request may be denied. In conclusion, just be real with your doctor clear, honest, and direct. This helps them give you the right support and a legitimate sick note if needed. Transparency ensures you receive appropriate care and keeps things fair for everyone.