A sick note, often known as a medical certificate or a “Fit Note,” is a formal document from a healthcare professional verifying a medical reason for absence from work or school. This documentation is typically required by employers or educational institutions to validate the necessity of time off. The note confirms the individual’s inability to perform usual duties due to a health condition and advises on the expected duration of the absence.
Understanding the Self-Certification Period
For short-term illnesses, a doctor’s note is generally not necessary because most organizations permit a “self-certification” period. This period, commonly seven calendar days, allows an employee or student to report illness without requiring medical evidence. The seven days include all days of absence, even non-working days like weekends and public holidays.
During this phase, documentation typically involves completing an internal form provided by the employer or school upon the individual’s return. This form serves as the formal statement of illness. The patient should not need to contact their doctor for this initial period, provided the absence does not extend beyond this duration.
Essential Steps for Requesting Medical Documentation
Once an illness extends past the self-certification period, typically the eighth consecutive day of absence, formal medical documentation is required. Promptly initiate contact with the primary care provider or treating healthcare professional. This contact can be made by calling the clinic, using a secure online patient portal, or scheduling a virtual or in-person appointment.
Clearly state the purpose of the contact: obtaining a medical certificate for an extended absence. The patient should provide the exact date the illness started and how it affects their ability to function. Healthcare providers must assess the condition to justify the note and generally cannot issue documentation retroactively without a formal assessment.
Key Requirements and the Doctor’s Assessment
The medical documentation issued after a full assessment is often called a Statement of Fitness for Work, or a “Fit Note.” This document reflects the healthcare professional’s opinion on the individual’s fitness for work or school. The assessment determines one of two outcomes: the patient is “not fit for work” or “may be fit for work” with specific workplace adjustments.
The note provides advice on the functional effects of the condition, such as reduced stamina or difficulty concentrating, rather than listing a diagnosis. While the note must state the recommended duration of absence, the doctor is restricted from disclosing specific medical diagnoses due to patient privacy laws. The healthcare professional must medically verify the inability to work or attend school, which may involve a physical examination or a detailed consultation.
Documentation for Short Absences and Associated Fees
An exception occurs when an employer or school requests a doctor’s note for an absence shorter than the self-certification period (e.g., one to three days). In these cases, the request falls outside the statutory requirements for sick leave documentation. The creation of these non-statutory notes is considered an administrative task, not part of standard medical care.
Consequently, the healthcare provider may charge a fee for producing this specific documentation. This cost is generally the responsibility of the employer who requested the note, not the patient. When requesting a short-term note, the patient should inquire about any associated costs and the expected turnaround time for the document.