Be Prepared For These Things When You Want A Sick Note From Your Family Doctor

18 November 2017 by Brent Woods

Many employers require that their employees provide sick notes in the event of taking one or more sick days, which is an effective way to separate those who are legitimately ill from those who are simply looking for a day off. If you've been ill and need to supply a sick note upon your return, you'll want to set up a visit with your family doctor. Generally, urgent care clinics and hospital emergency rooms do not supply people with sick notes. If you haven't been through this process in the past, here are some things to know about your visit to the doctor's office:

You Need To Be Legitimately Ill

Doctors will not break ethical codes, which means that you can't encourage your family doctor to write you a sick note if you haven't actually been ill. Don't try to fool your doctor by saying that you were ill but are now feeling better and need a doctor's sick note — he or she won't fall for this ruse, and you may end up jeopardizing your relationship with this trusted medical professional just for a day or two off from work.

You Need To Explain Your Symptoms

In an effort to thoroughly assess your illness, it's common for your family doctor to ask you about the symptoms that you faced when you were ill. For example, if you believed that you had food poisoning, you might wish to explain what you ate, and then detail how you felt afterward — perhaps you threw up several times in the wake of eating the meal in question, and felt shaky and sweaty thereafter to the point that you didn't feel confident going to work the following day. Your family doctor will also want to know what you did to care for yourself.

Your Doctor Will Provide Care

When you visit your family doctor to obtain a sick note, he or she won't just listen to your claims and then write you a note. If it appears as though the illness that has prompted this visit is ongoing, you can expect your doctor to provide whatever care might be necessary. This could include sending you for tests, prescribing a certain type of medication, or just giving you a list of ways that you can care for yourself at home. For example, if you've been throwing up, your doctor will likely emphasize the importance of drinking fluids to avoid dehydration.

Contact a doctor like Harvey Harold E II MD PLLC for more information and assistance. 

Share

Search