(Newswire.net — July 31, 2021) — Taking time off from work occasionally to get well when battling an illness is normal and nothing to feel ashamed about. We’re all human and get afflicted with issues from time to time.
However, in many cases, you’ll need to see a doctor for a note to present at work. If this is something you haven’t had to do before, here’s the lowdown on the process.
Get Clear on When You Need a Doctor’s Note
You’ll usually have to get a doctor’s note if you’ll be absent from work for more than seven days (some companies request one after two or three, though) or if you have a long-term illness or one that means you can’t work for a significant period. You’ll also need a note if you have a contagious disease or if you’re suffering from mental stress or anxiety, particularly that brought on due to work-related issues. You don’t need to present a doctor’s note to your employer anytime you have a day off work, so it’s wise to understand when these documents are necessary. Multiple factors come into play, and they vary according to the rules of your organization, some union rules, state and federal laws, and, potentially, your employee contract.
You should be able to find your employer’s sick leave policies in their company handbook or on an online employee intranet system. If this isn’t available or doesn’t contain the information you need, inquire with the HR department or your boss to learn the specifics.
Understand What Employers Look for on a Form
Different firms can request different information supplied on a doctor’s note. Employers usually want to understand whether you have a long-term condition or something that will clear up quickly and how much the health concern will impact your work duties.
They may need to know if there are any safety issues for people returning to work and if there are boundaries around what they can and can’t do on the job for a time. Businesses also need to know if they have contributed to health complaints, especially when mental health problems are involved. For instance, a negative workplace culture or an overload of tasks need to be discussed and addressed.
Get clear on what you need to ask a health practitioner to include on the paperwork they provide you. Many companies won’t be okay with accepting certificates for sporadic absences over many months that simply say something vague like “unfit to work due to a medical condition.” While employers aren’t allowed to pry into your health status due to privacy laws, they will want a doctor to indicate the general reason for missing work, any limitations workers should abide by, and if a period of absence is recommended.
Visit a Doctor
Many people have a regular family doctor they visit when they’re unwell, need prescriptions made up, or other assistance. You might have a set person or clinic you visit to ensure your appointments get covered by insurance, too. Always check your insurance information before you book a session to ensure you’ll be covered. Also, if you don’t have insurance, you may be able to go to a clinic for an urgent care doctor’s note, provided there’s one in your area. Ring ahead and check fees before you turn up.
Set up an appointment time to visit a practitioner in person or, as needed, over the phone, email, or via a teleconference. Some conditions prohibit you from going into clinics, such as those where you’re too sick to move much or when you’re contagious, while other health concerns need an in-person diagnosis.
Most practitioners are used to supplying doctor’s notes and know what to include, but mention any specifics required by your employer. Also, check that the medical practitioner signs the form as this validates the paperwork. When you don’t visit doctors on-site, have them email or post the note to you or your employer.
Lodge Paperwork
Many employers have rules about how soon you need to lodge a doctor’s note, so find out what’s standard practice in your workplace. You may need to hand in documents the day you go back to work, or you might have a week or two to do so.
Some firms ask staff members to fill out other forms upon their return to work, too, such as a specific company sick leave document or those relating to updated health-based working conditions or schedules. Follow the guidelines set out by the HR department or business owner.
Obtaining a doctor’s note may be annoying, but always make the effort to get the necessary paperwork to satisfy your employer and reduce potential issues.