How to get a doctor’s note for work?

You can get a doctor’s note for work by visiting a primary care clinic, urgent care center, or a telehealth service. A licensed healthcare provider will assess your symptoms and, if medically appropriate, issue documentation that meets your employer’s requirements.  If you’re unsure where to go, what type of note you need, or how to make sure HR accepts it, this guide will walk you through each step so you can get a legitimate sick note without unnecessary stress.

How to get a doctor’s note for work?

Getting a doctor’s note for work is usually a simple process. A little preparation can help you avoid delays, ensuring your documentation meets your employer’s requirements. Here’s a step-by-step process on how you can get a sick note complying with your workplace regulations:

Step 1: Check what your employer requires

Before scheduling an appointment with your provider, confirm whether you need a work excuse note, return-to-work clearance, FMLA, or another note to avoid revisiting the provider for revised documents. If your leave may qualify under FMLA, the U.S. Department of Labor provides specific forms that your provider may need to complete.

Step 2: Choose the right place for care

The location to get a sick note for work depends on your symptoms and the urgency of your situation. Choose a setting that meets your needs so your documentation is clinically sound. If your condition is appropriate for remote evaluation, a telehealth visit may be an option. However, if your symptoms require a physical exam or you prefer in-person care, you can visit a primary care clinic or urgent care center near you.

Step 3: Attend the appointment prepared

Once you have decided where to get your medical documentation from, make sure you go prepared. Preparing the following items will help your provider issue the appropriate doctor’s note, making the visit smoother:

• Your photo ID
• Insurance information
• Any employer documentation outlining note requirements (if applicable)

Step 4: Request the note during your visit

During your evaluation, clearly describe your symptoms, explain how they affect your ability to work, and mention what type of doctor’s note HR requested. If medically appropriate, your provider will issue a sick note that may include: 

• Dates excused from work
• Return-to-work date
• Temporary restrictions
• Doctor’s signature
• Clinic information for verification

Step 5: Submit the note to HR and keep a copy

Once you receive your sick note, send it through your employer’s designated channel (HR portal, email, etc.), and keep a copy for your records. 

When do you need a doctor’s note for work?

A doctor’s note (also known as a sick note) for work is required when you are absent from work for a few to several days due to being medically ill. Whether you need a doctor’s note for work usually depends on your employer’s attendance policy, the length of your absence, and the type of leave involved. A doctor’s note helps document that you were medically evaluated and whether time off or work limitations were recommended. In general, you may be asked to provide a doctor’s note when:

• You miss work due to illness or injury
• You need modified duties or temporary restrictions
• You are returning after an extended medical leave
• You are requesting protected leave under FMLA

What conditions can you get a doctor’s note for?

Many people hesitate to request a doctor’s note because they’re unsure if their symptoms are serious enough. In reality, a doctor’s note is not about proving how sick you are, but how your medical condition is affecting your ability to work. You can get one if your symptoms prevent you from working safely, and you need time to recover. Common conditions doctors write a note for: 

• Respiratory tract infections (fever, cough, feeling unwell). 
• Food poisoning 
• Minor injuries (sprains/strains, back pain) and non-emergency issues that still need timely care
• Mental health symptoms that affect your ability to stay productive
• Injuries requiring workplace adjustments

Types of medical notes: which one do you need

Not all doctors’ notes are the same. The type you need depends on whether you’re simply documenting an absence, requesting work restrictions, returning after leave, or applying for protected leave like FMLA.

Types of doctor’s notes	When is it used?
Work excuse note	When your employer wants to document short-term absences occurring due to illness or injury.
Work restrictions note	When you are transitioning back after an injury, but need an adjustment to your work duties.
Return-to work-note/fitness-for-duty note	Required after hospitalization, surgery, or other longer medical leave, for confirmation that you can resume essential duties safely.
ADA accommodation doc	For workplace changes due to a medical disability (e.g., modified schedule, assistive tools, task reallocation, remote work where appropriate).
FMLA medical certification	When your leave may qualify as FMLA-protected, the employer may request certification to support it.

Where can I get a doctor’s note from?

The right choice depends on your symptoms, how quickly you need to be evaluated, and whether follow-up care may be required. Here are a few options:

• Primary care provider, if you need follow-up or ongoing documentation
• Urgent care when you need a same-day evaluation, but your condition is not life-threatening
• Occupational health clinics are used when you have experienced work-related injuries, and your employer requires a return-to-work note 
• Telehealth, when your symptoms can be monitored remotely

What to say to get a doctor’s note?

Getting a doctor’s note doesn’t require a long explanation. Share your symptoms and how they’re affecting your ability to do your job safely. Here is what your provider is usually looking for: 

• What symptoms are you experiencing
• When they started and how severe they are
• What your job involves (lifting, driving, operating machinery, standing for long periods, patient care, etc.)
• The specific days you’ve missed (or expect to miss)

For instance, you can say something like this:

“I’ve had nausea, dizziness, and lightheadedness since yesterday. My job involves operating equipment, and I don’t feel safe doing that right now. Could you please provide me with a  doctor’s note so I can be excused from work?”

How long does it take to get a doctor’s note for work?

The time it takes to get a doctor’s note depends on how soon you can see a licensed healthcare provider. With urgent care, you may receive a note the same day after your visit, though wait times can vary. Whereas primary care appointments depend on scheduling availability. But with telehealth, the process is quicker. Most online providers offer same-day evaluations, and in some cases (such as Your Doctors Online), you can connect with a doctor within minutes. 

The easiest way to get a doctor’s note: Can you get one online?

As long as your symptoms can be appropriately evaluated online, you can get a doctor’s note online. But it is important to be evaluated by a licensed doctor who is allowed to practice in the state where you are physically located at the time of the visit. That’s why you should use a trusted telehealth provider such as Your Doctors Online. Here is how to get a sick note from telehealth services:

1. Create an account on the website or app
2. Describe your symptoms
3. Get connected with a licensed doctor
4. The doctor will assess your symptoms
5. If medically appropriate, you will receive your sick note via email or download through the app 

What should a doctor’s note include?

Most employers want something simple they can file, without extra medical detail. A standard doctor’s note often includes:

• Your name (patient)
• Date of visit
• Dates you should be off work or return-to-work date
• Any work restrictions (if needed)
• Clinician name, credentials, and signature
• Clinic contact info/letterhead (for verification if needed)

Depending on what type of note you’re getting, you may also have work restrictions and accommodation guidance. 

Can HR refuse a doctor’s note?

Yes, the HR department can refuse a doctor’s note, but it is often a procedural issue, not a rejection of your medical situation. They may simply need specific information to meet internal policy or legal requirements. Here’s how to approach it.

1. Ask what is missing so you can provide the specific detail HR requires, such as dates, restrictions, or the provider’s signature.
2. If your leave involves extended time off, HR may require formal FMLA certification instead of a basic sick note
3. If HR asks for your diagnosis, confirm whether documentation of work-related limitations meets policy requirements, since providers generally cannot disclose medical details without your authorization