How to Get a Sick Note

A sick note, which is sometimes referred to as a fit note or an M.C.(medical certificate), is a recommendation from your doctor about your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work at your job. Sick notes may be for short-lived illnesses or minor surgeries and indicate you will be off work for a short period of time. However, many sick notes refer to a more serious illness that affects an employee for a undetermined amount of time. Use these tips to get a sick note.

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Steps

    1
    Be legitimately ill. Doctors refuse sick note requests from patients who do not need them. Present a justifiable illness or injury before asking for a sick note.

    2
    Review your company's policies regarding sick leave and sick notes. Many companies require a sick note when an employee is absent for up to a week or longer. Additionally, obtain a sick leave form if your company has them. Give this to your doctor when you visit with him.

    3
    Explain all aspects of your job to your doctor.

        Tell your doctor about the physical demands of your job. Let her know if you must lift heavy objects, stand for long periods of time or are exposed to extreme heat or cold. Discuss any other physical elements of your job with your physician.
        Express the mental demands of your job. Describe situations in which you must think quickly, respond immediately or are responsible for the safety or welfare of others.
        Describe your work environment to your doctor. Tell your physician if you work in the elements, are exposed to chemicals or have constant contact with the public.
        Inform your doctor about the location of your workplace. Let him know if your work location is difficult to get to, a long distance from your home, or may pose challenges due to the building structure or location. Stairs or uncomfortable working areas may be of particular concern to your doctor.
    4
    Analyze your illness in relationship to your job. With your doctor, evaluate whether or not you will be able to fulfill your job requirements in your current medical condition.

        Consider returning to work with restrictions placed upon your job duties. Examples may include no heavy lifting or reduced exposure to the elements while you are recuperating.
        Determine if you can go back to work with your decreased abilities. Your strength or stamina may be affected due to an illness or injury.
        Conclude that you are unable to return to work until you are healed or no longer contagious.
    5
    Review the sick note with your doctor. Ask him to specify an estimated time frame for your modified job duties or absence from work, if there isn't already one included in the note.

    6
    Discuss the sick note with your supervisor. Review your doctor's recommendations and work out a plan with your employer. Inquire about any sick leave, if appropriate based on your sick note.

    7
    Concentrate on recuperating. The risk of employment loss is considerable when ill, but working out a plan with your employer allows you time to get better without having to worry about your job.


Tips

    Contact your union representative if you are a member of a union. Union representatives can help you navigate the sick leave process with your employer.
    Don't overdo it. You can get into real serious trouble for it.