Doctor Letterhead Template v1

A medical note from the doctor confirms the legitimacy of time missed by an employee or student. It certifies a doctor appointment with a health care provider, and the date(s) upon which the doctor visit occurred. The doctor letter may also assess the patient’s health condition and the amount of sick time they need.

Employers and schools usually have specific policies regarding when a sick note is required. Many do not require a doctor’s note for a single sick day. If you miss multiple days, however, official documentation will likely be necessary. Consult your specific student or employee medical policy to determine whether a doctor excuse note is needed.

In addition to absence authorizations, doctor’s notes are used for several other purposes, including:

• Verify Fitness for Employment: Some jobs mandate that you pass a physical examination to get a “fit for work” notice to perform the required work.
• Verify Fitness to Play Sports: Many schools require you to pass a physical exam before you can play a particular sport such as football, hockey, or basketball.
• Travel Authorization: Medical exams are often required to verify that an individual is physically able to travel to their destination.
• Activity Restrictions at Work: If an individual has a physical limitation that keeps them from performing certain tasks in the workplace, the employer typically requires a medical certificate as verification of the condition.
• Other Medical Certifications: There are certain instances when an individual needs specific assistance on the job. A common example is someone who is legally blind and requires a service dog.
• Fake Notes: A fake doctor’s note is sometimes used when an individual needs to get out of work or school, but was unable to obtain the required medical authorization.