When you’re unwell and need time off work, obtaining a doctor’s note, often referred to as a sick note or fit note, might be necessary to validate your absence. A common question arises: can you get a doctor’s note without being seen in person by a healthcare professional? This article will clarify the circumstances under which you might be able to secure a doctor’s note without a physical examination, focusing on UK guidelines and procedures.
Sick Notes for Short-Term Illnesses (Less Than 7 Days)
For shorter periods of illness, specifically if you are off work for seven days or less (including non-working days), you generally do not require a doctor’s note in the UK. Employers typically accept self-certification for absences of this duration. This means you can inform your employer of your illness, and they may ask you to complete a self-certification form.
Many employers utilize the Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) form SC2, also known as an ’employee’s statement of sickness’. This form allows you to officially declare your illness to your employer for SSP purposes. You can usually download this form from the UK government’s website. For absences within this short timeframe, contacting your doctor solely for a sick note is usually unnecessary and can place extra strain on medical services.
Obtaining a Doctor’s Note for Longer Absences (More Than 7 Days)
If your illness extends beyond seven days, you will likely need to provide your employer with a doctor’s note. The good news is that it may be possible to obtain this note without a face-to-face appointment.
Telephone consultations are often sufficient for a doctor to issue a sick note. If you have an established relationship with your General Practitioner (GP) and they are familiar with your medical history, especially regarding a recurring condition, they may feel comfortable providing a sick note after a phone consultation. This is particularly true if you’ve previously been seen for the same health issue.
However, if you are experiencing a new medical problem and haven’t been seen by a doctor before for this specific condition, an in-person appointment might be necessary. The GP needs to properly assess your condition to determine the appropriate course of action and provide an accurate sick note. To arrange an appointment, you should contact your GP surgery.
Backdating and Extending Sick Notes
It’s also important to know that doctors have the discretion to backdate sick notes. So, if you weren’t able to get a note on the exact first day of absence, you can still obtain one later, and it can cover the earlier period. Similarly, if you need to extend your sick leave, your doctor may be able to issue an extension without requiring another appointment, especially if they are monitoring your condition remotely or feel they have enough information. Requests for extensions or backdated notes can typically be made by contacting the GP surgery.
Private vs. NHS Sick Notes
Generally, sick notes issued by your GP under the National Health Service (NHS) are free of charge. However, there are exceptions. If you require a private sick note for absences shorter than seven days (when self-certification is usually sufficient), there might be a charge associated with this. Private sick notes may also be needed for specific non-work related reasons, and these will likely incur a fee.
Hospital Stays and Sick Notes
If you are hospitalized, the responsibility for issuing sick notes covering your hospital stay and immediate recovery period lies with the hospital staff. You should aim to obtain this certificate before you are discharged from the hospital to ensure continuous documentation for your employer.
Conclusion: When Can You Get a Doctor’s Note Remotely?
In summary, getting a doctor’s note without being physically seen is often possible, particularly for sick note extensions or when your doctor is familiar with your condition. For short illnesses under seven days, a doctor’s note is usually not needed at all. Telephone consultations are a common way to obtain sick notes for longer absences, but new conditions might necessitate an in-person examination. Always communicate with your GP surgery to understand the best course of action for your specific situation and to ensure you have the correct documentation for your employer.
