Bridgnorth Medical Practice

SICK NOTES & FIT NOTES - MISCELLANEOUS QUERIES

Do I have to pay for a sick note ?

Not usually. Doctors cannot charge for issuing a standard sick note (known as a Med3 certificate).

However, there are certain circumstances where this is not applicable, such as :

When a doctor is asked to issue a private certificate for a period of less than 1 week.
When evidence of illness is requested by an insurance company.
When evidence of illness is requested for school or college attendance.
When evidence of illness is requested for a holiday cancellation.

In these circumstances, the practice may make a charge for the issue of a certificate (which will not be a Med3 certificate or ‘standard’ sick note.

I don’t agree with what my doctor has put on the sick note. [or … ]

I don’t understand what the doctor has put down as the diagnosis. [or … ]

I don’t want my employer to know the nature of my illness.

It is usually best to discuss with the doctor what he/she is going to put down as the diagnosis. Sometimes this may be in technical medical terms – the doctor ill be happy to explain this if you ask.

You may be worried about confidentiality and may not want your employer to know your diagnosis. In this situation, the doctor will be able to put down a ‘vague’ or a less specific diagnosis. However, it is ultimately up to the doctor what they put down and it has to be based on the medical facts.

I have two jobs – so I need two sick notes, don’t I ?

No, it doesn’t work like that.

The doctor must only issue you with one sick note (or fit note) for any period of illness. You should take this to your main employer and show them, getting them to make a photocopy. Then take the same note to your second employer.

I have been ill and was unable to attend school or college, or to complete my assignment …

[or … ]

I have been ill and could not go on my booked holiday. Can I have a sick note ?

The standard “sick note” or “fit note” is not appropriate for these situations, it is only for employment purposes when Statutory Sick Pay can be claimed.

There are other procedures for when illness has prevented school & college attendance, or a planned holiday. However, please be aware that there is no statutory duty for doctors to certify such absences and we may make a charge for provision of such certificates, for which he/she may still require evidence of illness.

Please ask at reception about the charges for such certificates.