Can I Get A Sick Note Without Seeing The Doctor?

Feeling under the weather and need a sick note? You might wonder if you can get one without seeing a doctor. In the UK, you don’t always need to visit a GP for a fit note. Online services now offer sick notes for some cases.

This article will show you how to get a sick note without a face-to-face visit. Ready to learn more?

Key Takeaways

• Online services like ZoomDoc offer sick notes for £45 without seeing a doctor in person.
• NHS rules now allow other health workers, not just GPs, to give fit notes.
• For COVID-19, you need an isolation note instead of a fit note.
• Some health issues still need face-to-face checks, like for drivers of large vehicles.
• You can go back to work when you feel better, even if your sick note hasn’t run out yet.

Understanding the Process of Obtaining a Sick Note Without a GP Visit

Getting a sick note without seeing a doctor is now possible. Online services and phone chats with health pros can help you get one.

Online sick note services

Online sick note services are changing how people get medical notes. These services offer a quick way to get a sick note without seeing a doctor in person.

• ZoomDoc provides online sick notes for £45. You can get them on the same day.
• The process is simple. You pick the type of letter you need and fill out a form online.
• You make a short video about your symptoms. This video can be 30 seconds to one minute long.
• You need to show your ID and any proof of your illness.
• A doctor looks at your info and may ask more questions.
• These services help GP practices. They get fewer calls and have more time for urgent cases.
• NHS rules now let other health workers give fit notes. You don’t always need to see a GP.
• Some GP surgeries may charge for sick notes. This is because it’s not part of NHS services.
• Tom’s story shows how useful these services can be. He used ZoomDoc when he was ill longer than expected.

Conditions and limitations for remote sick notes

Remote sick notes have rules. You can’t always get one without seeing a doctor. Some health issues need a face-to-face check. For example, if you drive large vehicles, you might need special tests.

The DVLA has strict rules about this.

GPs and other health pros can give fit notes. These say if you can work or not. They might say you can work with some help. If your boss can’t give that help, the note means you can’t work.

You should go back to work when you feel better, even if your note hasn’t run out yet.

For COVID-19, the rules are different. You need an isolation note, not a fit note. This helps stop the spread of the virus. Your boss might ask for proof that you’re ill. But doctors don’t have to give this proof if they don’t want to.

Let’s look at how online sick note services work.

Conclusion

Getting a sick note without seeing a doctor is possible. You can use online services or talk to other health pros. But there are limits to this. Not all cases fit for remote notes.

It’s best to check with your work about their rules. Always put your health first when deciding how to get a sick note.

FAQs

1. Can I get a sick note without seeing my GP?

Yes, you can. Healthcare professionals like nurses, physiotherapists, or pharmacists can give you a fit note. You might get one through a phone chat or from a hospital letter.

2. What’s a fit note for?

A fit note, also called a statement of fitness for work, helps you claim sick pay. It tells your boss why you can’t work and for how long. It’s key for getting statutory sick pay (SSP).

3. How do I get a fit note if I can’t see a doctor?

You can ask for a phone chat with your GP or other health pro. Some places let you get fit notes online. A hospital letter can work too if you were an inpatient.

4. Do I need a fit note for mental health issues?

Yes. Mental health problems like depression, panic attacks, or OCD are valid reasons for a fit note. Your GP or a mental health pro can give you one.

5. Can I get benefits without a fit note?

Maybe. If you’re out of work, you might get Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit. But for Employment and Support Allowance, you’ll need a fit note.

6. How long can I be off work without a fit note?

You can self-certify for up to 7 days. After that, you need a fit note for SSP. Talk to your boss about their rules – some might want a note sooner.