Can I Get a Sick Note by Video Visit?
Yes. Video-based physician consultations are a fully recognized form of medical practice in Canada. A sick note issued after a video visit carries identical legal weight to one issued after an in-person examination.
Since the pandemic accelerated telehealth adoption, video visits have become a mainstream option for Canadians seeking medical documentation.
How Video Visit Sick Notes Work
Step 1: Book or queue for a video appointment
Most telehealth services let you either book a specific time slot or join a queue for the next available physician.
Step 2: Connect via video
You'll use the service's app or website to connect with a physician via video call. The call typically lasts 5-15 minutes.
Step 3: Physician assessment
The doctor will ask about your symptoms, how they affect your ability to work, and how long you've been ill. They may ask you to show visible symptoms (rash, swelling, etc.) on camera.
Step 4: Documentation issued
If the physician determines you're unable to work, they issue a sick note and email it to you — usually immediately after the call or within 1-2 hours.
Video Visit Services in Canada
| Service | Cost | Wait Time | Hours | Sick Notes? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maple | $49-$79 | 5-30 min | Extended | Yes |
| Tia Health | $0 (some provinces) | 15-60 min | Business hours | Yes |
| Felix | $39-$69 | Scheduled | Business hours | Yes |
| Rocket Doctor | $0 (OHIP/MSP) | 30-90 min | Extended | Yes |
| MedLetter | $49 (no video needed) | Same-day delivery | 24/7 | Yes |
Note: Services covered by provincial health insurance (OHIP, MSP) may not charge for the visit, but availability and wait times vary significantly.
What Physicians Can Assess via Video
Video visits are appropriate for:
- Visible symptoms: Rashes, swelling, redness, skin conditions
- Reported symptoms: Fever, nausea, headache, body aches, fatigue
- Mental health: Stress, anxiety, depression, burnout
- Recovery assessment: Confirming you're still recovering from a known illness
- Functional limitations: Discussing how symptoms prevent you from working
Video visits are less appropriate for:
- Conditions requiring physical palpation
- Situations requiring blood pressure measurement
- Conditions requiring auscultation (listening to heart/lungs)
- Complex diagnostic workups
For sick notes specifically: Most sick note situations don't require a physical exam. The physician needs to confirm you have symptoms that prevent you from working — which can be assessed through conversation and visual observation.
Employer Acceptance of Video Visit Notes
Canadian employers must accept sick notes from video visits. Here's why:
1. Provincial medical colleges recognize video consultations as equivalent to in-person care
2. Employment standards don't specify how the medical assessment must be conducted
3. Human rights law — rejecting virtual care notes could discriminate against those with mobility issues, rural residents, or immunocompromised individuals
4. Post-pandemic precedent — video visits are now standard medical practice
If your employer pushes back: Ask them to point to the specific law or policy that requires in-person assessment. There isn't one.
Video Visit vs Other Options
| Factor | Video Visit | Phone Call | Online Form | Walk-In Clinic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| See the doctor | Yes (face-to-face) | No | No | Yes |
| Doctor sees you | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Wait time | 5-60 min | 15-60 min | No wait | 2-5 hours |
| Must be presentable | Somewhat | No | No | Yes |
| Can show symptoms | Yes | No | Via photos | Yes |
| Available when voiceless | Partially (can type in chat) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | $0-$79 | $30-$79 | $49 | $20-$80 |
Tips for a Successful Video Sick Note Visit
1. Test your technology first — Ensure your camera, microphone, and internet connection work
2. Find good lighting — The doctor needs to see you clearly
3. Be in a private space — Medical consultations require privacy
4. Have your health card ready — Some services require it
5. Know your symptoms — Be prepared to describe when they started and how they affect work
6. Ask about the note upfront — Mention you need documentation for work at the beginning of the call
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a video visit sick note different from an in-person one?
No. The document is identical — it includes the physician's name, registration number, date of assessment, period of absence, and signature. The method of assessment is not typically noted on the document.
What if my internet cuts out during the video call?
Most services will call you back or allow you to reconnect. If the connection is too poor for video, some physicians will switch to a phone call.
Do I need to show my face on camera?
Yes — physicians need to visually confirm your identity and may want to observe your general appearance (pallor, fatigue, visible illness). You don't need to be dressed up, but your face should be visible.
Can I get a video visit sick note on my phone?
Yes. Most telehealth services have mobile apps that support video consultations from your smartphone.
Sources
- Canadian Medical Association — Virtual Care Framework, 2025
- Provincial Medical College Telemedicine Policies
- Ontario Telemedicine Network — Patient Guide