Emergency Room vs Online Doctor for a Sick Note
The short answer: Do not go to the emergency room for a sick note. ERs are for medical emergencies. Using them for documentation wastes healthcare resources, costs you hours of waiting, and may not even result in a note.
Why the ER Is Wrong for Sick Notes
| Factor | Emergency Room | Online Doctor |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Life-threatening emergencies | Documentation and minor illness |
| Wait time | 4-12+ hours | Same-day |
| Cost to healthcare system | $500-1,000+ per visit | $0 (private service) |
| Will they write a note? | Maybe (not their priority) | Yes (that's the service) |
| Staff attitude toward note requests | Often frustrated/dismissive | Professional and routine |
| Appropriate use? | NO (for documentation only) | YES |
When the ER IS Appropriate
Go to the ER if you have:
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Severe allergic reaction
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Signs of stroke (facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
- Severe abdominal pain
- High fever with confusion
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
- Serious injury (broken bones, head trauma)
- Seizures
If you go to the ER for a genuine emergency, the discharge papers can serve as documentation for your employer. You don't need a separate sick note — the ER visit itself is proof.
The Reality of ER Sick Note Requests
What actually happens when you go to the ER for a sick note:
1. You wait 4-12 hours (non-urgent cases are triaged last)
2. You're seen briefly by an overworked physician
3. They may or may not write a note (it's not their primary function)
4. If they do write one, it may be minimal ("Patient was seen in ER on [date]")
5. You've wasted an entire day and contributed to ER overcrowding
Many ER physicians will refuse to write sick notes for non-emergency visits, or will write a note that only confirms you were seen — not that you were unable to work.
Better Alternatives
| Need | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Just need documentation | Online sick note service |
| Need documentation + treatment | Walk-in clinic |
| Need documentation + prescription | Walk-in clinic or family doctor |
| Genuine medical emergency | Emergency room |
| After-hours and need treatment | Urgent care centre (if available) |
The Cost Comparison
- ER visit (to taxpayer): $500-1,000+ per visit
- Walk-in clinic (to you): $30-80 for sick note
- Online service (to you): $49
- ER visit (to you): $0 out-of-pocket, but hours of your time
The hidden cost: Every non-emergency ER visit increases wait times for people with actual emergencies. A heart attack patient waits longer because the waiting room is full of people with colds who want sick notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the ER refuse to give me a sick note?
Yes. Emergency physicians are not obligated to provide administrative documentation. Their job is to assess and treat emergencies.
If I went to the ER, can I use the discharge papers as a sick note?
Usually yes. ER discharge papers confirm you were seen on a specific date and time. Most employers accept this as documentation.
What if I genuinely need emergency care AND a sick note?
If you're in the ER for a real emergency, ask for documentation before discharge. Most will provide it when the visit was clinically warranted.
My employer says "go to the ER if you can't find a doctor" — is that reasonable?
No. This is an unreasonable request that wastes healthcare resources. Online services and walk-in clinics exist specifically for non-emergency documentation needs.
Sources
- Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians — Appropriate ER Use
- Canadian Institute for Health Information — ER Wait Times
- Provincial Health Ministries — When to Visit the ER