No Family Doctor? You're Not Alone
Over 800,000 Albertans currently lack a family physician. This creates a real problem when you need a sick note for work or school - you can't just call your doctor's office.
Here are your options, ranked from slowest to fastest:
Option 1: Walk-In Clinic (2-6 hours)
Pros:
- In-person assessment
- Can handle complex medical issues
Cons:
- Average wait time: 2-4 hours in major cities
- Many clinics charge $20-50 for sick notes
- You lose additional work/school time
- Risk of catching something in the waiting room
- Limited hours (many close by 5-6 PM)
Option 2: Emergency Room (4-12+ hours)
Pros:
- Open 24/7
- Can handle emergencies
Cons:
- NOT appropriate for routine sick notes
- Wait times of 4-12+ hours for non-urgent issues
- Puts strain on the healthcare system
- You may be turned away for non-emergency requests
Option 3: Telehealth (1-3 hours)
Pros:
- No travel required
- Available from home
Cons:
- Wait times can still be 1-3 hours
- Some services don't provide documentation
- May require a video call when you're feeling unwell
Option 4: Online Medical Documentation Services (Same Day)
Pros:
- No appointment needed — complete an assessment online
- Licensed CPSA-registered physician reviews your case
- Documentation delivered digitally as a PDF
- Same-day delivery for most requests
- Available 24/7 for submissions
Cons:
- Not suitable for emergencies or complex medical conditions
- Documentation only — no prescriptions or ongoing treatment
- Cost ranges from $40-60 depending on the service
Which Option Is Right for You?
| Situation | Best Option |
|-----------|-------------|
| Mild illness, need documentation for work | Online service or Telehealth |
| Need same-day documentation | Online service |
| Complex symptoms needing examination | Walk-in Clinic |
| Medical emergency | Emergency Room (call 911) |
| Need a prescription | Walk-in Clinic or Telehealth |
| Need ongoing medical care | Find a family doctor via [Alberta Find a Doctor](https://www.albertafindadoctor.ca/) |
Finding a Family Doctor in Alberta
If you're among the 800,000+ Albertans without a family doctor, here are resources to find one:
- Alberta Find a Doctor - [albertafindadoctor.ca](https://www.albertafindadoctor.ca/) — provincial registry of physicians accepting new patients
- Health Link 811 - Call 811 for health advice and referrals
- Primary Care Networks (PCNs) - Many PCNs maintain waitlists for unattached patients
- Your local municipality - Some cities maintain lists of accepting physicians
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Sources
1. College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta - Physician Directory - [cpsa.ca](https://cpsa.ca)
2. Alberta Health Services - Finding a Family Doctor - [albertahealthservices.ca](https://www.albertahealthservices.ca)
3. Health Link 811 - [alberta.ca/health-link](https://www.alberta.ca/health-link)
4. Statistics Canada - Access to a Regular Healthcare Provider (2023) - [statcan.gc.ca](https://www.statcan.gc.ca)
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Related: [Alberta Employment Standards Sick Leave](/blog/alberta-employment-standards-sick-leave) | [Can My Employer Fire Me for Being Sick?](/blog/can-employer-fire-me-calling-in-sick-alberta) | [Do I Need a Sick Note for 1 Day Off?](/blog/do-i-need-sick-note-1-day-off-alberta)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note online in Canada?
Yes. Licensed Canadian physicians can assess patients through virtual consultations and issue legally valid sick notes accepted by employers across all provinces.
How much does an online sick note cost?
MedLetter charges a flat $49 for a sick note with same-day delivery. No hidden fees, no clinic wait times.
Will my employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. All Canadian provincial medical colleges recognize virtual care. Online sick notes are legally equivalent to in-person notes.
How long does it take to get a sick note from MedLetter?
Most sick notes are delivered within 2-6 hours of submission. Same-day delivery is standard.