How to Get a Doctor's Note Without a Family Doctor in BC
Over 1 million British Columbians don't have a family doctor. Here are your options for getting medical documentation without one.
## How to Get a Doctor's Note Without a Family Doctor in BC
British Columbia has the worst family doctor shortage in Canada. Over **1 million BC residents** don't have a family physician. If you need a sick note but don't have a GP, here are your options.
### The BC Family Doctor Crisis
- **1 in 5 British Columbians** lack a family doctor
- Wait times for new patient acceptance: 6-24 months
- Rural communities are hit hardest (Interior, Northern BC)
- The shortage is projected to worsen through 2028
### Your Options for Getting a Sick Note
#### 1. Walk-In Clinic
- **Pros:** In-person assessment, widely available in urban areas
- **Cons:** 2-5 hour waits (Metro Vancouver), may charge $20-50 for notes, limited hours
- **Best for:** Complex medical situations requiring physical examination
#### 2. Online Physician Service (MedLetter)
- **Pros:** Same-day delivery, no wait, $49 flat fee, available 24/7
- **Cons:** Not suitable for emergencies or conditions requiring physical exam
- **Best for:** Standard sick notes, return to work letters, stress leave documentation
#### 3. Telehealth (HealthLink BC 811)
- **Pros:** Free, available 24/7
- **Cons:** Nurses cannot issue sick notes, may refer you elsewhere
- **Best for:** Triage and advice, not documentation
#### 4. Urgent Care Centres
- **Pros:** Extended hours, no appointment needed
- **Cons:** Long waits, designed for urgent medical issues (not documentation)
- **Best for:** Genuine medical emergencies
#### 5. Virtual Walk-In Clinics
- **Pros:** Video consultation, some issue notes
- **Cons:** Inconsistent availability, some don't issue documentation
- **Best for:** When you want a video consultation before getting a note
### Why MedLetter Is the Best Option for Most People
If you need a sick note and don't have a family doctor, MedLetter is designed specifically for this situation:
- **No family doctor required** — our CPSBC-registered physicians review your request independently
- **Same-day delivery** — most notes delivered within 6 hours
- **$49 flat fee** — no surprise charges
- **Available 24/7** — submit your request anytime
**[Get your sick note now →](/get-started/sick_note)**