Are MedLetter documents legitimate?

Yes. Every letter is reviewed and signed by a physician registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Our documents include the physician's CPSA registration number, official letterhead, and signature.

How quickly will I receive my letter?

Most letters are delivered within 2-4 hours during business hours. Some complex requests may take up to 24 hours.

Is this service available outside Alberta?

No. This service is exclusively for Alberta residents. Our physicians are licensed with the CPSA and can only provide medical documents to patients within their jurisdiction.

What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter?

An ESA letter is an official document from a licensed physician stating that you have a mental health condition that benefits from the companionship of an emotional support animal. This letter can be used for housing accommodation requests.

How much does a sick note cost?

A sick note from MedLetter costs $49 CAD. This is a one-time flat fee with no hidden costs.

Online Sick Notes vs Walk-In Clinics in Alberta: Full Comparison

Should you spend hours at a walk-in clinic or get your sick note online? Here's an honest comparison of both options for Albertans.

## The Real Cost of a Walk-In Clinic Sick Note When you're already feeling unwell, the last thing you want is to spend hours in a waiting room. Let's compare your options honestly. ### Wait Times | Factor | Walk-In Clinic | MedLetter Online | |--------|---------------|-----------------| | Average wait | 2-4 hours | 0 minutes (fill form anytime) | | Total time commitment | 3-5 hours | 10 minutes to submit | | Delivery time | Immediate (paper) | 1-4 hours (digital PDF) | | Available hours | Clinic hours only | 24/7 submission | ### Cost Comparison | Factor | Walk-In Clinic | MedLetter Online | |--------|---------------|-----------------| | Sick note fee | $20-50 | $49 (all-inclusive) | | Lost wages (3 hrs) | $60-120+ | $0 | | Transportation | $10-30 | $0 | | Parking | $5-15 | $0 | | **Total real cost** | **$95-215** | **$49** | When you factor in lost wages and transportation, an online sick note is often **cheaper** than visiting a walk-in clinic. ### Legitimacy Both options provide legitimate medical documentation: **Walk-In Clinic:** - Note signed by the physician you see - Usually a brief handwritten or printed note - May not include detailed information **MedLetter Online:** - Note signed by a CPSA-registered physician - Professional PDF on official letterhead - Includes physician name, registration number, and signature - Formatted for employer/school acceptance ### When to Choose a Walk-In Clinic Choose a walk-in clinic when: - You need a physical examination - You need a prescription medication - Your symptoms are severe or worsening - You need blood work or imaging - You have a complex medical condition ### When to Choose MedLetter Online Choose MedLetter when: - You have a straightforward illness (cold, flu, stomach bug) - You need documentation quickly - You can't afford to lose more work time - You don't have a family doctor - You're in a rural area far from clinics - It's after clinic hours ### The Verdict For routine sick notes, online services like MedLetter save you time, money, and the discomfort of sitting in a waiting room while ill. For complex medical issues requiring examination, a walk-in clinic remains the appropriate choice. **We're not here to replace your doctor - we're here to save you time when all you need is documentation.** [Get your sick note online →](/get-started/sick_note) --- **Related:** [Calgary Sick Note](/sick-note/calgary) | [Edmonton Sick Note](/sick-note/edmonton) | [Banff Sick Note](/sick-note/banff) | [All Services](/services)