Sick Note vs. Doctor's Note in Ontario: Is There a Difference?

Sick Note vs. Doctor's Note: Ontario Terminology Explained

Employees often ask: "Is a sick note the same as a doctor's note?" In Ontario, these terms are used interchangeably, but there are some nuances worth understanding.

Common Terms (All Mean the Same Thing)

In Ontario, the following terms all refer to the same document:

• Sick note — Most common informal term


• Doctor's note — Used by employers and employees alike


• Medical certificate — Formal/legal term used in legislation


• Medical note — Generic term


• Physician's note — Emphasizes the provider


• Fit note — UK term occasionally used in Canada


• Absence verification — Administrative term

What Ontario Law Actually Says

The ESA uses the term "certificate from a qualified health practitioner" — not "sick note" or "doctor's note." This is important because:

• It doesn't have to come from a doctor specifically


• Nurse practitioners (NPs) can also provide valid certificates


• The format isn't prescribed by law


• There's no official government template

Types of Medical Documentation in Ontario

1. Simple Sick Note ($49)

• Confirms inability to work on specific dates


• States "medical condition" without diagnosis


• Sufficient for most employer requirements


• 1-4 hour delivery

• Confirms fitness to resume duties


• May include restrictions or modifications


• Required after extended absence


• Same-day delivery

• Details functional limitations


• Recommends specific accommodations


• Required for Human Rights Code requests


• 24-48 hour delivery

• Confirms need for mental health leave


• Recommends duration


• Does not disclose diagnosis


• 1-4 hour delivery

What Your Employer Actually Needs

Regardless of what they call it, your employer needs:
1. ✅ Confirmation you were/are unable to work
2. ✅ Dates of absence
3. ✅ Expected return date
4. ✅ Physician name and credentials
5. ❌ NOT your diagnosis
6. ❌ NOT your treatment details
7. ❌ NOT your medical history

Who Can Issue a Valid Note in Ontario?

Under Ontario law, valid medical documentation can come from:

• Physicians (MD) — registered with CPSO


• Nurse Practitioners (NP) — registered with CNO


• Psychologists — for mental health conditions


• Chiropractors — for musculoskeletal conditions


• Dentists — for dental-related absences

MedLetter: All Types of Medical Documentation

MedLetter provides all types of medical documentation from CPSO-registered physicians:

• Sick notes, return to work letters, stress leave notes


• Properly formatted for Ontario employers


• Same-day delivery


• Accepted province-wide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a sick note online in Ontario?
Yes. CPSO-licensed physicians can assess patients through virtual consultations and issue legally valid sick notes accepted by all Ontario employers.

How much does an online sick note cost in Ontario?
MedLetter charges a flat $49 for a sick note with same-day delivery. This includes the physician assessment and official documentation.

Will my Ontario employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario recognizes 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.