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.

Workplace Accommodation for IBS & Crohn's Disease in Alberta

IBS and Crohn's disease can make traditional work arrangements difficult. Learn what workplace accommodations Alberta law entitles you to.

## Workplace Accommodations for IBS & Crohn's Disease in Alberta Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's disease affect millions of Canadians. These conditions are **invisible disabilities** — you may look fine on the outside while dealing with debilitating symptoms that make traditional work arrangements extremely difficult. ### IBS & Crohn's as Protected Disabilities Under the **Alberta Human Rights Act**, both IBS and Crohn's disease qualify as physical disabilities. This means: - Your employer has a **legal duty to accommodate** your condition - You are protected from discrimination - You do NOT need to disclose your specific diagnosis - Accommodation must be provided to the point of undue hardship ### The Unique Challenges People with IBS and Crohn's face specific workplace challenges: - **Unpredictable flare-ups** that can strike without warning - **Urgent bathroom needs** that can't wait - **Fatigue** from disrupted sleep and nutrient absorption issues - **Dietary restrictions** requiring specific meal timing - **Medication side effects** affecting concentration - **Anxiety** about symptoms occurring at work (which worsens symptoms) ### Common Accommodations **Bathroom Access:** - Workstation near a private bathroom - Unlimited bathroom breaks without question - Access to a single-occupancy bathroom - No requirement to "ask permission" for breaks - Ability to leave meetings without explanation **Schedule Flexibility:** - Flexible start time (mornings are often worst for IBS) - Work-from-home options during flare-ups - Modified break schedule for meals/medication - Intermittent leave for bad days (without penalty) - Compressed work week when feeling well **Dietary Needs:** - Extended lunch break for meal preparation - Access to refrigerator and microwave - Permission to eat at desk/workstation - Flexibility around mandatory lunch meetings **Environmental:** - Workstation away from strong food smells (kitchen/break room) - Temperature control (heat can worsen symptoms) - Reduced travel requirements - Closer parking (for emergency bathroom access) **Workload:** - Modified deadlines during flare-ups - Backup coverage plan for sudden absences - Reduced on-call requirements - Modified performance metrics accounting for health days ### What Your Accommodation Letter Should Say An effective letter for IBS/Crohn's includes: 1. **Confirmation of a chronic gastrointestinal condition** (no need to name IBS/Crohn's specifically) 2. **Functional impact:** "Patient experiences unpredictable episodes requiring immediate bathroom access and occasional inability to attend work" 3. **Specific accommodations:** List each one clearly 4. **Duration:** "Ongoing — this is a chronic condition" 5. **Flare-up protocol:** "During flare-ups, patient may require 1-3 days of absence with short notice" ### Addressing Common Employer Concerns | Employer Concern | Your Response | |-----------------|---------------| | "You look fine" | Invisible disabilities are still disabilities under the law | | "Everyone needs bathroom breaks" | Your medical need is different from a preference | | "We can't predict your absences" | That's why a backup plan is part of the accommodation | | "Other employees will be jealous" | Accommodation is based on medical need, not fairness | | "Just use your sick days" | Accommodation prevents the need for full sick days | ### Tips for Success 1. **Be specific** in your request — vague requests are easier to deny 2. **Propose solutions** — Come with a plan, not just a problem 3. **Offer flexibility** — Show willingness to make it work for both sides 4. **Document everything** — Keep copies of all communications 5. **Start small** — You can always request additional accommodations later --- **Need a workplace accommodation letter for IBS or Crohn's?** MedLetter's physicians write detailed, specific accommodation letters that address your unique workplace needs. No appointment, no embarrassing conversations