I Called in Sick and My Boss Wants a Note
You woke up sick, called your employer, and now they're asking for a doctor's note. You're lying in bed with a fever, sore throat, or stomach bug — and the last thing you want to do is sit in a walk-in clinic for 3 hours just to get a piece of paper.
In Alberta, employers are legally allowed to request medical documentation for absences. But getting that documentation shouldn't require you to drag yourself to a clinic when you're unwell. MedLetter provides physician-reviewed sick notes online, delivered to your email same day.
Can My Employer Actually Require a Sick Note?
Yes. Under the Alberta Employment Standards Code, employers can request a medical note to verify an absence. This is especially common after 1-3 days of missed work, though some employers require documentation for any absence.
However, your employer cannot demand to know your specific diagnosis. A sick note only needs to confirm that you were assessed by a physician and were unable to attend work on the specified dates.
What If I'm Too Sick to Go to a Clinic?
This is exactly why online medical documentation exists. If you have a non-emergency illness (cold, flu, stomach bug, migraine, back pain), you don't need to physically visit a doctor to get a sick note.
Our process takes 5 minutes from your phone or computer. A CPSA-registered Alberta physician reviews your information and, when clinically appropriate, issues a signed sick note delivered to your email.
How Quickly Can I Get a Note?
Most sick notes are delivered within 1-4 hours of completing the intake form. If you submit before noon, you'll typically have your note by end of day. Many employers accept a same-day note even if you called in earlier.
What If My Employer Doesn't Accept Online Notes?
Our sick notes are issued by CPSA-registered physicians on official letterhead with a physician signature and registration number. They are legally equivalent to notes from a walk-in clinic. If your employer has questions, they can verify the physician's credentials through the CPSA public registry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note after I already called in sick?
Yes. You can complete our intake form at any point during your illness. Most people submit after calling their employer. The note will confirm the dates you were unable to work.
Will the note say what's wrong with me?
No. Your sick note confirms you were assessed and unable to attend work. It does not disclose your diagnosis or medical details to your employer.
What if my employer requires a specific form?
If your employer has a specific medical form they need completed, you can upload it during the intake process and we'll do our best to accommodate it.
Is this legal in Alberta?
Yes. Telemedicine and virtual medical assessments are fully recognized in Alberta. Our physicians are registered with the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).
Letters are issued only when clinically appropriate after physician review. An online assessment may not be suitable for urgent symptoms, workplace injuries requiring direct examination, or situations needing in-person evaluation.
Get My Sick Note — $49