Doctor Clearance to Return to Work Alberta
When your employer requires 'doctor clearance' before you can return to work, they are asking for a physician's confirmation that you are medically fit to perform your job duties. This is standard practice in Alberta for absences related to illness, surgery recovery, or mental health leave.
MedLetter connects you with a CPSA-registered physician who can assess your readiness and issue a clearance letter the same day, without requiring you to sit in a walk-in clinic for hours or wait weeks for a family doctor appointment.
What Does 'Doctor Clearance' Mean?
Doctor clearance means a licensed physician has confirmed you can safely perform your job duties. It's a formal medical opinion that your health condition no longer prevents you from working, or that you can work with specific accommodations.
This is different from a sick note (which confirms you cannot work). A clearance letter confirms you can work. Many employers require both: a sick note at the start of your absence, and clearance when you're ready to return.
When Employers Require Doctor Clearance
Alberta employers commonly require doctor clearance in these situations: after 3 or more consecutive days of absence, after surgery or hospitalization, after a mental health leave (stress leave, burnout, anxiety), for safety-sensitive roles (oil and gas, construction, transportation), when returning from a medical leave of absence, and when an employee has disclosed a condition that may affect job performance.
Can I Get Clearance Online?
For most non-workplace injuries and common illnesses, yes. Our CPSA-registered physicians can assess your readiness to return based on your reported symptoms, recovery progress, and job requirements.
Complex cases that may require in-person assessment include: workplace injuries covered by WCB, conditions requiring physical examination (range of motion testing, etc.), situations where the employer requires a specific occupational health assessment, and cases involving ongoing medication that affects cognitive function.
What Your Clearance Letter Includes
Your doctor clearance letter will state that you have been assessed by a CPSA-registered physician, that you are medically cleared to return to work effective a specific date, any temporary restrictions (if applicable), and the physician's credentials and signature.
It will NOT include your diagnosis, treatment history, medication list, or any private health information. Your employer is only entitled to know that you've been cleared.
The Process
Complete our online intake form (5 minutes). Describe your absence, how you're feeling now, and what your job involves. A physician reviews your information and issues your clearance letter, typically within 1-4 hours. The signed PDF is delivered directly to your email.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'doctor clearance' mean?
It means a licensed physician has confirmed you can safely perform your job duties. It's a formal medical opinion that your health no longer prevents you from working.
Can I get clearance online?
For most non-workplace injuries and common illnesses, yes. Complex cases (WCB claims, conditions requiring physical examination) may require in-person assessment.
What if I still have some limitations?
The physician can issue a clearance with noted restrictions (e.g., 'cleared for modified duties — no heavy lifting for 2 weeks'). This allows you to return while protecting your recovery.
How long does it take?
Most clearance letters are delivered within 1-4 hours. Submit before noon for guaranteed same-day delivery.
Is online clearance accepted by employers?
Yes. Documentation from CPSA-registered physicians is legally valid regardless of whether the assessment was in-person or virtual. Alberta recognizes telemedicine assessments.
Clearance letters are issued only when clinically appropriate. WCB claims, workplace injuries, and conditions requiring physical examination may need in-person assessment. Full refund if not appropriate for online assessment.
Get Doctor Clearance — $49