Need a Doctor's Note but No Family Doctor in Alberta
Alberta has a healthcare access crisis. Over 800,000 residents don't have a family doctor, and that number grows every year. When you get sick and your employer demands a note, you're stuck choosing between a 4-hour walk-in clinic wait or losing pay.
MedLetter exists specifically for this problem. We provide physician-reviewed medical documentation online — no family doctor required, no clinic wait, no taking a second sick day just to get paperwork.
Alberta's Family Doctor Shortage
The numbers are staggering: over 800,000 Albertans are without a family physician. Rural communities are hit hardest, but even Calgary and Edmonton residents face months-long waitlists for new patient intake.
This means that when you get sick, your only options are walk-in clinics (3-5 hour waits), emergency departments (for non-emergencies, not appropriate), or virtual care services like MedLetter.
Why Walk-In Clinics Are Not the Answer
Walk-in clinics serve a purpose, but they're not designed for simple documentation. You'll wait 3-5 hours, see a doctor for 5 minutes, and pay for parking — all for a piece of paper that says you were sick. Meanwhile, you've used up your entire day and possibly exposed yourself to other illnesses in the waiting room.
If you're already feeling terrible, spending half a day in a clinic is the last thing you need. Our online process takes 5 minutes from your couch.
How MedLetter Works Without a Family Doctor
You don't need an existing patient relationship to use MedLetter. Our CPSA-registered physicians can assess your reported symptoms and issue documentation based on that assessment. No referral needed, no patient file required, no waitlist.
- Complete a 5-minute online intake form
- Describe your symptoms and dates of absence
- A CPSA-registered physician reviews your submission
- Your signed documentation is emailed to you same day
What We Can and Cannot Replace
MedLetter is not a replacement for ongoing primary care. We provide episodic documentation for short-term absences and specific medical letters. For chronic conditions, preventive care, prescriptions, or complex medical management, we encourage you to continue seeking a family doctor through Alberta's patient attachment programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be registered with a family doctor to use MedLetter?
No. Our service is available to all Alberta residents regardless of whether they have a family doctor.
Is this the same as a walk-in clinic note?
Yes. Our notes are issued by CPSA-registered physicians and have the same legal standing as notes from any clinic in Alberta.
Can I use MedLetter regularly?
Yes, though we recommend continuing to seek a family doctor for ongoing care. MedLetter is ideal for episodic documentation needs.
What if I need a prescription?
MedLetter does not provide prescriptions. For medication needs, please visit a walk-in clinic or use a virtual care service that offers prescribing.
MedLetter provides medical documentation services and is not a replacement for ongoing primary care. Letters are issued only when clinically appropriate after physician review.
Get My Sick Note — $49