I got a doctor's note to return to work after being sick. Here is what he told me...

[uppityperson]

My doc told me he was prohibited by law from writing anything on the note beyond the fact I had been under his care and he was releasing me to go back to work as of that date. He said many people do not understand the privacy laws, that they prohibit anything beyond that simple info.

I asked him if my employer asked what I had been sick with, if I had to say. He told me no. However, my employer wanted to track who was getting sick from what so I volunteered that it had been a URI.

When I got the "return to work" note that my employer required (I had been out sick more than 2 days), my doctor didn't even take my temperature, just asked if I felt well enough to return to work. It took about 5 minutes in total and cost $15 copay.

HIPPA and other privacy laws are interesting.

[Dappleganger]

1. Agreed, no reason needs to be given.

That's what we have always been told with doctor's notes for the kids for school. When I write an excuse I *never* tell them what they had--none of their damn biz, sick is sick.

[redwitch]

2. I used to just say...

"Believe you me, you did not want them spreading this to everyone. Ick." :-)

[Dappleganger]

3. We have a large family...

we spread it around pretty damn fast!

:hi:

[redwitch]

4. Oh yes. Families share EVERYTHING.

:hi:

[uppityperson]

5. You don't have to be sick. It is not a pain to have to get these notes, and what they are is amusing

"yes, I saw uppity today" and they could do this in the parking lot of the grocery store if you were lucky enough to run into them there and accost them for a note. No reason is given. No reason is allowed to be give unless the patient says so.

It seems weird and in a way is actually telling whomever nothing beyond they talked with their doctor, but is how it is these days.

[Brickbat]

6. If people, including concern trolls here, are worried about the "professional ethics" of such notes

being "diluted" by doctors writing sick notes for the Madison protesters, I hope they take the next step and realize how fucking demeaning it is to be required to bring a note in to one's employer to "prove" they were absent for a reason, as if they were in junior high.

[uppityperson]

8. Indeed. I was amazed and appalled when mine did. I was responsible for livesq

in a nursing job. And I couldn't come back to work without a note that said I'd seen my doctor.

[JDPriestly]

10. You feel like a child. I cannot remember needing a note for sick leave.

Maybe I needed notes a long time ago. What a stupid rule.

[Violet_Crumble]

11. There's nothing demeaning about getting a medical certificate...

Though here what the certificate says is that the doctor examined the person on whatever date it was and considers them unfit for work on whatever the dates are. I had a medical certificate covering two and a half months late last year when I had major surgery and there was nothing demeaning at all about showing it to my manager so she could approve my sick leave application. How it works is that some of the sick leave I accrue each year can be used without needing to get a medical certificate, and the bigger chunk can only be used if I supply a medical certificate. That's fair enough to me....

[uppityperson]

13. There can be about getting a return to work note

Last time I worked as a nurse I was out sick for 3 days with the flu. I needed a doctor's note to return to work, certifying that I was able to return. I could not return to work until I went to my doctor, paid my copay and got this note. So I did. The note said "uppity was under my care and can return to work".

When I got back to work, all sorts of employees were there sick with the flu. I found it demeaning that I, who is responsible for people's lives, needed a note to return to work. That my employer did not think I was capable of assessing whether or not I was capable. Yet I assess health/sickness and treat people at that job.

Those who did not call in sick, who continued to work sick, they were fine working. Yet I, who took a couple days off to heal and not spread it further, needed a note from my doctor.

Demeaning? Yes.

Oh, I got no sick pay either.

[WinkyDink]

16. Being sick, say with a migraine, doesn't always necessitate a Dr's visit.

HAVING TO GO is WHAT IS the CRAPPY PART.

[tavalon]

12. Thank you for imparting the true take home message of this

When I have to go to my doctor for an "excuse" (I work in a NICU and feel a personal and professional ethic not to work if I'm likely to spread something to my young charges!), she and I just roll our eyes at each other. We both find it absurd, as any adult should. Alas, I think management may destroy a person's brain or at least their ability to understand how demeaning this silly practice is. I think they hear management and think they hear motherhood. It's an easy mistake but an annoying one.

[midnight]

7. I like that your privacy is protected under HIPPA, but doesn't the Patriot Act trump that privacy?

I'm just wondering for those who have rattled the wrong cages?

[uppityperson]

9. I am sure there are back ways in, and courts can demand files.

[WinkyDink]

15. I'm betting not.

[WinkyDink]

14. "However, my employer wanted to track ...." requires a loud "HELL, NO!" Jeez.

[uppityperson]

17. Indeed, even calling in sick we aren't allowed to know the reason. If they want to share, fine, but

legally we do not need to know.

Used to be "I'm calling in sick" OK, what is wrong with you?
Now it is "I'm calling in sick" Thank you. Please call us if you won't be in tomorrow.

[Liberal_in_LA]

18. My boss asks, then spreads it around the office. I don't give him the info. I'm sure it makes

him angry. Inappropriate busy body