Doctor’s Note

What is a Doctor's Note? 

A doctor’s note (sometimes called a doctor’s excuse) is a document written by a licensed healthcare provider. It confirms that you saw a doctor and explains that your medical condition may require you to miss work, school, or other activities. 

It’s an official medical record, not just a formality, and only healthcare providers can issue them. Using fake or forged notes isn’t just dishonest; it can also get you into trouble with your employer or school, and also with your doctor’s office. 

If you’re feeling sick but can’t get in to see your usual doctor, you can get a legitimate doctor’s note online through PlushCare. Our trusted physicians provide the same high-quality care as in-person visits, so your note will be valid and recognized.

With PlushCare, getting a real doctor’s note online can be provided once you have completed your visit. It’s fast, easy, and designed to help you focus on what really matters: feeling better. 

How to Get a Doctor's Note 

With PlushCare, you can get a doctor's note online if deemed appropriate based on your condition. Our doctors conduct virtual appointments across the United States via video calls for medical conditions. 

Here is a step-by-step overview of how you can get a doctor's excuse with PlushCare: 

Step 1: Start by scheduling a virtual doctor’s visit through the PlushCare app or website.

Choose a time that fits your schedule; same-day and next-day appointments are often available. 

Step 2: Meet With a Board-Certified Doctor Online 

At your appointment time, connect with a U.S.-licensed, board-certified physician. During your secure video visit, your doctor will listen to your symptoms, answer your questions, and review your health history. 

Step 3: Get Your Diagnosis, Treatment, and Doctor’s Excuse 

After your consultation, your PlushCare doctor can evaluate your condition, provide a diagnosis, and recommend a treatment plan. If appropriate, you’ll receive a valid doctor’s excuse note along with any prescriptions you may need. 

How Do I Get a Doctor's Note for Work or School Online? 

Getting a doctor’s note shouldn’t be harder than getting better. But between booking an appointment, driving to the office, and waiting to be seen, it can feel like too much effort. 

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people skip getting a note because it’s time-consuming or they can’t find an available appointment. The good news? PlushCare makes it easy. 

With PlushCare, you can see a doctor online from home, no waiting rooms, no long drives. Our board-certified physicians can review your symptoms, give a diagnosis, and, if it’s medically appropriate, pprisend you a doctor’s note for work or school. All you have to do is book the appointment. 

You get the care you need and the documentation to back it up, all in one simple virtual visit. 

Do You Have To Pay For A Doctor's Note? 

Here’s the short answer: you don’t pay for the note itself; you pay for the doctor’s visit. 

PlushCare provides the medical treatment you need from your home and even gives you a primary or urgent care note for school or work when you need one. 

When to Get a Note From Your Doctor 

It would be best if you got a doctor's note when you have a condition or appointment that usually interferes with your ability to attend work or school.  

This may include: 

• Illness 

• Injury  
• Extended absence
   

Can I Get a Doctor’s Note for Anxiety or Mental Health Reasons? 

Yes, you can receive a doctor’s note for attending an appointment related to or managing symptoms of anxiety, stress, or other mental health concerns if a licensed physician or therapist determines that your condition affects your ability to work or attend school. Mental health-related doctor’s notes are just as valid as those for physical health conditions. At PlushCare, our board-certified doctors can assess your symptoms during a virtual visit and provide a note if medically appropriate. You may also qualify for extended leave or workplace accommodation depending on your situation. 

Common Conditions Doctors Write Notes For 

Doctor's Note for Contagious Illness 

If you are contagious, it is your responsibility to protect the health of your coworkers and customers by staying home, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are experiencing symptoms resembling COVID-19, you should see a doctor and get a doctor's note to be excused from work or school. This is because COVID-19 is a highly contagious illness, and being excused will give you time to recover while keeping others safe. 

Returning to work once you're better will mean you are more productive and efficient. Further, getting those around you sick only hurts the output of the whole workplace. Thus, getting an official doctor's note for missing work will help maintain the health and well-being of yourself and your co-workers. 

Some common illnesses include: 

• The common cold 

• Stomach viruses 

• The flu 

Doctor's Note for Injury 

Most workplaces consider an injury that inhibits your ability to perform your job reasonably with an appropriate need for sick leave. Supervisors usually prefer their employees to work efficiently rather than dragging out the length of an injury and working below capacity.  

Doctor's Note for Medical Appointment 

Some workplaces allow you to use sick days to attend doctor appointments. This healthy habit prepares you to maintain proper health and reduces your likelihood of needing sick leave. 

Doctor's Note for Diagnosed Medical Condition 

Make sure to notify the human resources department when you start a new job about any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. If you require regular appointments or scheduled rest time, provide your employer with proper documentation from a medical professional. 

Doctor's Note for School 

If you have a contagious illness or a condition that affects your ability to attend school, you can request a doctor's note for school from one of our doctors. After a physician diagnoses you, they can write you a doctor's note for school if they see that it's necessary. 

Extended Medical Leave and Doctors' Notes 

If you miss work for an extended period, such as more than one week, you typically need to provide an official doctor's note to your employer. Having a note will allow you to be covered by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) while on leave. 

You should know that, due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the doctor is not allowed to specify your diagnosis in the note unless you provide permission. The doctor still may have to include scheduled treatment dates that interfere with your ability to be at work. Review your company's extended medical leave policy to learn more. 

To qualify for an extended leave doctor's note, including jury duty notes, you must meet the following criteria: 

• You must have established rapport and continuity with a PlushCare primary care physician and have had regular (in general, three or more) visits at PlushCare for that condition 
• You must have completed recommended tests/referrals and provided prior medical records in support of your claim 

What Does a Doctor's Note Need to Say? 

A doctor's note needs to include the following information: 

• The date when you had your doctor's appointment 

• The medical reason why you had to miss work 

• If any time of absence from work is required 

• Expected return to work date 

Doctor's Note Template 

It would be best if you spoke with a doctor to get a legitimate doctor's note. If you are wondering what a doctor's note looks like, here is an example template that shows the typical format of a note. 

Filling out a doctor's note template with false information or forging a doctor's signature is unethical and illegal. Think twice before forging a doctor's note, there are serious consequences. PlushCare makes getting a real doctor's note even more convenient than faking a note, while eliminating the risks. 

What is the Role of a Doctor's Note For Work? 

A doctor's note for work performs three critical tasks. 

• It verifies the necessity of your visit 

• Recommends the length of absence necessary 

• Mentions any special accommodations you may need to return to work 

How Do I Get a Doctor's Note from PlushCare? 

All PlushCare doctors are highly qualified and experienced to provide online diagnoses and treatment for telehealth patients. 

To get a doctor's note from PlushCare, you should start by making an appointment with an online PlushCare doctor. If the doctor deems a note to be medically necessary, then they will send you a doctor's note. 

PlushCare physicians can provide simple forms, such as work/school excuses or return to work/school documents, whenever clinically appropriate. 

Please discuss your need for a work note with your PlushCare physician at the time of the appointment for swift processing. In some instances, PlushCare can provide more substantial documents like FMLA forms, Disability forms, or Handicap/DMV card documents. In order to help you, these evaluations may require more than one appointment so the doctor can learn more about your condition and review any prior medical records. Sometimes, additional tests or an in-person evaluation may be necessary. 

PlushCare is HIPAA-compliant; we value your privacy and use secure electronic record systems to keep your personal health information safe. 

Book an appointment and receive a doctor's note for work, school, or any other commitments in your life.