Doctor’s note example that is fully editable in Word and Google Docs.You can also directly copy paste the doctor’s note example and edit it to your needs. This is a multipurpose medical excuse note that you can use for school or work.
Each company and school has its own policies on whether you need to provide a doctor’s note or not. Most don’t need a doctor’s note if you’re sick for just one day. But if you’re absent for several days, you’ll probably need one. Check your school or work policies to know if you need a doctor’s note. The policies also vary on whether you need to provide the medical excuse note after you return to work or on the day of absence.
If you need an email template to send to work when you discover that you are sick, view these templates: sick day email templates.
Doctor’s Note Sample for Work and School
This versatile medical excuse note template works for both school and work. It tells you what to write in each space. Just fill in the parts in brackets with your details, and your note is ready to go.
Fill-in-the-Blank Doctor’s Excuse Note
This short medical absence form is straightforward and brief. It has boxes to tick and spaces to fill out with all the info you need. You can use it to approve absences for past sickness or future medical appointments because it’s made to cover both situations.
Fillable Doctor’s Excuse Note
Similar to fill-in-the-blank doctor’s note but here you will type in the doctor’s information and fill the rest by hand.
Copy Paste Sample Doctor’s Note
Here’s a copy paste example of doctor’s excuse for work. Just replace the text in the brackets and you are done.
Date: March 25, 20XX
(Name of Hospital, Medical Center, Clinic, Doctor, etc.)
(Address)
(State/City) / (Zip Code)
(Phone Number)
RE: Name: (Full Name of Patient) | Date of Birth: (Patient’s DOB)
To Whom It May Concern,
Please excuse (Patient’s full name) from (beginning date) through (ending date). I have examined (Patient’s first name) and determined that they have (enter the health condition of the patient) and needs (number of days) days off for rest and recovery.
Sincerely,
Dr. (Doctor’s full name)
What Should be Included in a Doctor’s Excuse Note?
A doctor’s excuse note should typically include the following information:
- Title: The title should be prominently displayed at the top of the document to ensure that it is easily identifiable. It helps both the recipient and the patient understand the purpose of the document at a glance. Here are some common titles:
- Medical Excuse Note
- Doctor’s Excuse Note
- Doctor’s Note
- Absence Authorization
- Physician’s Statement for Medical Absence
- Authorization for Sick Leave
- Date: The date the note was issued.
- Patient Information: The name of the patient (the person who was ill or attended the appointment).
- Doctor’s Information: The name, title, and contact information (such as office address and phone number) of the doctor or healthcare professional issuing the note.
- Reason for Absence: A brief explanation of why the patient was unable to attend work or school, whether due to illness, injury, or a medical appointment.
- Duration of Absence: The dates the patient was absent or the duration for which the note applies.
- Any Limitations or Restrictions: If applicable, any limitations or restrictions on the patient’s activities or ability to perform certain tasks during the specified period.
- Signature: The signature of the doctor or healthcare professional issuing the note.
Why You Should Avoid Fake Doctor’s Notes for Work Excuses
Using a fake doctor’s note to excuse yourself from work can lead to serious consequences, both legally and professionally. Employers may verify the authenticity of the note, and if discovered, you could face disciplinary actions such as job termination or loss of trust. Additionally, providing fraudulent medical documentation can have legal ramifications, including fines or charges for forgery. Beyond the immediate risks, it can damage your professional reputation, making it harder to gain future employment. It’s always better to provide a legitimate doctor’s note to excuse from work to avoid these dangers.
Alternatives to Using Fake Doctor’s Notes
Instead of using fake doctor’s notes, employees have several ethical and effective alternatives when they need time off from work. The most professional approach is to communicate directly with your employer about your need for leave, whether it’s for medical reasons, personal emergencies, or mental health concerns. Knowing how to write a medical excuse note for work can be helpful in such cases.
Many companies value work-life balance and are open to discussing time-off options, such as using accrued paid leave, sick days, or even unpaid leave, depending on company policies. By being transparent and discussing the situation, employees can often avoid needing a doctor’s note to excuse from work under false pretenses.
For those dealing with a real medical issue, providing a real doctor’s note for work from a licensed healthcare provider is crucial. This ensures that the time-off request is legitimate and can be supported by proper documentation. Examples like a return to work doctor’s note example can help guide employees on how to correctly document their medical leave. Having a doctor note excuse from work allows for clear, honest communication, ultimately benefiting both the employee and employer.
