Can I get a sick note from an online doctor?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Usually yes: a sick note is a clinical document, and a licensed telehealth clinician who assesses you can issue one just as an in-person clinician can - common for colds, flu, stomach bugs, migraines, and minor injuries, delivered as a PDF. The limits: the note follows the assessment, never the reverse - services selling notes without evaluating you produce paper employers can discount; conditions needing an exam to verify need a visit; some employers require specific forms; backdating is not possible; and notes beyond a few days usually trigger follow-up or a referral to regular care. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you decide whether your situation fits.
What to do
- Expect a real assessment first: the note documents it.
- Check your employer's form rules: some want their own template.
- Do not ask for backdating: clinicians attest to what they assess.
- More than a few days? Plan follow-up: longer absences need continuity.
Related questions
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- What does a free AI doctor consult include?