Yes — many telemedicine providers can issue a work excuse or sick note after a virtual evaluation, when your symptoms and history support time off or work restrictions.
Here’s how it usually works.
✅ What telemedicine can typically provide
During a virtual visit, the clinician will:
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Review your symptoms and when they started
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Ask how they affect your ability to work
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Document relevant findings from the visit
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Recommend time off or modified duties if appropriate
If medically justified, they can provide:
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Return-to-work or work excuse note
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Restrictions (light duty, avoid lifting, remote work, etc.)
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Clearance after illness (e.g., COVID or flu)
Notes are usually delivered through the patient portal or emailed as a PDF.
📝 What employers usually require in a telehealth note
Most employers accept telemedicine notes as long as they include:
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Patient name and date of visit
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Diagnosis or reason for excuse (sometimes general wording)
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Dates excused or restrictions
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Clinician’s name, credentials, and practice contact info
Some employers may have stricter policies — especially for long absences, workplace injuries, or FMLA/disability paperwork — and may require an in-person evaluation.
⚠️ Situations where telemedicine may not issue a note (or may refer in-person)
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Work-related injuries that require a physical exam
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Requests for extended leave, FMLA, or disability forms
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Verification for safety-sensitive jobs (DOT, public safety, etc.)
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Suspicion of serious illness needing testing or labs
In those cases, an in-person visit is often required.
👍 Tips to make your telehealth visit go smoothly
Have ready:
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Your employer’s policy (if known)
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The dates you need excused
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Your job type & duties (physical vs desk work)
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Symptoms and how they limit your work
Tell the clinician if you need modified duty instead of full time off.
