Doctors note including diagnosis

WishingforLuck · April 2016

Hey all, so my employer requires all doctors notes to include diagnosis. Does anyone have any experience with this? What diagnosis has your physician stated on your notes? Any help is appreciated.

dragonfaerie · April 2016

Does your employer need a note for you to be out of work for appointments? In general, there are laws protecting employees from having to divulge personal information. And often, employers won't require a note unless you are out for 3+ days.

LizzieJ13 · April 2016

@wishingforluck, I would speak to an HR professional or attorney to get clarity on this. Like @dragonfaerie said, there are privacy protections in the law and also, your doctor might not be able to disclose that information under HIPPA.

em01092 · April 2016

Wow yeah that seems like huge privacy violation. I don't think they can require that. I don't have any experience with that as I work for an independent attorney and he doesn't require doctor's notes at all, but I would do a little research on your state's laws and requirements to see if they are in violation of any privacy laws. It sure sounds to me like they are. Now if you were trying to get short term disability or FMLA or something like that, then I could see them asking for a diagnosis.

em01092 · April 2016

Also I found this article:

https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2015/09/21/whats-your-boss-allowed-to-ask-when-you-call-in-sick

Obviously I know going to the dr for fertility treatments or visits isn't the same as being sick, but I would think the overall point still applies.

Monica54321 · April 2016

The only time I've had a provide a 'diagnosis' for something work related was when I filled out a form for short-term disability.

ale9687 · April 2016

A letter stating you are under the care of your doctor and with dates really should be sufficient. I would fight back on that as you don't want your employer to discriminate against you in any way.

ultratomato · April 2016

I have never heard anything like this before my work would just require a doctors note when I'm out 3 days or more

takethelongway · April 2016

Yeah, that's totally illegal. I get the doctors note, I need one too, but they can't require diagnosis. That's a huge HIPPA violation.

WishingforLuck · April 2016

Thanks all for the replies. I was told after my transfer (by the nurse) that I wouldn't be able to lift anything, no strenuous activities and work until my beta. My job is very strenuous. However my RE told me today that I could go back to work and they wouldn't provide a note excusing me from work until the first beta, but they would provide a note stating the restrictions about lifting.

@dragonfaerie I was planning on being out for two weeks but the nurse is a little wacko I guess, because the RE says I can go back to work. Thanks for the info

@LizzieJ13 I spoke to the EEO officer who deals with work accommodations and such so she is setting up everything on that end. Thanks for the info.

@em01092 Thanks for the article!

@Monica54321 Thanks!

@ale9687 Yes I definitely don't want them to discriminate.

@ultratomato yeh, I was planning on being out for over a week so I was trying to prepare myself. That darn nurse had me thinking I would be out of work for the TWW. Like way to add more stress to my plate.

@takethelongway I think even after the three days it is still a violation to ask for a diagnosis. But what can I do.

Anyways ladies thank you for all your replies. I really appreciate it. FX for everyone on this journey!

cmm012 · April 2016

Hello all. I think if you are asking for a modification of duties at work, you need to provide evidence of a disability or health condition. This is different from asking for it taking sick leave. Where I work, the office of equity and diversity would get the medical info and then approve accommodations.

Want a personalized experience?

Doctors note including diagnosis

Re: Doctors note including diagnosis

Choose Another Board

Search Boards