WATCH: B.C. doctors are exploring the idea of having fees for a sick note covered by employers rather than employees. Jeremy Hunka reports
When you call in sick for more than two days, many workplaces require a sick note from the doctor. Very often, medical clinics charge a $10-$20 fee for a sick note.
But a movement is afoot to have the cost of a sick note paid by employers rather than employees.
READ MORE: Got the flu? Stay home, and bosses, don’t ask for sick notes
“I think employers are burdening the system,” says Dr. Bill Cavers of Doctors of BC. “Requiring medical notes for absenteeism is putting a pressure on the medical system, it’s a putting a financial burden on the patients, and it’s silly.”
Get weekly health news
The idea came from Nova Scotia where a doctor announced she would charge employers $30 to issue a sick note, arguing that such requests put a strain on the medical system and force potentially contagious patients to leave the house when they normally wouldn’t.
READ MORE: Is Canada Post’s request for doctor’s note a good idea?
“If employers want to have this level of administration on patients, on their employees, then they should cover the accrued costs because they’re getting the benefit,” says Cavers.
- Nova Scotia aims to reduce mammogram wait times, enhance women’s health care
- Anthrax outbreak kills more than 50 animals, infects 12 people in Zambia
- Childhood Cancer Canada calls for $15M from feds as demand rises
- ‘E-dirt bikes are not toys’: E.R. doc fears more injuries after 2 kids hit in Edmonton
Doctors of BC will explore the idea further, but businesses caution that increased costs on employers could hurt the economy and put B.C. at a competitive disadvantage.
-with files from Jeremy Hunka
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.