What Are Medical Certificates

If you’re too sick to go to work or school, you might hear your boss or teacher say, “Bring a doctor’s certificate.”

This small piece of paper is called a medical certificate. It proves a doctor has checked you and agrees you can’t do your normal duties for a certain time. Because it is a legal document, doctors must write it carefully, patients must use it honestly, and employers must respect your privacy.

10 Questions & Detailed Answers

1. What is a medical certificate?

   A medical certificate is a short note on a doctor’s letterhead or practice pad. It says:

   • Who saw the doctor (your full name).

   • When the doctor saw you.

   • How long you should stay away from work, school or sport.

     It does not list every symptom or test result. It simply confirms you were too unwell to do your usual tasks.

2. Why would I need one?

   • To claim paid sick leave.

   • To show your school you had a valid reason for missing exams.

   • To protect other people (for example, keeping a bad flu out of the workplace).

     Without a certificate, an employer can legally refuse paid sick leave.

3. When will a doctor give me a certificate?

   The doctor will:

   1. Take a history, ask about your symptoms and when they started.

   2. Decide whether your illness truly stops you from working or studying.

      If the Doccy Practitioner agrees, they’ll write the note while you’re there.

4. Can a doctor refuse to give me one?

   Yes. A doctor must refuse if:

   • Your story and symptoms don’t match.
   • You can’t show you were sick on the dates you want covered.
   • The doctor is your close relative or best friend (this could be a conflict of interest).

5. What must be on the certificate?

   Must include	Why it matters
   Doctor’s name, address and signature	Proves it’s genuine
   Your full name (spelled correctly)	Links the note to you
   Date of examination	Shows when the doctor checked you
   Date issued	Needed for payroll or Centrelink
   Dates you are unfit	Tells your boss when you’ll be back

   Optional extra: a short line like “Patient may perform light duties” if you can do some—but not all—tasks.

6. Why doesn’t it list my diagnosis?

   Your diagnosis is private under Australian privacy laws. Most workplaces only need to know that you’re unfit, not why. A diagnosis goes on the certificate only if:

   • A specific law demands it (rare).

   • You say it’s okay.

     The doctor will ask you before adding it.

7. Can the doctor backdate the note?

   Backdating means writing that you were sick before today’s visit. Doctors can do this only when:

   • The illness is obvious and lasts several days (e.g. a rash or a chest infection).

   • There is clear evidence—like a high fever you have now that began two days ago.

     They must write a sentence explaining why the earlier dates are reasonable.

8. What must I do as the patient?

   • See the doctor early. Don’t wait until you’re healthy again.
   • Tell the truth about symptoms and dates.
   • Check the spelling of your name and the dates before leaving the clinic.
   • Keep the original and give HR a copy when possible.
   • Do not alter the certificate—changing dates or words is fraud.

9. What should my employer do?

   • Accept the certificate at face value.
   • Store it in a locked file or secure HR system.
   • Avoid asking for private medical details.
   • They can verify the certificate using our Doccy verify to confirm the note is genuine—and only with your permission.

10. Who writes a certificate for carer’s leave?

    If you stay home to care for a sick child, parent or partner, their own doctor writes the note.

    • The sick person must agree to share this information.
    • The note confirms they need a carer; it doesn’t judge whether you qualify for paid leave—your workplace policy decides that part.

Outro

You can read more about the this here from the AMA and how Doccy stays above board to keep you right

Medical certificates may look simple, but they carry legal weight.

When everyone follows the rules—doctors write accurate notes, patients act honestly, and employers respect privacy—the system runs smoothly and fairly. If you’re unsure about any step, talk to your doctor, your HR team or your union rep. That way, you’ll stay healthy and keep everything above board.