Sick Notes and Fit Notes: How Private GPs Issue Work Certificates Quickly

Needing a sick note shouldn't mean waiting days for NHS appointments when you're already unwell. Private GPs issue fit notes and sick certificates immediately after consultation, allowing you to provide workplace documentation without delays that could complicate employment situations.

What Are Fit Notes and Sick Notes?

Fit notes (officially "Statement of Fitness for Work") replaced traditional sick notes in 2010. These medical certificates confirm you're unfit for work due to illness or injury, or that you may be fit for work with adjustments.

Private GPs issue valid fit notes accepted by all UK employers, providing the same legal documentation as NHS certificates.

When Do You Need a Fit Note?

Employment Requirements

Most employers require fit notes for absences exceeding 7 calendar days. Private consultations ensure you meet workplace requirements without complications.

Immediate Work Absence

When acute illness prevents work and you need same-day certification, private GPs eliminate NHS waiting times that could result in unpaid leave or employment issues.

Ongoing Health Conditions

Chronic conditions requiring regular workplace adjustments benefit from private GP consultations that accommodate your schedule rather than limited NHS availability.

Mental Health Certification

Private consultations provide confidential mental health assessment with appropriate fit note certification without lengthy NHS mental health service delays.

How Quickly Can Private GPs Issue Fit Notes?

Immediate Issue

Fit notes are issued during or immediately after your consultation. Electronic copies are emailed within minutes, with postal delivery available if required.

Same-Day Consultations

Book morning telephone consultations (£49) and receive fit notes before lunchtime. No waiting. No delays. Just prompt certification when you need it.

What Information Do Fit Notes Include?

Your fit note documents:

• Your name and identifying information

• Diagnosis or health condition (if you consent to disclosure)

• Whether you're unfit for work or may be fit with adjustments

• Recommended workplace modifications if applicable

• Duration of fitness assessment

• GP signature and GMC registration

Are Private Fit Notes Valid?

Yes. Private fit notes carry identical legal weight to NHS certificates. UK employment law doesn't distinguish between NHS and private medical certification. Your employer must accept private GP fit notes exactly as they would NHS documentation.

How Much Do Private Fit Notes Cost?

Fit notes are included with consultation fees:

• Telephone consultation: £49 (includes fit note)

• Video consultation: £150 (includes fit note)

No separate charges apply for standard fit note certification. Complex medical reports requiring extensive documentation may incur additional fees, discussed before proceeding.

Can Private GPs Backdate Fit Notes?

GPs can backdate fit notes to your illness onset if clinically appropriate and you've consulted within reasonable timeframes. However, backdating is limited to when symptoms began and must align with medical assessment.

Your GP assesses each situation individually, balancing medical accuracy with employment requirements.

What If You're Partially Fit for Work?

Fit notes allow GPs to certify you "may be fit for work" with specific adjustments:

• Phased return to work

• Amended duties

• Altered hours

• Workplace modifications

This option helps you return to work safely while recovering, maintaining income and employment continuity. Your GP discusses appropriate adjustments based on your condition and occupation.

Do You Need a Fit Note for Every Work Absence?

No. The first 7 calendar days of illness are self-certified. Employees complete their employer's self-certification form without medical documentation.

Fit notes are required for:

• Absences exceeding 7 consecutive days

• Ongoing absence requiring certification extension

• Employer-specific requirements (some request earlier certification)

• Statutory Sick Pay claims

How Long Are Fit Notes Valid?

GPs issue fit notes for specific durations based on medical assessment:

• Short-term acute illness: 1-2 weeks typical

• Recovery from surgery or injury: 4-6 weeks possible

• Chronic conditions: Ongoing certification with regular review

If your condition continues beyond the fit note period, schedule follow-up consultations for extended certification.

Can Employers Reject Private Fit Notes?

No. Employers cannot legally distinguish between NHS and private medical certification. Fit notes issued by GMC-registered private GPs carry identical legal authority.

If employers question private certification, they're contesting medical professional judgment, not the source of certification. Private GPs maintain the same professional standards and regulatory oversight as NHS clinicians.

What If Your Employer Requests Additional Information?

Employers can't demand detailed medical information beyond fit note content. However, if clarification aids workplace adjustments, your GP can provide supplementary information with your consent.

Additional medical reports may incur separate fees depending on complexity and time requirements.

Mental Health Fit Notes

Private GPs issue fit notes for mental health conditions with the same validity as physical health certification. Diagnosis disclosure is optional—fit notes can reference "medical reasons" without specifying mental health if you prefer confidentiality.

Many employees find private mental health consultations less daunting than NHS routes, with appointment scheduling accommodating work commitments.

Returning to Work After Sickness

Your final fit note or GP clearance confirms fitness to return. Private GPs can provide return-to-work medical assessments if employers request formal clearance, particularly after extended absence or serious illness.

These assessments ensure safe workplace return while protecting your employment rights.

What If You Disagree With Your Fit Note Assessment?

If you believe your GP's fitness assessment is incorrect, discuss concerns directly. GPs base decisions on clinical evidence and professional judgment, but communication clarifies misunderstandings.

Alternatively, seek second opinions through additional private consultations. However, employers trust medical professional assessment over patient preference when fitness disputes arise.

Do Private Fit Notes Affect Statutory Sick Pay?

No. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) eligibility doesn't depend on whether certification is NHS or private. Private fit notes satisfy SSP documentation requirements identically to NHS certificates.

Your employer processes SSP based on valid medical certification, regardless of source.

How to Request a Fit Note from The Online GP

1. WhatsApp us to book a consultation

2. Choose telephone (£49) or video (£150) appointment

3. Speak with your GP about your condition

4. Receive your fit note immediately via email

5. Forward documentation to your employer

The entire process takes under an hour from booking to receiving certification.

Ready for Your Fit Note?

Workplace certification shouldn't add stress when you're already dealing with illness. Private GP consultations provide immediate medical assessment and valid fit note certification without NHS delays.

WhatsApp us today to book your consultation. Same-day fit notes available.