Sick notes
Online sick notes in South Africa: what patients should know
A medical certificate is a clinical document, not an attendance slip that can be bought on demand. A doctor must assess you and decide whether illness or injury makes you unfit for work for a stated period.
Updated 20 September 2026 · 5 minute read
Can a sick note be issued after a video consultation?
A registered practitioner may issue a medical certificate after a proper consultation when the available information supports that decision. Video may be enough for some conditions. If the doctor needs a physical examination or objective measurement, an online appointment may not be sufficient.
What the certificate should cover
The document should identify the practitioner and patient, state when the consultation took place and record the period for which the patient is considered unfit for work. The practitioner signs it and includes their professional details. A diagnosis should not be disclosed to an employer without the patient’s informed consent.
Backdated sick notes
Do not assume a doctor can certify days they did not assess. Explain when symptoms began and when you stopped working. The practitioner must decide what they can support from the history and clinical information available.
What hiDoc does
You book a GP video consultation, discuss the illness and receive a medical certificate only if the doctor considers it appropriate. The certificate is released in your private patient record after payment clears. If the problem needs examination, the doctor will recommend in-person care.