Can I get a doctor’s note for FMLA online?

Are you wondering, “can I get a doctor’s note for FMLA online?” Then know that you’re not alone. With telehealth growing, many employees wonder whether a virtual visit can fulfill Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) medical certification requirements and allow them to take protected leave. In this post, you’ll find clear, up-to-date answers tailored to U.S. rules, step-by-step guidance for getting your certification online, and what to do if things don’t go as planned. Keep reading to get the full picture—and rest assured, we’ve got the info you’re looking for.

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Do I need a doctor’s note for FMLA?

Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employers can require a “complete and sufficient” medical certification from an approved healthcare provider to support any leave taken for a serious health condition. So, in short, yes, you’ll need a doctor’s note for FMLA. 

The US law provides eligible employees with job-protected, unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons, allowing them to take up to 12 weeks of leave within a 12-month period, while maintaining their health insurance coverage and job security. FMLA defines qualifying reasons as your own serious health condition, the birth of a child, the placement of a child for adoption or foster care, or caring for a family member with a serious health condition. Under FMLA, a serious health condition may include inpatient care, chronic illnesses, treatments requiring multiple visits, or conditions causing ongoing incapacity.

Your employer is required to allow you at least 15 calendar days to provide this certification. This can be extended to 30 days, as long as you clearly communicate any delays and are making good faith efforts to obtain the necessary documentation. 

Can I get a doctor’s note for FMLA online?

Yes—absolutely. Telehealth was permanently confirmed as an acceptable way to receive FMLA certification on December 29, 2020. Telehealth services connect you with licensed healthcare providers who can assess your condition and provide the necessary documentation, including FMLA certification. Your telehealth consultation must involve an examination, evaluation, or treatment. Usually, they must be held via video conferencing as audio-only visits typically don’t meet the standard.  Although they might in exceptional cases.

As long as your provider completes the certification correctly, your employer must accept it. Usually, the certification consists of one of two forms from the Department of Labor: the WH-380-E is for when an employee’s own serious health condition qualifies them for FMLA leave, or the WH-380-F, for when the employee needs leave to care for a family member’s serious health condition.

What happens if I don’t have a doctor’s note for FMLA?

Failing to provide the required documentation could lead to the denial or delay of your leave request. Employers have several options under FMLA rules:

• They can ask for a complete and sufficient certification (with the  15-day time allowance ).
• Request clarification or authentication from your healthcare provider (HR or leave admin can do this, but often not your supervisor).
• If they doubt the certification’s validity, they may seek a second medical opinion paid by the employer, and a third and final opinion to resolve conflicts.

FMLA leave may begin provisionally, but final eligibility depends on the timely, complete, and sufficient submission of certification. Failing to provide certification from a doctor can lead to denial or reclassification.

How to get a doctor’s note for FMLA online?

Here’s how to secure your FMLA doctor’s note via telehealth:

1. Confirm FMLA eligibility

You must:

• Work for a covered employer (private sector with 50 or more employees within 75 miles, a public agency, or a school district)
• Have 12 months of employment (not necessarily consecutive)
• Have worked at least 1,250 hours during that year

2. Choose a reputable telehealth provider

Look for:

• Licensed providers in your state (including MDs, DOs, NPs, or PAs)
• Services experienced with FMLA forms and completing WH-380-E/F accurately
• Platforms that offer live video visits—not phone or chat

3. Book a virtual appointment

Schedule an appointment and complete the required intake before. This usually asks about your medical history, symptoms, and condition details.

4. Undergo evaluation and request certification

During the visit, explicitly request FMLA documentation. Providers will evaluate whether your condition meets the criteria for a serious health condition.

5. Receive completed form

Your provider should complete and sign form WH-380-E (for yourself) or WH-380-F (for a family member), or offer equivalent documentation containing all required medical facts.

6. Submit within 15 days

Return the form or note to your employer as soon as you receive it to avoid delays or denial.

Need a doctor’s note without going to a clinic?

Klarity Health connects you with licensed providers who can determine if a sick note is medically appropriate for school, work, or other needs.

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What if my doctor refuses to give me a note for FMLA?

Providers may choose not to provide certification if:

• They determine that your condition doesn’t meet FMLA criteria
• They lack sufficient interaction (e.g., a quick chat instead of a proper evaluation)
• They are unfamiliar with the FMLA certification process

If this happens:

• Ask for clarification—maybe a follow-up evaluation can qualify
• Seek another provider—sometimes, another licensed telehealth provider can complete it

Get a doctor’s note for FMLA for your job safety and security 

You can get a valid doctor’s note for FMLA online, as long as it’s obtained via a live video telehealth appointment with a licensed healthcare provider. Since December 29, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor has permanently allowed telemedicine to count as an in-person visit for FMLA purposes, provided it includes a full examination or evaluation over video and is permitted by state licensing authorities. After your appointment, be sure that your form is fully completed, signed, and submitted within the 15-day window. Then, your employer must treat it just like any in-person certification, and you can receive your job-protected, unpaid leave.

Need a doctor’s note for FMLA online?

Need a reliable telehealth option for your FMLA documentation? Klarity Health connects you to board-certified providers licensed across states, delivering fast WH-380 forms via secure video appointments. Start your online FMLA evaluation now.