Why I’m Sick of Doctor’s Notes

Cold and flu season is here again, and more than once I’ve found myself stuck in the same dilemma — I can’t breathe out of my nose and my entire body aches, but I’ve already used my freebie absence, and my class syllabus requires a doctor’s note for an absence to be excused. 

When these inevitable mornings come, my options are to trudge to the Wellness Center to get diagnosed with yet another upper respiratory infection or risk losing points because my body betrayed me. 

It’s long overdue to ditch the sick note — a waste of time for both patients and providers. 

People get sick. Even with taking all the recommended precautions — from masking up to vitamin C supplements and vaccines — germs are everywhere, and contracting an illness at an inopportune time is almost inevitable. 

Cura personalis, or “Care for the whole person” is preached constantly as part of Loyola’s culture, yet proof of illness is required to justify rest. 

Although sick notes are perceived as a way of holding people accountable, it’s preposterous to expect a medical professional’s signature to validate needing a bit of time to rest and recharge. 

Beyond the scope of trust, getting medical attention is also an immense privilege not all have access to. 

At Loyola, we have the Wellness Center, which is a resource I’m grateful for. However, it can be difficult to get a same-day appointment, and the Wellness Center doesn’t provide formal excusal notes, only a small card marking the visit. 

An upper respiratory infection — Wellness Center speak for the common cold — shouldn’t require a doctor’s note, especially when the prescription is often fluids and rest.

Not to mention, us common cold folks are potentially taking appointments away from students who may need help from an on-campus health professional more. 

Beyond Loyola’s campus, other places to get a doctor’s note include urgent care, hospitals, specialists or primary care offices — if you’re lucky enough to have access to one. All these avenues can be extremely costly and involve lengthy wait times. 

To have the ability to see a doctor and easily get a note shouldn’t be expected of the average American. With medical insurance often being tied to employment or some complicated system relating to parents or relatives, there’s no guarantee of having access to a doctor. 

While the majority of Americans do have some form of health insurance, according to the U.S. Census Bureau,  not all coverage is created equally, and copays unfortunately exist. With insurance the average doctor’s visit costs between $80 and $170, while without insurance this amount can be as high as $600, according to Debt.org. Even the low end cost estimate is beyond pocket change.

Doctors are also fed up with writing sick notes. Patients with minor illnesses are often better off staying at home, so many health professionals feel writing these notes is a waste of time and resources, according to the Canadian Broadcast Channel.

The Canadian Medical Association called for an elimination of sick notes for short-term illnesses Oct. 28, a call which could prevent as many as 12.5 million unnecessary health care interactions in a single year. A similar call would be a smart move for American doctors, since U.S. adults average two to four colds a year, according to the Centers for Disease Control.  

There’s no need to waste time, resources and money just to validate being ill.  

If I’m sick, I’m sick — and that’s the end of it.