Need a doctor's note? Hit the web! |
79 Comments |
Posted by Marc Saltzman at 2:01 PM | E-mail this post
Here’s a high-tech solution to successfully playing hooky from work.
An Oklahoma-based website – The Excused Absence Network – will provide fake doctor's notes, funeral programs or jury duty notifications, for US $19.95 a pop.
Based on what they need, customers receive an authentic-looking template to print out and then type or write in info, such as the name and address of a local doctor or emergency room.
To avoid any legal issues, the website's disclaimer advises the notes are "for entertainment purposes only." Ahem.
So, would you use something like this? Is this dishonest or divine? A bit of both?
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Posted by Marc Saltzman at 2:01 PM in Found on the Web
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| Comments (79)
rich on October 26 at 3:00 PM | Report abuse
this idea is stupid, I can get a real doctors note for 10 bucks.
T on October 27 at 1:17 AM | Report abuse
Not everyone can get a doctors note for 10 Bucks. In Ontario it costs 25$ and the software alone is less than that.
The idea is divine! Often workplaces look at "the numbers" and don't understand that health should not be the only excusable priority. When a company is so focused on revenue that they don't excuse students for exams, or parents for their child's graduation, then softwares like this come in real handy.
Think about it...
Rob on October 27 at 1:04 PM | Report abuse
Unfortunatly I live in Bantario and pay 10 bucks for a doctors note which employers don't accept anyway.....
Barrie on October 27 at 3:53 PM | Report abuse
And people wonder why we're losing jobs to other countries. Just go to work people!!
Scott on October 27 at 9:09 PM | Report abuse
Great idea, I could have used that in school!
Joe on October 28 at 7:08 PM | Report abuse
Rob: how about actually working for your money instead of worrying about finding a way to get cheap doctors notes
Tanya on October 29 at 12:04 AM | Report abuse
I live in ontario and i missed an exam, the doctor wanted to charge me $40 for a note
Jenyfer on October 29 at 12:51 AM | Report abuse
i think that this is the best idea ever.
GREAT! thumbs up to whoever came up with
this idea. now if i could jus get my hands on this thing :)
D on October 29 at 1:03 AM | Report abuse
Ok so why would you pay $20 for something you can design yourself for free? I completely don't understand this stupid concept. When you get a real note you pay for the authenticity of a note (in case the employer does actually call); not for the cost of the paper and ink! http://taghlub.blogspot.com/
Matt on October 29 at 1:47 AM | Report abuse
Maybe someone should consider the fact that most of these "entertaining" little bits of dishonesty constitute criminal behaviour. I wonder if they have an excuse note for skipping your court appearances?
Tan on October 29 at 1:49 AM | Report abuse
"T" you and Rob are so unfortunate. I pay 10 bucks for Doctors notes that actually work. . Here in blessed Ontario
Kat on October 29 at 2:07 AM | Report abuse
Well i'm lucky to have a doctor who doesn't charge me for a doctor's note.
Travis on October 29 at 2:27 AM | Report abuse
What place doesn't require you to have a Doctors note now! and going to a Doctor just to waste his/her time to write a little note. Doctors time could be used in better ways, like for sick people. This probably saves money by the Doctor not having to bill healthcare for the time they spent with their patient.
Umsasahne Umnandze on October 29 at 3:48 AM | Report abuse
I don't play hookey, but I see good use for this. When my employer requires me to waste our scarce provincial medical resources to vouch that I had the flu, I would rather print off a bogus note than risk infecting my work colleagues, infecting everyone in the doctor's waiting room, and risking puking on the bus to the doctor's office. The doctor cannot treat the common flu, and no note from my doctor or my elderly mother should be required in a civilized society.
johnny on October 29 at 4:29 AM | Report abuse
BURRRRP....ya this a good thing...when im drunk and hung over i only need to downstairs to the computer instead of driven my drunk butt to the doctors for the note...if only someone would open my beer for me life would be set
Jessiiee on October 29 at 5:05 AM | Report abuse
Haha, I live in the N.W.T., and since I have Treaty status I don't have to pay for anything medical-wise =D
Steve on October 29 at 8:36 AM | Report abuse
Use the notes,, but remember if you get caught youll likely lose youre job and could be charged with fraud if work benefits,,ie sick days are used
KW on October 29 at 9:08 AM | Report abuse
Instead of trying to scam the system, how about just doing an honest days work. If people didn't abuse the sick time system, employers wouldn't be asking for notes every time you were sick. They would feel confident in the fact you really were sick when you called in. And don't believe that the employers doesn't call to verify the note. When there is someone with a high use of sick time, they check.
Is losing your job worth using a false sick note. Not to mention what it would do to give you a reputation for being a liar, and unreliable. Hmmm....
Kissy on October 29 at 9:21 AM | Report abuse
I don't pay for my notes (great doctor), but I am barely ever sick. I can't imagine having a really bad cold or flu & waiting in the doc office for hours just to get a note, MIGHT AS WELL WENT TO WORK THEN !!!
slinki on October 29 at 9:49 AM | Report abuse
Going to work really sick is a good tactic. Your employer/co-workers will insist on you going home and then you can skip going to the doctor's office.
Dee on October 29 at 9:52 AM | Report abuse
This comment is directed at Jessiiee - the one from the N.W.T. who claims that because she has status she doesn't have to pay a thing--------> is it really necessary to rub that in to all the rest of us hard working, tax paying individuals.........GRAB A LIFE!!!!!
Shai on October 29 at 10:11 AM | Report abuse
The school that i go to, we actually have to print out their own university form from a website which the doctor has to sign. :( but this might work for work. :)
Douglass on October 29 at 10:25 AM | Report abuse
I'm curious. To all of those who have claimed how easy it is to actually go to the doctors office and get a real doctors note, does that work just as easily when you're not sick? As mentioned above, "don't understand that health should not be the only excusable priority... they don't excuse students for exams, or parents for their child's graduation..."
I don't advocate skipping work on those days that you simply don't feel like going, but would your doctor give you a note for these other perfectly valid reasons to miss work? Probably not.
Ontario Gal on October 29 at 11:04 AM | Report abuse
Honestly, i think it is a great idea, BUT only for a real incident where you need a doctors note! And why? Well, because the doctors charge way too much for a doctors note in general. when i believe they make so much money already and complain they don't make enough and then charge a patient on top of that for a doctors note.
Leslie on October 29 at 11:53 AM | Report abuse
At one place of business here in Ontario, one must present a doctor's note for even one day off work! Um..if you are too sick i.e. the flu to get to the doctor, this idea is great. Also, in Ontario it is near impossible to get a doc appointment the same day and the cost for a note is $25.
Jessica on October 29 at 11:58 AM | Report abuse
I have never had to pay for a doctor's note. I live in Ontario. In reply to Travis's comment" Doctors time could be used in better ways, like for sick people". Well if you arent going into work, arent you "suppose" to be sick?..therefor seeing the doctor yourself. Or is this just considered a good idea so people can NOT go into work, when NOT sick, and get out of it..while the rest of us work?...
Sherry on October 29 at 12:12 PM | Report abuse
And if you get caught, is loosing your job worth $20.00??
Jeff on October 29 at 12:14 PM | Report abuse
Personally I think that it is a bad idea. Sick days cost all of us in higher premiums and taxes so all those people are doing is costing us money. If you are sick, get a note, or go into work and have your supervisor send you home before "you get everyone else sick".
Dee - I guess you are green as that is the colour of jealousy.
Marie on October 29 at 12:43 PM | Report abuse
Is there a way you guys can work for a company that doesn't have its head up its a**? There are plenty of companies that will allow people to take mental health days and even for sick days, don't ask for a doctor's note unless it's a long period of time.
The person who said your doctor can't cure the flu is absolutely right. If I have a bad cold or the flu, I usually don't go to the doctor unless it's really bad and I think I might have strep throat or I'm dehydrated. Otherwise, I hide out for a few days until I'm better, no doctor's note required.
We're not children and this isn't first grade, why should we need a doctor's note if we occasionally need to take a day off work because we're sick or we need a mental health day.
N on October 29 at 1:09 PM | Report abuse
it would be intersting to see how many of this program get sold just to see what kind of society we have...generally speaking doctors don't charge for writing a note if you are genuinely sick when you see them but of course they would if you just want a note...the fact is if you are not sick enough to require seeing a doctor chances are you are not sick enough to stay home GO TO WORK...if go to work sick you don't need a note and you'll get sent home anyways WHY WASTE THE HARD EARN MONEY ON FAKES...get your priorities straight people
Jean on October 29 at 1:28 PM | Report abuse
God bless quebec ramq system , yeah u've gotta wait for couple of hours but beats the hell of paying 40 bucks for a note...
Kman on October 29 at 1:30 PM | Report abuse
I don't understand all this. Is this a provincal thing or something? Around here (Victoria) if you're sick you call in and say 'i'm sick'. I've never had to get a note or even heard of it.
Karen on October 29 at 1:39 PM | Report abuse
i can write my own note
Peter on October 29 at 1:54 PM | Report abuse
Typically, the Ministry of Labour provides a guideline of 10 paid sick days per year (without notice for up to 3 days).... this coincides with the minimum allowed yearly paid vacation time. You can play hookey without a note, but have fun getting any paid vacation time (employers are not obliged to give more than 2 weeks per year)...A good employee is aware of their contribution and honestly asserts their value to the job they perform, if your employer doesn´t recognize this, then find a new job because they´re an idiot and the company is won´t be around long. If it remains, then you have over-estimated yourself and should use this feedback to correct yourself.
If you are genuinely sick more than 10 days in a year, then you are either pregnant or chronically affected...( cheers to the person in NWT) both of which have provisions in the workplace according to Canadian Labour laws.
corinne on October 29 at 1:54 PM | Report abuse
I never have to get a doctors note because my employers knows that the only time I really call in sick in when I am really sick. They tend to trust me when I am honest with them. Just be honest and trustworthy and you will never need a note.
Dee on October 29 at 1:56 PM | Report abuse
Jeff......
What color is resentment??
Rachel on October 29 at 2:03 PM | Report abuse
actually here in ontario if you go on the govt on web site, by law your employer is not allowed to even ask for a doctors note anymore , so if you bring in a fake doctors note and your employer actually calls your doctor you just basically set yourself up for disaster.
Mandy99 on October 29 at 2:32 PM | Report abuse
I agree with Dee's comment regarding Jessillee's comment. Your not paying for any medical care because "we" are paying it for you; so there's no need for you to brag.
Denise on October 29 at 2:38 PM | Report abuse
The idea of a website providing "joke" sick notes for payment seems shady. But then again, you can also purchase fake ID's online as well. I'd be very interested to know if anyone's used their services and got away with it!
On a personal note, I wish more people would not come to work sick. I despise catching a co-woker's cold or flu. Those of you who say "just go to work!" You're the one's making everyone sick with your viruses! Stay home and get well because I don't want your cold!
Marc on October 29 at 2:55 PM | Report abuse
... maybe employers should start giving out fake paychecks?
Lynda on October 29 at 3:12 PM | Report abuse
As a Payroll Accountant, this is down right dishonest and grounds for immediate dismissal. The type of individuals who would use these are not career orientated or professional. If you require a doctor's note to be absent, then you must be a cronic abuser. When you call in sick when you are not, you are ultimately just hurting your own paycheque. Lost production=lost revenue=lost profits=lost $$ for pay increases, bonuses and benefits. Companies understand that people get sick, but when you come to work the next day miraculously cured or with a new haircut/manicure/tattoo etc who do you think you are kidding? If you want to do what you want when you want to, then start your own business and see how easy it is. And if you have a graduation etc to attend - tell your employer when you get the invitation - these are not spur of the moment get togethers. If you are an honest, hardworking employee, your employer will recognize that and be willing to cut you some slack. This isn't high school people - grow up!
Deborah on October 29 at 3:14 PM | Report abuse
I live in Ontario and when I need a note I go to the walk-in clinic if I can't get into see my own Dr. and the notes are FREE.
I've never had to pay for one.
Norm on October 29 at 3:33 PM | Report abuse
I agree with the majority of comments here when I say that the use of such a faked excuse letter should be grounds for immediate dismissal and would be for any of my employees.
I am a health care practitioner and I am astounded be the number of patients that ask me to write a fraudulent note on their behalf, eg. a week off work versus one day. Doing as they ask would put my licence to practice at risk. Even when I explain this to them, they will sometimes still ask me to write the note.
The internet is rife with those willing to sell fraudulent papers to those who would use them.
Greg` on October 29 at 3:54 PM | Report abuse
Doctor's notes ideally should not be necessary unless missing an important event at school or work i.e. a final exam, important training session at work or anything like that. Like the payroll accountant or health practitioner said above, it's wrong, but the times where one does get too sick to go to the doctor that same day and spend x hours at the doc's office waiting( x being dependant on the province you're from:) ) and if the company demands one, i would probably do the following: 1) use the fake note 2)go to the doctor when you can bear it later on to get another one if necessary 3)check the labor laws of your province and if the company is not following them confront someone about it...politely of course and then consider a new employment.
Oh and Barrie this next sentence is directed to you. The reason we're losing jobs to other countries has nothing to do with sick days or fraudulent notes, in fact, the next time you go to a european country, ask a local what kind of benefits and vacation he gets. Chances are it will be better than someone doing the same thing here. How does 4 weeks minimum vacation time and a 30 hour work week sound to you? That doesn't sound like a recipe for even getting sick now does it?
Ken on October 29 at 4:08 PM | Report abuse
Come on people...I am a professional and never have to provide a doctor's note. Even if I did I certainly would not be buying a fake one off the net!
Too many slack ass idiots (most likely union)who want to sit around doing nothing and get paid large wages. It's no wonder the big three auto plants are taking a dive. They have to keep paying people like this a disgusting hourly wage while they figure out new ways to scam the company.
Our economy would do much better if we outlawed the unions and the scam artists who run them.
Daniel J. Andrews on October 29 at 4:09 PM | Report abuse
Guess I've been lucky. I've been in the workforce for over 30 years and not once have I been asked to bring in a sick note when I was off sick. I quite agree it can be a real hassle to bring in a sick note from a doctor if you've just had a bad cold or the flu. Who wants to sit around a clinic feeling miserable while waiting for the doc to see you (providing you can get an appointment that day)?
If any employer ever asks me for a note from the doctor I'll just explain it isn't worthwhile for me to obtain one, and only serves to unnecessarily add to an already overburdened health care system. I won't submit a fake one nor will I go out of my way to submit a real one.
One exception I can think of is if I have to be off for an extended period of time (e.g. operation, highly contagious respiratory infection) in which case I would voluntarily submit a real doctor's note even if not asked, just to keep people from having doubts about my reliability. A little flexibility here and there on your part usually is reciprocated by the boss.
Sandy on October 29 at 4:17 PM | Report abuse
I do agree that if you an honest and dedicated employee that these 'notes' shouldn't be required and personally think they shouldn't be used. I may not be happy about dragging myself out of bed every morning, but I do as I have responsibilities and because I take pride in a job well done, I give it my 110% (going in early, staying late AND never getting paid for it). Having said that, I recently left an employer who treated their employees badly. I'm the type of employee who goes to work with migraines, the flu, etc and doesn't generally leave unless asked to do so. But there were two particular instances when I had to leave. Two phone calls that I received from my children's school. One of which my youngest had been thrown from the jungle gym and had obviously broken his arm. In this case, my 'boss' said 'well there is billing to be done". The other when my oldest had been hit by a metal bar in the forehead causing the school to rush him to the emergency by ambulance. This time my 'boss' said "he'll be fine, they are taking care of him, they'll call you if anything happens". Needless to say, BOTH times I walked out and ended up going to the president of the company as I thought the treatment was ridiculous. So while I agree that the use of these 'notes' are ridiculous, I just wanted to throw in my two cents and say that sometimes employers can be ridiculous too!
Jonzie on October 29 at 4:30 PM | Report abuse
PATHETIC. If you are truly sick (or if any other issues of importance arise) and could not work, then there should be no trouble in explaining to your employer, or whomever in may concern, of your absence. This is just a way for those who have the "stick it to the boss" attitude. Wait, who's paying for the government employee's sick days? Ya, thats right, keep abusing the system, but I don't want to hear any complaints on taxes, or the government's money being wasted. YAY we're paying the beer junkie who decided to call in sick and he's sitting there watching TV. Get a spine and work.
I definately agree with Ken.
john on October 29 at 4:39 PM | Report abuse
well most of the time,if you have a fever that you can cure with over the counter measures and your only sick for a few days,its annoying to waste time seeing a doctor for a note.so i can see how this would be good for that.but to abuse it is another question.all in all nothing to argue about.:D
j. on October 29 at 4:40 PM | Report abuse
When I was in the work force (I'm now retired)I didn't miss work unless I was so sick I literllay/physically couldn't stand up..I never played hookey neither..so wake up people and smell the coffee...hard work earns good money...
and Jessilee this is to you..perhaps as a couple of others have said stop bragging because it is we the hard working public that pay for your medical costs (be it sick notes, dental, or whatever)...