How to Format a Medical Excuse Letter for Patients

A medical excuse letter may be required to excuse an absence from work or school for medical reasons. A medical excuse letter also is sometimes needed to be able to return to work after an illness or injury. It is a legal document and can be issued only by a physician or medical facility. Using a fake medical excuse letter can have serious consequences, such as termination of employment or expulsion from school.

Instructions

• 1

  Print the medical excuse letter on letterhead, a preprinted form or prescription pad. These are obtainable only from a doctor's office or medical facility.

• 2

  State the patient's name and the date seen or dates of in-patient care.

• 3

  Specify the reason the patient was under a physician's care. Due to the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) and privacy regulations, this should be a brief description.

• 4

  Include in the letter the date the patient is allowed to return to work or school. Also list any medical restrictions and how long these restrictions are in force.

• 5

  Add a signature line to be signed by the physician or authorized member of the medical staff.