Can I use sick leave for a scheduled diabetes check-up?

In many cases, yes, depending on workplace policy and circumstances. The Fair Work Act states that an employee may use personal leave when they are not fit to work or the leave is for the purpose of treatment or recovery from a personal illness or injury. In most cases, employers require a medical certificate for attendance at specialist appointments related to the management of chronic conditions.

Does the certificate need to say I have diabetes?

Not at all. The typical certificate will be worded so as to protect the holder's privacy by indicating, for instance, "attendance at a medical appointment" or "for a medical condition." Disclosure of the specific diagnosis is not mandatory unless it has workplace safety implications, e.g., commercial driving.

Can I get a certificate if I just had a telehealth review?

Absolutely! An online consultation is a recognised form of medical consultation. The issuing practitioner may provide a certificate following assessment, confirming the details of the consultation through telehealth.

What if my appointment only took an hour?

You can get a certificate of attendance that lists your appointment time (e.g., 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM). The employer might tell you to come back to work afterwards or that you could use leave for the time utilised travelling and the appointment; however, it depends on the workplace policy, so check that.

Medical Certificates for Diabetic Review Appointments

Introduction

Diabetes management is not just about monitoring blood sugar daily; it also requires ongoing communication with healthcare professionals for the rest of your life. In addition to routine blood sugar tests, most people with diabetes have their feet checked regularly by a podiatrist, their eyes examined by an ophthalmologist, and consultations with an endocrinologist, among other medical appointments.

Workers and students face the challenge of fitting their necessary healthcare appointments into their work and study schedules. While businesses and education providers accommodate and encourage health-related appointments, they also want to ensure individuals are accountable. Although a "routine check-up" is considered an acceptable reason for absence, it usually must be supported by a formal document to be recognised as sick leave or to be excused from work or school.

At Prime Medic, we understand that managing chronic diseases should not be an additional source of stress. Through telehealth consultation, a medical certificate may be provided following clinical assessment for a diabetes review or check-up. This helps support administrative requirements while you manage your health.

Do you need evidence of your doctor's visit? Review appointment certificates may be requested for planned absences, subject to assessment.

Why Diabetic Review Appointments Need Documentation

Diabetic reviews are more of a maintenance check-up rather than treatment of symptoms. Since these appointments are pre-scheduled months in advance, employers view them differently from a sudden illness. Nevertheless, the importance of having documents to prove the absence remains the same.

The Necessity of Scheduled Reviews

Preventive Care: Regular check-ups help monitor ongoing health status and identify changes that may require follow-up.
Medication Adjustment: The doctor requires blood test results to assess the medication's efficacy, so that ongoing management can be reviewed where appropriate. Thus, a consultation (in person or virtual) is needed to review the test results.
Multidisciplinary Care: Diabetes is often managed by dietitians, diabetes educators, specialist physicians, and other healthcare professionals. This means the patient needs to keep multiple dates.

Validating the Absence

Many employers value clear documentation of medical attendance. Showing that you went to a diabetic consultation at work signals that it is time for medical leave.

Sick Leave vs. Annual Leave: The Fair Work Act stipulates that employees are allowed to utilise their personal (sick) leave entitlements for medical appointments if they are not well enough to work at that time. In addition, if the appointment is for treatment of chronic conditions, it is permissible to schedule it outside working hours.
Trust and Consistency: Regular documentation-based confirmations enhance trust. It shows that your absences are being used to follow a health plan, not just time off on your own accord.

This documentation helps employers assess leave requests appropriately. When you are familiar with the employer's policies, you will be able to plan your leave efficiently.

Employer Acceptance for Chronic Review Visits

Most employees worry about whether their employer will recognise a check-up certificate when they are obviously not sick. Familiarising yourself with Australian workplace legislation is vital.

Fair Work Standards

NES allows workers to be paid for personal or carer's leave.

Interpretation: Definitions may vary slightly by case, but seeking medical care for a chronic condition may be considered personal leave, depending on circumstances and workplace policy when the condition requires continuous care to work.
Evidence: Employers may request a level of evidence that would convince an ordinary person. Commonly accepted evidence includes a certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner of attendance at the doctor's or a specialist's premises.

Rights to Privacy

Disclosure of the exact nature of the consultation is not a necessity. (e.g. "Check up for Insulin change") A workplace-appropriate certificate typically indicates attendance at a medical appointment without detailing the diagnosis.

Proof of Attendance: For partial-day absences, a simple note such as "Attended medical clinic from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM" is usually enough.

Being knowledgeable about employment rights empowers you to provide proof of attendance with confidence. Please refer to our document on acceptable evidence.

How Telehealth Doctors Confirm Attendance Needs

The concept and use of telehealth have revolutionised how chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, are managed.

The Role of Telehealth

Reviewing History: With video chats, the doctor can review your latest lab results or self-monitoring diary.
Discussing Management: Talking about changes in lifestyle, meals, and overall health can still be effectively done even from a distance.
Issuing Documentation: The doctor may issue an attendance note following completion of the review. This document serves as proof that a medical consultation was conducted; which may be used to support employer attendance requirements.

Doing so keeps care continuous while minimising disruption to the patient's working hours. Telehealth sessions require only an hour, compared with a clinic visit that may need half a day off.

When Fit to Work Notes Help Manage Roles

In certain instances, a medical review may require adjustments to one's work. Following a treatment change, blood sugar levels may temporarily become unstable. If there is an ulcer on the foot, the patient should limit the time spent on their feet.

Adapting Responsibilities

In such a case, the "Fit to Work" certificate is a means of communication between employers and employees.

Specific Limitations: The doctor may specify restrictions, such as "No driving alone for 1 week" or "Due to foot injury, only sedentary work is allowed".
Gradual Changes: Use the diabetic workplace adjustment plan to gradually reintroduce tasks once stability returns.
Safety-Critical Roles: For individuals working as drivers or operating heavy machinery, a "Fit to Work" certificate may be requested following changes in health status or medication, to comply with insurance and safety regulations.

Such papers are instrumental in facilitating the necessary changes in your duties to help support safety considerations in the workplace. You may utilise the services of the doctors at our facility to prepare documentation to help you return to work.

Documentation for Education Providers

Students with diabetes are no different from other students. If a student misses a class, tutorial, or exam to see a specialist, they should obtain a permission excuse from the academic office to avoid penalties.

Supporting Academic Success

School Absences: Parents who explain a child's late arrival or early departure due to a diabetic review school note are safeguarding the child's attendance record.
University Assessments: A medical certificate is required to obtain a seminar attendance waiver or reschedule a compulsory seminar if there is a conflict with an essential meeting with an endocrinologist.
Exam Consideration: If blood glucose levels become unstable during the examination period, a "Fit to Study" or "Special Consideration" certificate may be used by the institution when considering academic adjustments (e.g., extra time or resit).

Fit-to-study certificates may be provided following assessment and in line with common education policies, and thus, students with health problems can keep up with their studies.