
12
Dec
Dear Doc: Getting a work certificate

Dear Doc: “I need to get a work certificate – what do I do?”
For a short-term illness, like a sore throat or bout of gastroenteritis, you may just need an Off Work Certificate.
This is a common Dear Doc question, and usually, it can be done one of two ways – through ACC, which means an ACC18 form needs to be completed, or through Work and Income, with a Work Capacity Medical Certificate.
Here’s how you go about it:
- Make an in-person appointment so the doctor can examine you
- Try make this appointment with your registered doctor. If you are unable to make this in time for a renewal, the receptionist may make a ‘bridging’ appointment with another doctor until you can see your GP.
- The certificates can cover varying lengths of time – discuss this with your doctor
- Rebook an appointment for a week before your certificate runs out if you require an extension. Don’t leave it until the last minute!
- If you have any reports about your condition from physiotherapists or other health professionals, bring them along or ask them to be sent to us.