To ask why they called my drs?

[MarchEliza]

Had a week off sick last month and was signed off with a dr's note (first time I've been sick for ages).

Found out this morning that someone from work called my GP to ask about my (legitimate) sick note.

No one has raised any questions or concerns with me and I have since returned to work.

I thought they weren't able to do this without my permission. Does anyone know if that's correct?

WIBU to feel this is rather intrusive and ask why they felt the need to do this?

I have asked a friend who is working for a GPs Practice. The answer was: Unless it is the Company Assigned GP, they will not/are not allowed to discuss anyone's medical details. It is strictly prohibited and there are serious consequences to breeching confidentiality and data protection. The only person the GP can discuss such information with is their patient. She knew of a Company who sacked an Employee for ringing a local Practice to query an Employee's medical reasons for time off work.

But we have no reason to think that the employer is ringing the GP to discuss the patient's health issues, which would obviously be very wrong, but merely to confirm that the sick note is a bona fide document issued by x doctor at y practice for the company's employee.

OP - just ask the person concerned if it's a routine call and why they do it.

All sorts of things are routinely checked now, because of identity theft and the ease with which something can be forged. Academic qualifications, addresses, citizenship, bank details. It can be a right palaver even opening a savings account, if you're not on the electoral roll or have recently moved. And there was a case when someone had invented a complicated cancer story, backed up by forged notes, defrauding her employer and the DWP. OK - so it doesn't happen often, but if you have protocols in place, it won't happen at all.

The GP isn't allowed to confirm that a person is registered at their practice as a patient, so they certainly can't confirm that the sick note is a bona fide document issued by them to that company's employee.

Thyme the only legitimate way would be if the OP gave permission for her GP to speak to the employer.

Thyme you really aren't listening. However much you argue, the fact remains that GPs surgeries cannot disclose any information to anyone without prior permission.

If, for instance, a woman is fleeing domestic violence and has been moved for her safety, what is to stop her abuser phoning every GP practice in the country to find out if she is registered there? Then asking if she has an appointment and waiting outside? There are very good reasons for confidentiality; this being only one of them.

When I was off sick for a long period, my direct manager was bitching about whether I was forging my sick notes. I went to see the big boss and authorised her to speak to my GP. I then had to write a formal letter to my GP saying that I had okayed it, and what I was happy for them to disclose. Even then, my boss had to write to the GP requesting the specific information that she wanted (it couldn't be done on the phone) and I had to countersign the letter. It wasn't just a case of ringing up for a chat!

Wondering why you needed a sick line at all. Isn't it usual to self certify for first 7 days? Your absence shouldn't have been discussed in an open plan office.