Are employers allowed to ask why you are sick?

[medicmommy]

*poof

I think I was just feeling a little sensitive today. Lol.

[thebuddhagouda]

I think they have every right to find out what "at least" means since they need to know exactly how long you're going to be out if they have to replace you. That may have been all your boss meant and coworker added extra "what's going on"s to be nosy.

[wildfloweragain]

Hmm, well they can require a doctor's note. But I don't think they can ask specifically what is wrong.

[medicmommy]

The "at least" is completely dependent on the appointment. I have no way of knowing more until then.

FWIW, I'm not doing anything with it either way. Just wondering more than anything.

[Yankees21]

I don't think they can ask specifically. I would just say you have a doctor's appointment and are waiting on the findings from that.

[medicmommy]

Aug 20, 2013 11:54:22 GMT -5 thebuddhagouda said:

That may have been all your boss meant and coworker added extra "what's going on"s to be nosy.

We are friends so if so would have asked herself I probably wouldn't have thought twice about it, but I'm annoyed that the boss asked. I'm sure I'm thinking too much into it. This is one of many things he does that bothers me.

[thebuddhagouda]

Aug 20, 2013 12:03:43 GMT -5 medicmommy said:

Aug 20, 2013 11:54:22 GMT -5 thebuddhagouda said:

That may have been all your boss meant and coworker added extra "what's going on"s to be nosy.

We are friends so if so would have asked herself I probably wouldn't have thought twice about it, but I'm annoyed that the boss asked. I'm sure I'm thinking too much into it. This is one of many things he does that bothers me.

Right but that's what I mean. Maybe all the boss said was "Hey, coworker, can you find out when medic will be in" and coworker (especially since you are friends) did that but also asked some more personal stuff on her own that boss never requested.

[WOT?*]

If it's for coverage purposes give them the best estimate. You don't have to tell them the reason for the test as that could be considered a HIPAA violation. You don't have to respond to the "what's going on?" so much as you should respond to the "how long will you be unavailable."

[ECB]

Aug 20, 2013 12:05:16 GMT -5 thebuddhagouda said:

Aug 20, 2013 12:03:43 GMT -5 medicmommy said:

We are friends so if so would have asked herself I probably wouldn't have thought twice about it, but I'm annoyed that the boss asked. I'm sure I'm thinking too much into it. This is one of many things he does that bothers me.

Right but that's what I mean. Maybe all the boss said was "Hey, coworker, can you find out when medic will be in" and coworker (especially since you are friends) did that but also asked some more personal stuff on her own that boss never requested.

This is where I"m at.  And if your boss just wants to know what "at least" means, he has a right to ask that much - he needs to know when he'll know if you'll be in or not.  I don't think this means you have to give details, but yes - I think saying "I have an appt at 3:20 and will know more after that" may have been more professional. 

[gault]

"At Least" - yes. To detail the hours of missed work.

A lot of sick policies require a doctor's note if you miss more than three consecutive days of work. Otherwise, myob, boss. You don't have to say anything.