Return-to-Work Clearance
Many employers require a medical clearance letter before allowing an employee to return after a medical leave, illness, or injury. We provide professional clearance documentation after a telehealth evaluation — no waiting room required.
What it is
A return-to-work (RTW) clearance letter is a document from a licensed healthcare provider confirming that a patient is medically fit to resume their job duties, either fully or with specified modifications. Employers commonly require this documentation after an employee has been on medical leave, FMLA leave, short-term disability, or has been absent due to a significant illness or injury. The letter may indicate full clearance, clearance with restrictions, or a phased return schedule.
Why you may need it
Without a return-to-work clearance letter, many employers will not allow an employee back on the job — particularly in safety-sensitive roles, healthcare, food service, or physically demanding work. Attempting to return without clearance can put both the employee and employer at legal and safety risk. Our clinicians can evaluate your current condition and provide the documentation your employer needs to process your return.
Conditions we commonly evaluate
- Return after FMLA leave
- Return after short-term disability
- Recovery from surgery
- Recovery from serious illness
- Return after mental health leave
- Return after cardiac event
- Return after orthopedic injury
- Return after COVID-19 or infectious illness
- Return after cancer treatment
- Return after pregnancy leave
- Return after workplace injury
- Return after neurological event (stroke, TBI)
Fast, accurate documentation — 100% telehealth
Our licensed clinicians conduct a telehealth evaluation to assess your current health status and functional capacity. Based on that evaluation, we provide a return-to-work clearance letter that specifies whether you are cleared for full duty, light duty, or a modified schedule — along with any ongoing restrictions your employer should be aware of. Documentation is delivered digitally for immediate submission.
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Documentation delivered digitally, ready to submit.
Full duty vs. modified duty clearance
Return-to-work clearance can take several forms. Full duty clearance means you are medically fit to resume all of your normal job responsibilities. Modified or light duty clearance means you can return to work but with specific restrictions (e.g., no lifting over 15 lbs, limited hours, no standing for extended periods). A phased return may also be recommended for gradual reintegration. Our clinicians will document whichever is appropriate for your situation.
FMLA and RTW documentation
Under the FMLA, employers may require a fitness-for-duty certification before allowing an employee to return from FMLA leave taken for the employee's own serious health condition. This certification must be provided by the employee's healthcare provider and confirm that the employee is able to resume work. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor, dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla)
Information on this page references the U.S. Department of Labor FMLA regulations (29 CFR Part 825) and EEOC guidance. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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