A special type of L4. You can leave the house without any limits

In the case of sick leave, it is often recommended to stay home and rest in bed. However, if L4 is issued to you by a doctor of this specialization, the recommendations are often completely different.

Mental health problems such as job loss, debt, depression or the death of a loved one can negatively impact our well-being. In such a situation, the problem should not be underestimated. An appropriate response is then necessary, i.e. consultation with a psychiatrist who will not only diagnose the problem, but also select appropriate treatment.

A psychiatrist, as a specialist, is authorized to issue sick leaves (L4), which allow for a break from work in order to regain mental health. Whether you will have to stay at home during your leave depends on your doctor’s recommendations and the code entered on L4.

L4 from a psychiatrist – do I have to stay at home?

Psychiatrists often even recommend that patients go for walks, exercise outdoors or meet their loved ones. Such activities can support the healing process and improve the patient’s well-being. Sick leave has special digital codes that determine whether the patient should stay at home or go out.

What do the codes on L4 mean?

Each L4 has a digital code that informs about recommendations regarding the patient’s whereabouts:

Code 1 – The patient should stay at home. He may be subject to ZUS control, which will check whether he follows the doctor’s recommendations.
Code 2 – The sick person can leave home. In such a case, the patient is not obliged to stay at his place of residence, but ZUS also has the right to carry out an inspection.

A person who receives a code “2” has more freedom, but should still follow the doctor’s recommendations, which may include going for walks or meeting with loved ones.

How long can L4 last from a psychiatrist?

A sick leave issued by a psychiatrist may last a maximum of 182 days, i.e. half a year. This is a standard period that also applies to sick leave from other doctors. If after this time the patient is still unable to work, he or she may apply for rehabilitation benefits. This benefit may be granted for a period of 3 months to a year, depending on the patient’s health condition.