How to check a doctor's registration in South Africa — and why that alone doesn't verify a sick note
By PRACPROOF (PTY) LTD · July 2026
When a sick note or prescription looks doubtful, the standard advice is: check the doctor. That is good advice — but it is only half the story. Here is how each official check works, what it proves, and the gap none of them cover.
Step 1 — Look up the practitioner on the HPCSA register
Every doctor practising in South Africa must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The council's online register lets anyone search by name or registration number, free. Confirm three things: the practitioner exists, the registration is current, and the category matches — a certificate signed as "Dr" should trace to a registered medical practitioner, not a different profession.
Step 2 — Check the practice number
The practice number on a document is separate from the HPCSA number: it identifies the practice for medical-scheme billing and is administered through the PCNS (Practice Code Numbering System). The PCNS portal confirms whether a practice number is registered and to whom. A mismatch between the practice number and the letterhead is a classic sign of a forged certificate.
Step 3 — Phone the practice
The traditional final step: call the practice on a number you look up yourself (not the one printed on the document — a forger controls that) and ask whether the certificate was issued. This works, but it is slow, depends on office hours, and practices are limited in what they may disclose about a consultation.
Keep identity checks and document checks separate
A register lookup concerns the person or the practice. It does not establish that the named practitioner issued the particular certificate. A forged note can copy a real practitioner's details. Checking the issuing practice and comparing document details therefore remain separate steps.
Documents issued with PracProof carry a signed summary in their QR code. The free checker validates that summary and displays the patient name, prescriber details, dates and document summary. Compare those fields with the paper or PDF. Editing the paper alone can leave the QR signature valid, and a valid QR does not independently authenticate the practitioner's identity or current registration.
The practical employer checklist
1. If there is a PracProof QR, check its signed summary and compare the displayed fields with the document.
2. Check the HPCSA registration and category independently; a QR does not replace this.
3. Check the practice number through PCNS.
4. Compare the letterhead, practice number and signature against any previous certificates from the same practice.
5. Still doubtful? Phone the practice on an independently sourced number.
Frequently asked
How do I check if a doctor is registered in South Africa?
Search the HPCSA’s online register (iRegister) on hpcsa.co.za using the practitioner’s name or registration number. Registration confirms the person may practise — check that the registration category matches what they claim to be (e.g. medical practitioner).
What is a practice number and how is it different from an HPCSA number?
The HPCSA number registers the PERSON as a health professional. The practice (PCNS/BHF) number registers the PRACTICE for billing medical schemes. A sick note typically shows both. They are looked up in different places: HPCSA’s register for the person, the PCNS portal for the practice number.
If the doctor is registered, does that mean the sick note is genuine?
No. Registration checks do not establish whether this particular certificate was issued by that practitioner or later changed. A PracProof QR check validates its signed summary, which you must compare with the document. The QR does not independently prove practitioner identity; contact the practice through an independently sourced channel where needed.
General information for South African workplaces and practices — not legal advice. For a specific dispute, consult a labour-law practitioner. © PRACPROOF (PTY) LTD.