At the last practice I worked, which was hospital owned, we had 2 receptionists, 1 Receptionist/Biller, 2 MA's, 3 Docs, a lab tech, and 1 RN.
All employee appointments had to be approved/submitted 3 weeks in advance, unless there was an emergency and they were unable to get to the office or were in an Urgent Care or ER.
Call outs had to be covered by PTO and everyone else had to pick up the slack. If someone was truly sick - or for parental duties - and would be out for more than 2 days, they needed a doctors note. No note, gets a write up. 3 write ups, regardless of the reason = termination
Inclement weather - Snow storm/Hurricane, etc: Essential personnel only - Dr's/RN's only reporting to the office - non-essential (secretaries/receptionists/lab) staff had to use PTO with no penalty/write-up. If they wanted to take their lives in their hands and brave the other bad New England drivers to come in, they were welcome to attempt the travel, but wouldn't be penalized if they couldn't make it.
State of Emergency: Everyone stays home - office is closed - had to use PTO, unless you are an ER physician or RN, they had to report to work.
Coming to work sick: That showed dedication and it would be up to the practice manager to send you home and for everyone else to see that you weren't faking. If you were sent home early, they paid you for the hours worked and you could use PTO to cover the rest of the day.
I guess if it's truly a SICK DAY, then that's one thing, but if it's a I DON'T FEEL LIKE GOING TO WORK DAY, that's entirely another. Try utilizing a write-up policy. If they can't produce a Doctors note, then maybe they should've come to work in the first place.
It's too bad your other employees are struggling to adjust - at least they have jobs and a few other employees to help and don't have to close the office if the receptionist is sick...that's what happens here where I am now, as this is a solo practice with only one employee. I would love to have someone that I could lean on and that could lean on me when necessary. If I'm out sick, he's not making any money. There is no one else to pick up the slack.
