Booking Appointments - Medical English

Example Sentences

Patient

  • I need to make an appointment.
  • I need to see the doctor.
  • When is the doctor free?
  • I need to renew my prescription.
  • Do you think the doctor could squeeze us in today?
  • I need to make an appointment for my husband.
  • My child needs to come in for a check-up.
  • The doctor wants to see me again in two week's time.

Receptionist

  • What is your chart number?
  • What is the appointment regarding?
  • Which day/what time is good for you?
  • Is January the 3rd okay with you?
  • How does four o'clock sound?
  • We'll see you then.
  • I'm sorry the doctor is not taking new patients.
  • We'll call you if there are any cancellations.
  • We're running an hour behind schedule.
  • Dr Jones is away. You'll be seeing Dr Lindsay.

Sample Conversation

Read the sample conversation and then test your understanding with the exercise below.

Receptionist: Doctor's office. Jane speaking. How can I help you?

Caller: I need to make an appointment with Dr. Harris.

Receptionist: Do you know your chart number?

Caller: No, sorry. It's at home and I'm at work right now.

Receptionist: No problem. What's your name, please?

Caller: George Mason.

Receptionist: Okay Mr Mason. Hold one moment while I grab your chart, please.

Caller: Sure.

Receptionist: Thanks for waiting. Now, what do you need to see the doctor about?

Caller: Well, I've been fighting a cold for more than a week, and I think I might have a chest infection or something. My cough is getting worse each day.

Receptionist: Hmm. Doctor Harris is off tomorrow. Do you think it can wait until Wednesday?

Caller: Oh, I was really hoping to get in today or tomorrow in case I need some antibiotics. Maybe I'll have to go to the walk-in-clinic instead.

Receptionist: Actually, we had a cancellation for 2:00pm today if you can get away from the office.

Caller: Gee, it's almost 1:00pm already. I think I can make it if I leave right now.

Receptionist: We're running a bit behind schedule, so you can probably count on seeing the doctor around 2:30.

Caller: That's great. Thanks for fitting me in.

Receptionist: No problem, Mr. Mason. We'll see you in an hour or so.

Check your understanding

Test your understanding of the conversation above with this quick quiz.

1. Why does the caller phone the doctor's office?

he's running late for his appointment
he's hoping Dr Harris can fit him in
he can't remember his chart number
a) he's running late for his appointment b) he's hoping Dr Harris can fit him in c) he can't remember his chart number

2. Which is true about George Mason?

he has a bad cold
he's running a fever
his cough is better
a) he has a bad cold b) he's running a fever c) his cough is better

3. When will the doctor see Mr Mason?

before 2pm
around two-thirty
the next day
a) before 2pm b) around two-thirty c) the next day

Your score is:

Correct answers: